
Park Bo Gum is making a much-anticipated return to television in a role that's unlike anything he's done before. In JTBC’s new weekend drama 'Good Boy,' premiering on May 31, he stars as Yoon Dong Joo, a former national boxing athlete who becomes a police officer through a special recruitment program for medal-winning athletes.
On April 29, JTBC revealed a teaser poster that immediately grabbed attention. In the image, Park Bo Gum appears bruised and bloodied, his fists wrapped in bandages, and his eyes filled with intensity. It’s a powerful first look at what promises to be a bold and physical performance from the actor.
'Good Boy' is a youth action-comedy that tells the story of elite athletes who trade their medals for police badges and fight back against a society filled with corruption and injustice. The series is directed by Shim Na Yeon, known for her work on 'The Good Bad Mother' and 'The Host,' and written by Lee Dae Il, who previously worked on 'Life on Mars' and 'Chief of Staff.' Together, they bring a strong track record of blending social commentary with gripping drama.
This new role showcases a completely different side of Park Bo Gum. He’s widely recognized for his emotionally rich performances in dramas like 'Love in the Moonlight,' 'Encounter,' and 'Record of Youth.' More recently, he gained attention again with his role in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' In 'Good Boy,' however, he takes on the role of a passionate and justice-driven police officer who refuses to stand by in the face of wrongdoing.
To prepare for the role, Park committed to over six months of physical training. Reports say he worked out daily, dedicating one hour to strength training and two hours to boxing. His dedication is clear in the teaser poster, which captures both the physical transformation and the fierce energy of his character.
In speaking about the role, Park Bo Gum explained that he approached Yoon Dong Joo as someone who doesn’t calculate or overthink but acts with instinct to protect those with sincere and kind hearts. His deep connection to the character is already evident in the teaser.
The production team also praised Park's performance, saying that 'Good Boy' is more than just an action drama. It tells the story of young people facing the harsh realities of life and finding their own ways to pursue justice. They noted that Park even gained weight for the role and put in an extraordinary amount of effort to bring authenticity to his performance. Viewers can expect to see a side of him they’ve never seen before.
'Good Boy' will premiere on Saturday, May 31 at 10:40 PM on JTBC. With its unique storyline, a talented creative team, and Park Bo Gum leading the cast, the drama is already one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
