Park Bo-gum's 'Magic Hair Salon' Opens with a Touch of Magic and Heart

Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon have officially opened a unique barbershop that promises to groom both the mind and the hair.

The first episode of tvN's 'Magic Hair Salon,' which aired on the 30th, showcased the trio's year-long preparation and the chaotic yet heartwarming scenes of their opening day, leaving viewers with a pleasant aftertaste.

The episode garnered an average nationwide household rating of 2.8%, peaking at 3.7%, and an average of 3% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 4.4%, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. It also ranked first among tvN's target demographic of 20-49-year-old men and women. (Based on Nielsen Korea's data for cable, IPTV, and satellite combined paid platforms)

During a meeting with the production team, Park Bo-gum expressed his desire to gift magical moments to people's lives. He hoped the barbershop, located in a neighborhood lacking such facilities, would become a place to share not only haircuts but also various joys.

The preparation process was intense. Despite his busy schedule, Park Bo-gum pursued a general hairdresser's national license to offer a wider range of services. Lee Sang-yi surprised everyone by voluntarily studying for a nail technician's national license. Meanwhile, the youngest, Kwak Dong-yeon, promised to provide winter snacks, seeking out a fish-shaped pastry master to add diverse attractions to the barbershop.

With everything set, the self-proclaimed 'Gumdongi' trio (Park Bo-gum, Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Sang-yi) couldn't hide their excitement as they faced the completed barbershop. They eagerly revealed the fruits of their labor: Lee Sang-yi presented his framed nail technician's license, and Kwak Dong-yeon unveiled homemade syrup for welcome tea, enhancing the opening atmosphere.

Amidst the celebratory mood, Park Bo-gum shared a bittersweet confession. He revealed his disappointment at failing the general hairdresser's national license exam, recounting the challenging moment when all eyes were on him during the practical test due to insufficient time. Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon couldn't help but laugh at his story. Kwak Dong-yeon comforted Park Bo-gum, saying, "You're still the head of the shop."

Unexpectedly, a neighborly visit added to the day's events. An elderly woman living next door casually entered the barbershop the day before its official opening. The trio, initially surprised, quickly adapted, offering her a gift and receiving kimchi in return, seamlessly integrating into the neighborhood.

As night fell, Park Bo-gum returned to the barbershop alone, practicing late into the night before the grand opening. On the opening day, the first customer requested gray hair dye and a cut for a family gathering. As the rookie barber Park Bo-gum began his work, all eyes were on him. A tense moment arose when he accidentally cut his finger, but he quietly managed the situation to avoid inconveniencing the customer, earning admiration from those watching.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr