Park Bo Gum takes on the role of a fierce former boxer turned police officer in the upcoming JTBC drama Good Boy, premiering May 31, 2025. The newly released main poster showcases his intense physical and emotional transformation, setting high expectations for an action-packed story.
About Park Bo Gum’s New Role
Good Boy is a 16-episode action-comedy drama that follows former Olympic medalists who become special police officers. These athletes, known as the “Olympics Avengers,” use their unique skills to fight crime. Park Bo Gum plays Yoon Dong Joo, a gold medal-winning boxer who becomes a cop after facing personal struggles. His journey is one of justice, driven by a strong moral compass.
The drama also stars Kim So Hyun as Ji Han Na, a shooting champion who joins the police force after a shocking incident. Other cast members include Oh Jung Se, Lee Sang Yi, Heo Sung Tae, and Tae Won Seok, each playing former athletes with distinct skills. Directed by Shim Na Yeon and written by Lee Dae Il, the series blends action, humor, and heart. It will air on JTBC every Saturday and Sunday at 10:40 p.m. KST and stream on Amazon Prime Video in over 240 countries.
A Gritty Transformation
The main poster for Good Boy, released on April 29, 2025, has fans buzzing. It shows Park Bo Gum as Yoon Dong Joo in a boxing ring, his face bloodied and eyes fierce. His bandaged fist is clenched, and his body radiates determination. The image captures a man who’s been through battles but refuses to give up.
To prepare for the role, Park Bo Gum trained for over six months. He spent an hour daily on strength exercises and two hours on boxing practice. He also followed a strict diet of protein and vegetables to build muscle, a challenge he found tough but rewarding.
“I lived each day like the active Dong Joo. Every episode has action scenes, so filming isn’t easy, but I see it as a new challenge,” Park Bo Gum said in an interview with Elle Korea.
He aimed to make his character look and feel like a real Olympic boxer. His hard work paid off, as the poster shows a muscular, tanned physique that fits the role perfectly.
The Story and Characters
Yoon Dong Joo grew up fighting in school, earning him a name that contrasts with the noble poet he’s named after. Boxing gave him discipline, leading to an Olympic gold medal. But an unfair expulsion from his team crushed his dreams. As a police officer, he finds new purpose, using his fists to fight injustice.
Kim So Hyun plays Ji Han Na, a shooting gold medalist known as the “shooting goddess” for her skill and beauty. A tragic event forces her to leave the sport, and she becomes a cop. Her story adds emotional depth to the drama.
Lee Sang Yi is Kim Jong Hyun, a former fencing champion now working as a skilled cop. Heo Sung Tae plays Go Man Sik, a wrestler with many medals, while Tae Won Seok is Shin Jae Hong, a discus thrower. Oh Jung Se portrays Min Joo Young, a government worker with a hidden agenda, adding mystery to the plot.
The production team calls Good Boy a story of young people seeking justice in a tough world. They praised Park Bo Gum for gaining weight and transforming physically to embody Yoon Dong Joo’s passionate energy.
“This is more than an action drama. It’s about young people forging their own paths,” the team told Sports Kyunghyang.
Behind the Scenes
Good Boy was announced in February 2021 by Studio&NEW, with SLL and Drama House Studio handling production. The script reading took place on March 21, 2024, and filming began soon after. In August 2024, Park Bo Gum suffered a minor leg injury during an action scene in Busan but recovered quickly after treatment in Seoul.
The drama’s director, Shim Na Yeon, is known for hits like The Good Bad Mother and Beyond Evil. Writer Lee Dae Il has penned dramas like Life on Mars and Bring It On, Ghost. Their work promises a mix of thrilling action and deep storytelling.
Fan Reactions
Fans are thrilled about Park Bo Gum’s new role, especially after his success in When Life Gives You Tangerines, which topped Netflix charts in 2025. Social media is buzzing with excitement.
“I can’t wait to see Kim So Hyun and Park Bo Gum together! This drama sounds amazing!” wrote user Kaoro on AsianWiki.
“Park Bo Gum is perfect for this. His acting is always so real,” said Sudha Malhotra.
“The cast is stacked! I’m ready for action and comedy,” commented Jillibean.
Some fans noted the poster’s intense vibe, with one saying,
“That poster! Park Bo Gum looks like he’s ready to fight the world!”
Others hope the drama balances action with strong character moments, especially for Kim So Hyun.
Building Anticipation
Good Boy builds on Park Bo Gum’s impressive career. He rose to fame with Reply 1988 and Love in the Moonlight, earning nicknames like “Nation’s Boyfriend.” His role in When Life Gives You Tangerines sparked a viral “Gwan-sickness” trend, where fans compared loved ones to his character.
Kim So Hyun also brings star power, known for Love Alarm and River Where the Moon Rises. Her pairing with Park Bo Gum has fans eager for their chemistry. Promotions for Good Boy started in May 2024, with the poster release adding to the hype.
The drama’s timing aligns with Park Bo Gum’s busy 2025. After wrapping When Life Gives You Tangerines, he jumped into Good Boy, showing his dedication. Fans expect his performance to be explosive, with action scenes that highlight his training.
As of April 29, 2025, Good Boy is set to premiere on JTBC on May 31, 2025, with episodes airing every Saturday and Sunday. It will also stream on Amazon Prime Video, making it accessible globally. The main poster has sparked excitement, and fans are eagerly awaiting teasers and trailers. Park Bo Gum continues to share updates via social media, keeping the buzz alive.
CREDITS: Sports Kyunghyang, JTBC
