REVIEW: ‘The Village Barber’ Season 1 Is Pure Slice-Of-Life Relaxation

Who knew watching someone run a salon would be so delightful? Well, in The Village Barber, it definitely is. This latest reality TV series features Park Bo-gum (When Life Gives You Tangerines) teaming up with his friends, Lee Sang-yi (Bloodhounds Season 2), and Kwak Dong-yeon (Queen of Tears) to run Bo Gum Magical, a salon located in a rural village located in Muju County. It’s a crash course for the trio in running a business, but as they fall into a rhythm, it’s equal parts comfort and relaxation as we see all three form relationships with the villagers.

The Village Barber starts slowly, establishing how Park Bo-gum came to the idea of opening a barbershop. We see the study process for Bo-gum as he works toward his barbering license, his struggle to tackle the dreaded perm test, and, in general, his hard work just to hit this goal prior to opening. And this is just the first episode. Similarly, we see Lee Sang-yi working to obtain a national nail license before becoming an official nail technician for Bo-gum’s shop. 

The odd man out at the beginning of The Village Barber is Kwak Dong-yeon. He doesn’t have any licenses, but he takes the time to learn how to make Bungeoppang (a Korean fish-shaped Pastry) for him to sell at Bo Gum Magical. He is working hard to bring something to the table, but when the trio finally open up the shop, he’s like a fish out of water at first. However, he does find his footing once a routine becomes established. 

It takes a little time for the guys (and The Village Barber) to find their stride.

This is something seen in all three men as they navigate the challenges of opening a new business in an unfamiliar environment. The seriousness with which all three approach their respective (and sometimes ever-evolving) duties at the barbershop and in the village is honestly commendable and shows the depth of their character. Leading up to opening day and the day of, their nervousness is palpable, particularly from Park Bo-gum and Lee Sang-yi, who, while licensed, still lack work experience with their newfound skills. 

This is part of the immense charm of The Village Barber. The cameras capture the trio’s nervousness, awkwardness, and feelings of being overwhelmed, but also their incredible personability with the community around them. Separate from the roles they portray on screen, these moments highlight the real people behind the celebrity moniker.

As seen in The Village Barber, Bo-gum takes his time with his clients, wanting to make sure everything is done perfectly, even if it takes a little too long. If Dong-yeon has nothing to do, he finds ways to help out around the shop. Lee Sang-yi, in particular, is the clear extrovert of the group and is often seen chatting up everyone who enters the shop. In no time at all, he’s out helping around the elderly citizens of the village and roping guest celebrity “part-timers to assist in his efforts.

Park Bo-gum takes his job seriously, and we see him slowly gain confidence with each client.

When finally settled into a routine, The Village Barber throws in some cameo appearances from people within the trio’s circle to keep them and the viewers on their toes. From a surprise visit from Jung Ji-hoon aka Rain (who the men all, rightfully, fanboy over) to a couple of Park Bo-gum’s colleagues from When Life Gives You Tangerines and Good Boy, and even a cameo from one of the breakout chefs from Culinary Class Wars, these special appearances add an extra dose of celebrity and a special dash of chaos to the mix.

These drop-in visits don’t always feel natural when they come, especially in later episodes of The Village Barber. It would make sense for some of Park Bo-gum’s friends and colleagues to pop in on the opening day or two to support him, but as more and more people started to show up, two questions arose: who will be popping in next, and is this too much of a good thing? 

This particular quibble aside, The Village Barber is one of those surprise reality TV shows that offers a different approach to cozy viewing. It’s not just falling into the rhythm of the guys cutting hair, doing nails, and making delicious treats for those who drop in. There’s an embrace of community that feels essential in our progressively nearly-permanent online world. You’re not only watching to support our trio’s endeavors, but you’re also learning and coming to love this new community that has welcomed them. 

The heart and soul of The Village Barber is the community gained.

As the Village Barber progresses, Bo Gum Magical slowly transforms into more than just a business. It becomes a hub of communal activity. From gossiping ajummas to the village leader hoping to get a little bit of Bungeoppang to a mother preparing for her final stage in life, Bo Gum Magical is not just a place that gives haircuts.

People arrive to hang out, take a load off, ask for favors, and jump in to help when the guys get overwhelmed. This is the warmth and care that the community provides, and it is the biggest joy of the series. 

The Village Barber takes its time to find its rhythm, and it transforms into a pure slice-of-life, relaxing viewing experience. The friendship between Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon radiates onscreen, and whether they are buried in work or finally taking a load off at the end of the workday, they never lose their natural positivity. But the real stars of this series are not this dynamic trio. No, it’s the villagers we all get to know and love each time they visit Bo Gum Magical. They are the best.

The Village Barber Season 1 Episodes 1-8 is streaming now on Viki, with new episodes dropping weekly.