Park Bo Gum’s long-awaited return to the small screen in GOOD BOY has undoubtedly stirred attention, but not entirely in the way fans might have expected. While the drama’s premise is fresh—ex-Olympians becoming crime-fighting cops—it appears the execution has left audiences split. The first two episodes, marked by a 4.8 percent nationwide rating, indicate that curiosity is strong, especially with a name like Park Bo Gum headlining. Yet the discussion surrounding the drama suggests that its reception is as much about tone and fit as it is about narrative appeal.
Bo Gum’s character, Yoon Dong Ju, is introduced as a former star athlete whose career has gone off track due to personal missteps. His transition into police work alongside fellow athletes forms the emotional and thematic core of the story, but many viewers seem to find this journey jarringly told. The show’s blend of action and comedy might have aimed to create a vibrant, kinetic energy, but online reactions suggest it instead came across as exaggerated and disjointed. For an actor like Park Bo Gum, known for emotionally layered and often romantic roles, this shift into loud comedy and physical bravado may not feel like the most natural fit to some long-time fans.
That said, criticism about a new genre pivot in a premiere isn’t always fatal. The heart of GOOD BOY—about individuals reclaiming purpose after public glory fades—is compelling if developed with more nuance in future episodes. If the show can settle into a more cohesive tone and let the emotional stakes breathe amid the action, there’s room for it to evolve beyond initial misgivings. The ensemble dynamic of the athlete-turned-police squad also holds potential for both humor and heart, depending on how each character arc is handled.
Ultimately, GOOD BOY has a lot working in its favor—an original setup, a talented cast, and the intrigue of watching Park Bo Gum take on something different. But as it moves forward, the drama’s success may depend less on its flashy concept and more on its ability to ground the comedy in sincerity and give its lead a space where his strengths as an actor can shine through the noise.