What could be more special than a superstar reviving an old talent, and putting it out there in full view? Actor Park Bo-gum is in the process of amazing fans once again with his latest project — a brand-new tvN variety show; he is taking on the role of a rural barber.
The show is inspired by memories of Park Bo-gum’s military days, when he received a professional license as a barber, and will highlight a really warm and loving aspect of the actor as he engages and spends time at the village barber with elderly villagers.
So, let’s learn about this new venture and what makes this show so special.
Park Bo-gum’s Profile and Military Barber Story
Park Bo-gum is known as one of Korea’s most diverse stars, successfully transitioning between actor, host and variety star. Over the years, he has appeared in dramas and films but is well-known for hosting programs such as KBS2′s Music Bank, tvN’s Youth Over Flowers (2016), and JTBC’s My Name Is Gabriel (2024). His “hosting” skills were highlighted when Park was the only MC for KBS2’s The Seasons: Park Bo-gum’s Cantabile.
While serving in the military in 2020, Park became even more diversified in an unforeseen way. He served with the Navy’s Military Band and Honor Guard Battalion and received a national technical license as a barber and cut hair for other soldiers. Ahn Tae-gyu from Dragon Pony spoke about when Park cut his hair as a new recruit, and it has become a well-known story amongst fans.
Park Bo-gum Rural Barber Journey & Show
The new tvN show will break a traditional entertainment format to have Park at a barbershop in a rural setting with senior citizens. The show will emphasize not only Park cutting hair but the human stories and emotional exchanges that unfold.
There is further interest here since Park already has a barber’s license and is allegedly preparing to obtain more beauty-related licenses, which demonstrates a commitment to deepening his skills. This combination of education with a naturally warm disposition is expected to bring a unique tone to the program.
The intent of the show is to provide more than services; it is to demonstrate meaningful touch points between generations that provide comfort and reflections from the everyday.
Why This Project Matters to Fans
This program features Park Bo-gum, who shares his military experience to enhance the authenticity of the series. Rather than a pseudo or staged concept, it taps into his real life, and that’s why it’s so significant.
For the viewer, you will get to see Park Bo-gum differently as a reality host rather than acting like a scripted character. With a rural setting and organic conversations with cast, viewers will get to see the essence of his personality unfiltered, which is different than what viewers generally see from his scripted roles.
This difference between performing scripted roles in dramas or performing in unscripted reality is a much anticipated aspect for fans wanting to see a personal side of the actor.
Park Bo-gum tvN Variety Show Plans (The Barber tvN)
Currently, the program remains in pre-production. The working title is being referred to as The Barber or Barber but has yet to be officially announced by tvN. The number of episodes, show format, and air date have not yet been confirmed. Nonetheless, it is expected to air in 2026.
In the meantime, Park is on an equally hectic year. In 2025, he starred in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines, JTBC’s Good Boy, and KBS2’s The Seasons: Park Bo-gum’s Cantabile. In addition to Acting and hosting, he has also completed an Asia fan meeting tour and is planning tours to South America, along with one last domestic encore concert in Seoul on October 11, 2025.
Challenges for Park Bo-gum Barber Show
Shooting in the rural setting may create logistical and production issues including technical limitations, along with bringing in local content participants.
Another potential consideration is audience perception. Park, as an actor, has been known for a certain class of performance, and as a viewer I can see them comparing that perception with his (real) presence in an unscripted format.
Equally, will Park be open, but safeguarded? The nature of this program evokes a need for authenticity, but also to protect Park’s boundaries is worth keeping in mind, thus providing elements of reflection for this study.
Park Bo-gum 2026 Projects Preview
While the production team has not yet released detailed information, there is speculation that each episode will develop an elderly villager’s personal story, blending barbering with personal conversations.
With Park reportedly pursuing further qualifications in beauty, there is also the potential to phase out haircuts to include services like grooming or simple skin care, increasing the show’s potential.
Industry observers speculate that local resident guests or celebrity acquaintances could find their way into the series to provide some depth to the format and expand its audience appeal.
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Park Bo-gum New Variety Show – Conclusion
The new variety show featuring Park Bo-gum shows a transition towards a more sincere and relatable chapter in his career. While he has been a charming star, he intertwines his licensed barber experience, with his public image as a personable being into this new program. The show looks to be more than mere entertainment and will provide moments of connection by displaying another side of Park Bo-gum.
For many fans, this series is a valuable opportunity to see more of Park Bo-gum’s authentic personality and genuine skills, and will offer both authenticity with charm.
What are your impressions about Park Bo-gum’s new venture? Comment below your predictions and varying guesses on how the show will go!
