Actor Kwak Dong-yeon is winning hearts with his warm charm on the tvN variety show Bogum Magical.
On the show, Kwak naturally blends in with local residents thanks to his standout cooking skills and easygoing personality, setting the tone wherever he goes. He creates feel-good moments with thoughtful gestures—offering elders eomuk-tang (fish cake soup) and handing out snacks to kids.
In a recent episode, a particularly touching scene drew attention when Kwak received a hand-drawn letter from a child who loved the bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste). He stuck the letter in the most visible spot in the kitchen to show his gratitude, bringing smiles all around. He also added to the warmth by baking a gentle-on-the-stomach birthday cake for a grandmother.
Kwak’s dedication behind the scenes also stood out. Before filming, he met a bungeoppang master to learn the craft firsthand and honed his technique. On air, he grilled the pastries like a pro, quickly becoming a hit with the villagers. Thanks to his skills, the stall naturally turned into a local “bungeoppang hotspot.” After actors Park Hae-joon and Choi Dae-hoon joined as one-day part-timers, things ran so smoothly that Kwak even hosted an impromptu village broadcast, showing off his quick wit.
His chemistry with fellow cast members Park Bo-gum and Lee Sang-yi also boosts the show’s fun factor. The trio bicker in a friendly way while deftly dividing front-of-house and kitchen duties, proving themselves an ultra-efficient, get-things-done team.
Buoyed by Kwak Dong-yeon’s standout performance, Bogum Magical has been steadily rising in ratings each week and is earning praise as a warm, healing variety show.
Meanwhile, Bogum Magical airs every Friday at 8:35 p.m. on tvN.