Key takeaways
- Park Bo Gum passed his national hairdresser certification on his second attempt, requiring at least four hours of daily practice, which allows him to offer broader hair services in Season 2.
- Lee Sang Yi returns with expanded nail services including magnetic designs, pedicures, and skincare treatments, emphasizing the show's genuine and sincere approach to customer care.
- Ko Kyung Pyo joins as the third cast member, managing meals and customer snacks while bringing existing friendships with Park Bo Gum and Lee Sang Yi into the dynamic.
- The cast's chemistry benefits from prior collaborations, including Park Bo Gum and Ko Kyung Pyo working together on the drama Reply 1988.
The Village Barber 2 will premiere on November 29 at 7:45 p.m. KST with Park Bo Gum, Lee Sang Yi, and Ko Kyung Pyo operating a barbershop in a small seaside village. Ahead of the new season, the three cast members revealed the skills they’ve honed since the show was last on air, alongside their excitement about reuniting to continue the project.
A Barbershop in Tongyeong
The variety show places the three actors in charge of running daily operations at a barbershop set in a picturesque seaside location. The setting, anchored in the coastal village of Tongyeong, provides the backdrop for their work serving customers who visit the shop. The main promotional poster for the season shows the trio standing side by side in barbershop aprons, positioned against the blue skies, sparkling sea, and yellow flowers of the locale, with imagery that recalls the tone of a coming-of-age film, according to the official materials.
Each cast member has a defined role within the operation. Park Bo Gum leads as the barber, Lee Sang Yi handles nail services, and Ko Kyung Pyo manages the kitchen and meals. This division of labor allows the show to present multiple service offerings under one roof while capturing the dynamic between three collaborators working toward a shared goal.
Park Bo Gum’s Credential Success
The Certification Journey
Park Bo Gum enters Season 2 with two credentials in hand: a barber license and a national hairdresser certification. The hairdresser certification is particularly noteworthy given its notoriously low pass rate. He earned it on his second attempt after intensive preparation.
The preparation was rigorous. Park Bo Gum practiced for at least four hours daily in pursuit of the certification. When discussing his achievement, he reflected on how that daily commitment paid off. “All those days of practicing for at least four hours a day really paid off. This time, I focused on completing the exam in less time,” he said in a statement released ahead of the premiere.
Expanded Service Offerings
With both credentials secured, the second season allows him to broaden what he can offer customers. “Now that I have my hairdresser certification, I wanted to offer customers a wider variety of hair services and give them a wonderful day,” Park Bo Gum explained. The expanded technical capability translates to more service options for the barbershop’s patrons.
Diversifying What the Barbershop Offers
Lee Sang Yi’s Expanded Services
Lee Sang Yi returns as the nail artist with accumulated experience from the first season. This time around, he has extended his range of services significantly. The new offerings include magnetic nail designs, intricate nail art work, pedicures, and skincare treatments. His expanded skill set reflects the work he put in during the offseason.
On his approach to the returning role, Lee Sang Yi stated, “I feel a greater sense of responsibility now. I practiced even harder because I wanted to offer better service and improve my skills as a nail artist.” He also expressed relief at seeing the project continue. “I’m so happy and grateful that we get to come together again so soon, before the year is even over,” he said.
When asked to characterize what makes the show distinctive, Lee Sang Yi chose the words “genuine” and “sincere.” He expanded on this choice by saying, “I think we ran the barbershop with genuine care. Those sincere efforts are probably what make The Village Barber 2 so special.”
Ko Kyung Pyo Brings Culinary Support
Ko Kyung Pyo handles the culinary and hospitality side of operations. He prepares meals for the cast and serves snacks to customers who arrive at the barbershop. His decision to join the project reflected the strength of his existing relationships with his castmates. “I was happy to work with Park Bo Gum and Lee Sang Yi. There was no reason to turn down the opportunity to spend fun and meaningful time with good people,” he said of accepting the role.
Built on Existing Relationships
The chemistry among the three cast members draws from history. Park Bo Gum and Lee Sang Yi worked together during the first season of the show and have maintained a strong working rapport. Park Bo Gum and Ko Kyung Pyo have collaborated on prior projects as well, including the drama Reply 1988.
Reflecting on stepping into Season 2, Park Bo Gum highlighted the ease of the dynamic. “It felt comfortable, as if we had been working together all along. We all share the same sense of caring for and looking after one another, which made me feel reassured,” he said.
Lee Sang Yi praised Ko Kyung Pyo’s presence on set, describing him as a dependable force. “Ko Kyung Pyo was such a dependable older brother. Whenever Park Bo Gum or I were unsure about something, he would step in to handle it or offer advice. His cooking skills were also incredible,” Lee Sang Yi noted.
Ko Kyung Pyo reflected on how the intensive time together deepened bonds. “I was already friends with Bo Gum and Sang Yi, but spending this much time together allowed us to get to know each other better and grow closer. It also made me see both of them in an even more wonderful light,” he shared.
Source: Soompi
Frequently Asked Questions
When does The Village Barber 2 premiere?
The show premieres on November 29 at 7:45 p.m. KST.
What qualifications did Park Bo Gum earn for Season 2?
Park Bo Gum earned his barber license and national hairdresser certification, which he passed on his second attempt after practicing at least four hours daily.
What services does Ko Kyung Pyo provide at the barbershop?
Ko Kyung Pyo prepares meals for the cast and serves snacks to customers visiting the barbershop.
