Park Bo-gum unleashes fierce action in ‘Good Boy’

The official soundtrack “GET IN THE RING” from the drama "Good Boy" / Courtesy of SLL, Studio & New and Drama House Studio

Park Bo-gum, who sparked a cultural craze earlier this year through the hit series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," returns with a dramatic transformation in JTBC’s new comic action series "Good Boy."

Shedding his previous image, Park now plays a justice-driven rookie officer who delivers swift retribution in a punchy and satisfying narrative.

Premiering Saturday, "Good Boy" follows a group of former national athletes who are fast-tracked into the police force. Swapping medals for badges, they take on a society rife with corruption and unfairness.

The series is directed by Shim Na-yeon ("Beyond Evil," "The Good Bad Mother") and written by Lee Dae-il ("Life on Mars," "Chief of Staff").

Park plays Yoon Dong-joo, a former Olympic gold medalist in boxing turned police officer. Kim So-hyun stars as Ji Han-na, a former sharpshooting champion, while Lee Sang-yi plays fencer-turned-detective Kim Jong-hyun.

The first episode dives into the personal struggles that pushed each athlete to join the force. Dong-joo, once a national hero, is demoted to patrol officer after a clash with colleagues, and is now so desperate he pawns his medals.

“We were heroes,” he says bitterly. “But when the flame goes out, the hero disappears.” His teammates, too, face disappointment, being sidelined as promotional figures or ostracized for whistleblowing.

Amid internal tensions, the team launches a mission to dismantle a local crime syndicate known as the Geumtokki gang. But when the operation falls apart due to missteps, Dong-joo uncovers a lead while chasing a hit-and-run suspect, stumbling upon a body that could blow the case wide open.

Park Bo-gum as Dong-joo in "Good Boy" / Courtesy of JTBC

Park leads with fresh charisma

Park's character Dong-joo is reminiscent of a classic underdog hero, drawing viewers into rooting for him.

One standout moment sees him surrounded and beaten down, only to rise and keep fighting, raising the tension and drawing cheers. It’s a clear shift from the softer roles that made Park a household name.

"Good Boy" leans into the formula of ensemble action dramas like "Taxi Driver" and "The Fiery Priest," spotlighting not just the lead but the collective strength of a team fighting both external villains and internal corruption.

A banner within the show reading “Clean and Fair Investigation” ironically foreshadows future clashes with corrupt officers.

Visually, the series shines with fast pacing and stylish direction. Shim’s use of creative angles and props adds flair to each scene, enhancing both the characters and the narrative. If "The Good Bad Mother" touched audiences with emotional weight, "Good Boy" aims to entertain with kinetic, cathartic action.

According to Nielsen Korea, the premiere episode drew a 4.8 percent viewership rating. In comparison, the SBS series "The Haunted Palace" recorded 9.5 percent, while tvN’s "Our Unwritten Seoul" posted 4.5 percent.

With "The Haunted Palace" nearing its finale, a tight ratings race is expected between "Good Boy" and "Our Unwritten Seoul" in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the first original song for "Good Boy," titled “GET IN THE RING” and featuring American singer-songwriter MAX, was released Sunday.

Blending powerful synth sounds with dramatic strings, the electronic pop track delivers a bold contrast between its opening and chorus, stirring deep emotions and offering a sense of inspiring courage.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.