Set for the first half of 2026, tvN’s new variety show, ‘Bogum Magical,’ is already garnering significant public interest. Beyond a simple reality show, the concept showcases an unparalleled authenticity: actor Park Bo-gum, who holds a ‘National Barber Certification,’ joins his two ‘genuine best friend’ actors, Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon, to operate a hair salon in an isolated rural village.
This program distinguishes itself from the existing format of celebrities merely running a store in the countryside. The fact that the actors personally invested a long period of one year—from selecting the location to interior design—suggests their challenge is not a one-off event but holds profound meaning. The combination of Park Bo-gum’s practical ‘skill,’ acquired during his military service, Lee Sang-yi’s sociability, and Kwak Dong-yeon’s ‘all-around homemaker’ abilities promises a warm, healing content that will ‘tend to both the hair and the hearts’ of the villagers. This article will deeply analyze the message ‘Bogum Magical’ delivers to the Korean entertainment market and the success formula created by the synergy of the three actors.
Park Bo-gum: From Pure Stardom to an Expert with ‘Genuine Skill’
Actor Park Bo-gum has previously garnered public favor not only for the ‘perfect’ image shown through his works but also for acquiring the National Barber Certification during his military service. To put it simply, appearing on a variety show with a ‘professional skill’ certified by the state—not just a hobby—instills confidence in the viewers.
For instance, Park Bo-gum’s story of ‘dreaming of becoming a designer while cutting the hair of his military colleagues’ is a powerful narrative supporting the program’s sincerity. This is not just a ‘star’s volunteer activity’ but the process of realizing his own dream. Even the awkward moments or difficulties that arise during this process will be points of empathy and fun for the viewers. His ongoing effort—‘continuing to practice despite his high skill level’—shows how genuinely he approaches this program. The act of tending to the villagers’ hair is expected to go beyond mere technique, becoming a medium for sharing hearts, thus maximizing Park Bo-gum’s positive influence.
Lee Sang-yi: The Sensitive Communication Expert Turning the Hair Salon into a Local ‘Community Hub’
In the success of ‘Bogum Magical,’ ‘communication’ is as crucial as Park Bo-gum’s technical skill. Actor Lee Sang-yi takes charge of this axis of communication. He is already a verified ‘relationship expert,’ recognized not only for his acclaimed acting skills but also for the relentless energy and delicate observational skills shown in various variety programs.
Have you ever had this experience? Visiting a hair salon where the stylist’s skill is good, but the conversation is awkward. Lee Sang-yi is the core figure who will resolve this awkwardness and transform the hair salon into a ‘community hub’ that villagers feel comfortable visiting. The process of warmly communicating with the villagers, listening to their stories, and empathizing with their lives will offer deep vicarious satisfaction and warm emotional resonance to the viewers. This will be the magic that transforms the physical space of a haircut into a ‘psychological space’ for sharing affection and gaining vitality. His approachable charm is guaranteed to act as the lubricant for boosting viewership ratings.
Kwak Dong-yeon: The ‘All-Rounder’ Pro-Worker Handling Practical Difficulties
If Park Bo-gum and Lee Sang-yi cover ‘skill’ and ‘communication,’ respectively, actor Kwak Dong-yeon is responsible for the most practical aspects of hair salon operation: ‘housekeeping’ and ‘management.’ His experience living alone—handling everything from cooking to minor repairs—provides a ‘pro-worker’ quality that is the perfect contingency plan for unexpected situations that always occur in variety shows.
Simply put, operating a hair salon in a rural village means encountering various ‘difficulties’ beyond simple cosmetology work, such as electrical issues, plumbing problems, sudden customer service, and meal preparation. This is where Kwak Dong-yeon will shine. His skillful hands and problem-solving abilities increase both the program’s entertainment value and the realism of the reality format. In particular, the sight of the actor suddenly preparing a warm meal for the residents with proficient cooking skills or effortlessly fixing broken facilities will give viewers the impression, ‘That guy is really reliable,’ boosting their favorability. Just as the structure is solid and each paragraph has a clear point, Kwak Dong-yeon will be the steadfast, practical core of this program.
The Correlation Between ‘Sincerity’ Shown by a One-Year Preparation and Variety Show Success
The fact that the three individuals—Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon—have prepared for ‘Bogum Magical’ for a whole year signifies more than just a piece of news. Their personal involvement in the location selection, remodeling, and interior design shows the depth of their ‘sincerity’ and ‘affection’ for the program.
Focusing on ‘understanding’ and ‘convincing’ rather than just ‘tone’ of emotion, viewers are already fatigued by celebrities’ ‘forced settings’ or ‘excessive staging.’ However, the one-year preparation period clearly demonstrates that this program is a ‘real challenge’ stemming from the cast’s sincerity, not a ‘staged reality.’ Sincerity is the most powerful weapon that invariably resonates with the audience. Their collaboration, built on strong friendship, and the genuine sharing of hearts with the villagers satisfy the two core values demanded by the recent variety trend: ‘the aesthetics of slowness’ and ‘humanism.’ Their journey—where an initial connection from a drama project extends into a variety show, creating ‘magical laughter and warmth’ beyond mere work—will be the warmest formula for success in the 2026 variety market.
The Practical Guide ‘Bogum Magical’ Offers to Viewers
‘Bogum Magical’ will provide practical solace not only to the actors’ fans but also to all viewers seeking ‘healing’ and ‘authenticity’ in a harsh reality. Beyond a simple hair salon operation log, this program will help viewers rediscover the ‘neighborly affection’ and ‘the value of comforting the heart with skill’ that they may have forgotten, through the genuine relationship-building of the three actors. The conclusion must focus on ‘So what?’ This program delivers the following messages to us:
Rediscovery of Skill: Park Bo-gum, not as a celebrity but as a ‘barber’ directly contributing to the lives of others, inspires a new respect for skilled trades.
Restoration of Relationships: The cheerful and warm community hub atmosphere created by Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon offers hope for the restoration of relationships in our disconnected modern society.
Sincerity Prevails: As demonstrated by the one-year preparation, it provides a practical guide on how unembellished sincerity and effort can positively impact the public.
In the first half of ’26, ‘Bogum Magical’ will surely be a ‘magical variety show’ that changes the temperature of the heart, beyond just changing hairstyles. Through this special hair salon operation log, we will encounter warm memories and emotions that we may have temporarily forgotten.