The Village Barber

The Village Barber
Promotional poster
Hangul
보검매직컬
Lit.Bogum Magical
RRBogeommaejikkeol
MRPogŏmmaejikk'ŏl
Genre
Directed bySon Soo-jung
Starring
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes5
Production
Production companies
Original release
NetworktvN
ReleaseJanuary 30, 2026 (2026-01-30) –
present

The Village Barber (Korean: 보검매직컬) is an ongoing South Korean reality television show starring Park Bo-gum working as a barber in the countryside together with Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon. It premiered on tvN on January 30, 2026, and airs every Friday at 20:40 (KST). It is also available for streaming on HBO Max and Viki globally.

The series received positive reviews from critics and audiences with praise for the overall production and the cast's sincerity and chemistry.

Premise

Actor Park Bo-gum, who has a license in barbering, opens a barbershop in a remote village in South Korea together with fellow actors and real-life friends Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon, creating bonds and memories with the villagers

Cast

Main

Guests

Production

Development

The program was developed around Park Bo-gum's National Technical Qualifications Certification as a barber which he earned during his mandatory military service in 2022.[7] Wanting to use his skill to volunteer for the elderly, he began planning the show with the production team nearly a year in advance.[6] On September 16, 2025, YTN broke the news that tvN is producing an entertainment program starring Park.[8] The network officially confirmed the news the same day.[9] The show involves Park working as a licensed barber in the countryside. In addition to his barber's license, he trained for a hairdresser's license to cater to female clients.[10][11] Park had been involved in the location-scouting, remodeling, and interior design of the barbershop.[12] It is the first show produced by Monstera Haus.[13]

Casting

In October 2025, actor Lee Sang-yi, who co-starred with Park in the action-comedy Good Boy (2025), joined the cast.[14][15] Lee earned a certification as nail technician for the show.[10] The following month, in November 2025, Park's Love in the Moonlight (2016) and Young Actors' Retreat (2022) co-star Kwak Dong-yeon was also confirmed as cast member.[16][17]

Filming

Bogum Magical (Korean: 보검매직컬; RR: Bogeommaejikkeol) is the name of the barbershop Park runs and where majority of the filming takes place.[10] It is located in a village in Muju County, North Jeolla Province, and is also the show's Korean title.[18] Coined by Park as he wants the customers to have a magical time in the place, it is a play on the words "magic" and "curl" in Korean.[19]

Release

A production press conference was held on January 29, 2026, a day before the show's premiere. It was attended by Park, Lee, Kwak and director-producer Son Soo-jung.[20] The Village Barber airs on tvN every Friday at 20:40 (KST), starting January 30, 2026.[21][22] It is also available for streaming on TVING and Wavve in South Korea,[23][24] as well as HBO Max and Viki internationally.[25][26]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byOriginal release date
1"Episode 1"Son Soo-jungJanuary 30, 2026 (2026-01-30)
2"Episode 2"Son Soo-jungFebruary 6, 2026 (2026-02-06)
3"Episode 3"Son Soo-jungFebruary 13, 2026 (2026-02-13)
4"Episode 4"Son Soo-jungFebruary 20, 2026 (2026-02-20)
5"Episode 5"Son Soo-jungFebruary 27, 2026 (2026-02-27)
6"Episode 6"Son Soo-jungMarch 6, 2026 (2026-03-06)
7"Episode 7"Son Soo-jungMarch 13, 2026 (2026-03-13)
8"Episode 8"Son Soo-jungMarch 20, 2026 (2026-03-20)
9"Episode 9"Son Soo-jungMarch 27, 2026 (2026-03-27)
10"Episode 10"Son Soo-jungApril 3, 2026 (2026-04-03)

Reception

Critical response

The trio of Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon received praise for their chemistry and camaraderie

The Village Barber received positive reviews from critics. The Chosun Ilbo stated that since its premiere episode, the show has garnered praise from critics and viewers alike for its endless charm.[27] Writer Woo Da-bin of Hankook Ilbo praised the show stating that the "production team's meticulous attention to detail is essential" to its enjoyability "including the narrative of the rural setting, the relationships with the villagers, and the barbershop anecdotes". Woo added that the show captures Park Bo-gum's "intense effort and struggles" and "redefines him not just as polite, but as tenacious and dedicated".[28] Writer Yoo Su-yeon of OSEN gave the show a positive review praising Park, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon for doing a good job of providing viewers with diverse entertainment. She added that the show's success is based on the cast's chemistry and "the warm hearts revealed from the project's conception and the sincere preparation".[29] Choi Jae-hyuk, reviewing for CBC News, wrote that Park's "meticulous effort and preparedness have earned him [audience's] admiration".[30]

