Park Bo Gum made a request to Kim So Hyun years ago: ‘Remember this when the time comes'; the story behind Good Boy casting

Indian Express

30-05-2025

Park Bo Gum, Kim So Hyun, and Lee Sang Yi's highly anticipated K-drama Good Boy is set to premiere on May 31 on Prime Video. Directed by Shim Na Yeon, the drama revolves around a group of athletes who once represented South Korea's national team globally, earned accolades, but later were forced to join the police force after their soaring careers were hit by unexpected setbacks.
The gripping plot and impressive cast have fans on the edge, eager to see what will unfold. But what many don't know is that behind this casting is a years-old promise Park Bo Gum made to Kim So Hyun. Bo Gum always had his eyes set on who would do justice to the character of Ji Ha Na. In 2015, when their video during an awards ceremony went viral, Bo Gum took a chance to approach Kim So Hyun, saying he had a certain project in mind he wanted to do with her.
Also read: Kim So Hyun admits there was 'no escaping' from Park Bo Gum after he didn't let her 'enjoy a meal alone'
During the press conference for Good Boy, Bo Gum was asked about his experience working with Kim So Hyun, who also plays his love interest in the K-drama. The duo first made headlines a decade ago at the KBS Drama Awards, where they co-hosted as MCs. 'We met again at another awards ceremony after that. I told So Hyun there was a project I really wanted to do with her,' the Reply 1988 actor said. 'I hoped that if she ever received the script, she would enjoy it and consider joining. I'm grateful she remembered and that we're now able to work together on Good Boy,' he added, heaping praise on the Dream High star. 'She suits the role of Hanna so well. I believe many viewers will discover new sides of her and be drawn to her charm.' Bo Gum continued stressing how teamwork played an excellent role in his K-drama, even crediting the directors for perfect lighting tones and 'choreographed realistic yet intense fight scenes,' hoping that Good Boy 'becomes a reference point for similar dramas in the future.'
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On May 29, the JTBC drama team appeared for an interview at the Link Seoul Hotel, Seoul. At the time, So Hyun expressed her excitement, saying the only reason she considered the script and said yes to the project was because of Park Bo Gum. 'As soon as I heard that Park Bo Gum was cast, I knew I had to be part of this project.' Recalling how fans have always wanted to see them together ever since the 2015 award ceremony moment, she added, 'I'm really looking forward to how he portrays his character in Good Boy.' Lee Sang Yi quickly added, 'If we were to win any awards, I'd hope for recognition in categories like Best Drama, Best Direction, or Best Cinematography rather than individual awards.'
In the later part of the interview, Bo Gum revealed that Good Boy is going to be a full entertainment package with a fast plot progression that almost feels like reading a comic book. In the drama, Bo Gum plays the role of Yoon Dong Joo, a boxing champ and former gold medalist who turns rookie. The actor revealed that this was his first time trying this genre, post military return. He also shared how he got injured on set because of how physically demanding the role was. Wanting the trainer to see and treat him as a real athlete, he went in early to train with the others. 'We all worked equally hard for over six months. But I pushed myself too hard and ended up with an injury that delayed filming.'