Drama&Movie

Park Bo-gum Returns With a Punch in ‘Good Boy’: A New Kind of Hero

Park Bo gum shows intense character transformation in JTBC drama Good Boy poster

Korean heartthrob Park Bo-gum is making a powerful return to television, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. Set to premiere on May 31, the highly anticipated JTBC weekend drama ‘Good Boy’ teases an intense new look and side of the actor, igniting excitement among fans and drama enthusiasts alike.

‘Good Boy’ tells the story of a group of Olympic medalists who join the police force through a special recruitment initiative. In a world plagued by corruption and injustice, these unorthodox officers take matters into their own hands, combining action, comedy, and social commentary in what is being dubbed a “youth crime investigation drama.”

The series is helmed by director Sim Na-yeon, known for critically acclaimed works like ‘Monster’ (winner of Best Drama at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards) and ‘Bad Mom’. The script is penned by Lee Dae-il, the talent behind hits such as ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Aide’.

At the center of it all is Park Bo-gum, taking on the role of Yoon Dong-ju, a former national boxing champion turned police officer. With a persona that’s a far cry from his past roles in ‘Love in the Moonlight’, ‘Encounter’, and ‘Record of Youth’, Park underwent rigorous physical training, including over six months of weight training and boxing practice, to fully embody the character. His transformation is evident in the teaser poster, which features a battered yet fierce-faced Park with a bloodied countenance, bandaged fists, and steely eyes exuding sheer determination.

The actor shared that he approached the role with the belief that ‘Yoon Dong-ju’ is a person who protects others with a pure sense of justice, standing in stark contrast to the immoral characters he confronts. This mindset, combined with his physical dedication, results in a compelling and deeply immersive performance.

The production team emphasized that ‘Good Boy’ is more than just an action drama. “It’s about young people standing at the crossroads of an unjust reality, choosing their own path to justice. Park Bo-gum has poured himself into this role, even gaining weight to fully become Yoon Dong-ju,” they stated. “Audiences will witness a never-before-seen side of the actor, brimming with youthful intensity and righteous fire.”

‘Good Boy’ will air every Saturday and Sunday at 10:40 PM (KST) on JTBC, beginning May 31. As one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2025, it promises both visual thrill and emotional depth from one of Korea’s most beloved stars.