Impact

Entertainment writer Lee Moon-won expressed that through The Village Barber, cable network "TvN once again ascends to the throne of the fiercely competitive Friday evening entertainment market".[31] Popular culture critic and Chungwoon University professor Kim Heon-sik opined that the show should usher in a new era to local entertainment where public interest and social value are combined. He added that the show can inspire policy ideas for public barbering and beauty care systems especially for seniors living rural areas.[32] Upon the show's airing, the barbershop — which remained open — became a popular stopover destination for tourists visiting nearby Deogyusan Mountain and Muju Resort.[33]

Viewership

The Village Barber : South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910
1722801763897957911TBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[34]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[34]
Nationwide Seoul
1 January 30, 2026 2.815% (1st) 3.023% (1st)
2 February 6, 2026 3.054% (1st) 3.345% (1st)
3 February 13, 2026 2.615% (1st) 2.662% (1st)
4 February 20, 2026 3.385% (1st) 3.505% (1st)
5 February 27, 2026 3.755% (1st) 4.032% (1st)
6 March 6, 2026 3.611% (1st) 3.739% (1st)
7 March 13, 2026
8 March 20, 2026
9 March 27, 2026
10 April 3, 2026
Average — —
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • This drama airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a smaller audience share than free-to-air public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).

References

  1. ^ "박보검, 여성 헤어커트까지…"힘들었던 기술은"(보검매직컬)". iMBC 연예 (in Korean). January 29, 2026. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  2. ^ Kim, Su-jin (February 9, 2026). "늘 상상 이상인 이상이, 호감형 올라운더 [보검 매직컬]". 스타뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  3. ^ "곽동연, 붕어빵 장사 얼마나 잘됐으면…"영하 4도에도"·"분점 노려도" 깜짝 (보검 매직컬)". 엑스포츠뉴스 (in Korean). January 29, 2026. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  4. ^ a b "'폭싹' 박해준X최대훈, 알바즈로 깜짝 등장...박보검 "너무 놀랐다" 감격 ('보검매직컬')". TV리포트 (in Korean). February 20, 2026. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  5. ^ "[6화 예고] 일 복 제대로 터진 월드스타 등장☔️ 비 오빠 대신 비 알바라 불러주세요✨". Naver TV (in Korean). Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  6. ^ a b "박보검, '새싹 이발사'로 변신…첫 손님과의 떨리는 만남". MBN Star (in Korean). January 31, 2026. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  7. ^ "박보검, '이발병' 재능 살리나…tvN 측 "새 예능 기획 중" [공식]" [Park Bo-gum's talents will shine as a barber... tvN: "New variety show is in development" [Official]]. 스타투데이 (in Korean). September 16, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  8. ^ "연기 말고, 박보검의 재능을 살린 예능이 나온다" [Aside from acting, a variety show that showcases Park Bo-gum's talents is coming out.]. ELLE (in Korean). Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  9. ^ 김양수 (September 16, 2025). "박보검, 시골 이발사되나⋯tvN "신규예능 기획중"". 아이뉴스24 (in Korean). Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c "박보검, '보검 매직컬' 이름 직접 지었다 "매지컬 같은 시간 선물하고파"" [Park Bo-gum personally named his new salon "Bogum Magical," saying, "I want to give you a magical moment."]. iMBC 연예 (in Korean). January 16, 2026. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
