Park Bo Gum is stepping away from the spotlight and into a barber’s chair. The actor will star in a new reality show titled “The Village Barber,” where he opens a real hair salon in a quiet countryside village in South Korea.
More recently, tvN released the poster for his new variety show along with the release date. Today, his new historical film, Sword: The Legend of the Red Wolf, with an ensemble cast was also confirmed.
The show follows Park Bo Gum as he steps away from fame and embraces everyday life as a professional barber.
This is not a fictional role as the 32-year-old actor appears as his real self, using real skills, real tools, and genuine care for the people he meets.
‘The Village Barber’ Release Date and Concept
The Village Barber (aka Bogum’s Magic Curls), directed by Son Soo Jung, airs on tvN on January 30, 2026, and will air every Friday at 8:40 p.m. KST.
It follows Park Bo Gum and two close friends as they run a hair salon in a remote village. The salon is set inside a renovated old house that had been abandoned for years.
The space is transformed into a cozy and welcoming shop where villagers and travelers can stop by. Park personally cuts hair, styles customers, and manages daily salon work. Plus, his focus is on listening to people and helping them feel comfortable, not just changing their appearance.
Park Bo Gum’s Real Barber Skills
This is not a celebrity pretending to cut hair. For those unversed, Park Bo Gum is a licensed barber. The “When Life Gives You Tangerines” actor earned a National Barber’s License during his military service in 2022 while serving as a naval sergeant. On the show, he works as the main barber, using real techniques and professional skills.
The program also shows busy days with many customers as well as slow days where the cast wait for customers. It shows what it truly means to run a small business in the countryside.
Park Bo Gum Is Joined by Friends
Park Bo Gum is joined by two longtime friends. Lee Sang Yi appears as the shop’s customer service manager, while Kwak Dong-yeon takes charge of cooking for the team. All three actors share long-standing friendships in real life.
The trio worked on the project for over a year. They were involved in everything, including choosing the village, designing the salon, and planning how the shop would operate.
The Village Barber is described as a healing reality program. Instead of loud games or competitions, it focuses on kindness, patience, and connection. Viewers will see heartfelt conversations, quiet moments, and the simple joy of meeting new people.