  11. ^ 김진수 (November 19, 2025). "박보검, 외딴 시골에 헤어숍 연다…"1년간 준비" ('보검 매직컬')" [Park Bo-gum Opens Hair Salon in a Remote Countryside… "A Year of Preparation"]. TV리포트 (in Korean). Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  12. ^ "Park Bo-gum opens heartwarming barber shop show". The Times of India. November 20, 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  13. ^ "[단독] '마리텔' 박진경·이재석 PD, 제작사 설립…'보검 매직컬' 첫선". 뉴스1 (in Korean). January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  14. ^ "박보검X이상이 '굿보이' 케미 한번 더‥tvN 새 예능 출연 "세부내용 미정"[공식입장]" [[Official Statement] Park Bo-gum and Lee Sang-yi to Show Their 'Good Boy' Chemistry Once Again... Appearance on New tvN Variety Show: "Details To Be Decided"]. Newsen (in Korean). October 24, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  15. ^ "'이발병 출신' 박보검, 1년간 준비한 헤어샵 '보검 매직컬' 연다" [Park Bo-gum, a licensed barber, opens "The Village Barber," a hair salon he's been preparing for for a year.]. Herald Muse (in Korean). November 19, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  16. ^ "박보검·이상이·곽동연, 시골서 헤어숍 연다…'보검 매직컬' 내년 상반기 …" [Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon to Open a Hair Salon in the Countryside… "The Village Barber" to Launch in the First Half of Next Year [Official]]. 스포츠조선 (in Korean). November 19, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  17. ^ "Park Bo-gum to Open Hair Salon with Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon... tvN's 'The Village Barber' to Launch in 2026 [Official] - MK". 매일경제. November 19, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  18. ^ "박보검, 무주 산골서 '새싹 이발사' 데뷔… 1년 준비 끝에 '보검매직컬' 영업 개시" [Park Bo-gum opens a surprise barbershop… After a year of intense practice]. JTBC News. January 31, 2026.
  19. ^ Jo, Yeon-kyung (January 18, 2026). "국가 자격증까지…진심 다한 '보검 매직컬' 심상찮은 대박 기운". JTBC News. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  20. ^ "박보검, 여성 헤어커트까지…"힘들었던 기술은"(보검매직컬)" [Park Bo-gum, even cuts women's hair: "It was a difficult technique" (The Village Barber)]. iMBC 연예 (in Korean). January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  21. ^ "박보검, '찐친' 이상이·곽동연과 헤어숍 오픈…'보검매직컬' 내년 방송" [Park Bo-gum opens hair salon with close friends Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon; "The Village Barberl" to air next year.]. 뉴스1 (in Korean). November 19, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  22. ^ "박보검, '보검 매직컬' 첫 출근…이용사 자격증 실력 공개" [Park Bo-gum's first day at "Bogum Magical" reveals his skills as a licensed employee.]. 스포츠동아 (in Korean). January 2, 2026. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  23. ^ "'남의연애4'부터 '마니또 클럽'까지…웨이브, 2월도 꽉 채운다". 엑스포츠뉴스 (in Korean). January 30, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  24. ^ Choi, Shin-ae (January 31, 2026). "요즘 뜨는 드라마·예능, 웨이브에 다 모였다..'아마데우스'까지 가져와". www.spotvnews.co.kr. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  25. ^ The Village Barber. Retrieved January 28, 2026 – via Viki.
  26. ^ "K-star Park Bo-gum and friends make the cut in reality series The Village Barber". The Straits Times. February 12, 2026. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
  27. ^ "'보검 매직컬' 1회 호평 속 동시간대 1위…무해한 이발소 영업기". 스포츠동아 (in Korean). February 6, 2026. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
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  29. ^ Yoo, Su-yeon. "박보검, 제대로 일 냈다..'보검 매직컬', 첫방 시청률 1위 "최고 4.4%"". OSEN. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  30. ^ Choi, Jae-hyuk (January 31, 2026). "박보검, 철저한 노력과 준비성으로 감탄 유발…'보검매직컬' 영업 개시 완료". CBC News. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  31. ^ Lee, Moon-won (February 22, 2026). "[이문원의 쇼비즈워치] '보검 매직컬', 그 어려운 '힐링'도 해냅니다". Sports World. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  32. ^ Kim, Heon-sik (February 12, 2026). "[김헌식의 컬처 픽] 로컬 매개 예능의 신기원 '보검 매직컬'". Good Morning Chungcheong. Retrieved February 14, 2026.
  33. ^ ""보검이가 복덩이야"…'보검매직컬' 촬영지 무주 시골마을 '들썩'". 뉴스1 (in Korean). February 22, 2026. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  34. ^ a b Nielsen Korea ratings:
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