Eye Candy : Park Bo Gum For Vogue

Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검

This Vogue Taiwan cover and editorial with Park Bo Gum is actually from earlier this year but I'm featuring it now as a tribute to how much I'm enjoying Bo Gum's performance in the K-drama Encounter/Boyfriend 남자친구.  The special 21st anniversary issue,  the first to feature a foreign star  immediately sold out 87,000 copies on the day of it's release which is a testament to his immense popularity. Bo Gum's handsome looks and boyish charm are out in full force on the cover and pictorial in which he models a range of fashionable Louis Vuitton looks. In the accompanying interview, the thoughtful actor talked about the value of constantly learning, balance, and joy. "Studying is something you do every moment. Living life, the most important thing is to learn. I think learning is a job for actors. In the future, I'd like to learn a foreign language, and I think there are a lot of things I need to study. I think every person needs a balance of work, life, and freedom that fits for them. I think it's very important to retain a balance of things in life and not let one thing take over. Thinking about it, I think everything worth it lies in this. There's joy and happiness in learning, and there's also joy when you keep balance in life." Bo Gum wisely concluded, "The most important thing is to live a happy life." This sensible and down to earth outlook is not surprising considering Bo Gum's grounded personality. He has actually been on my radar since his appearances as himself on various variety shows like 1N2D, Running Man, Hyori's Bed and Breakfast where you can't really hide your true self. His genuine positive outlook, humility, kindness, manners and consideration for others is precious and so refreshing.  His appeal is totally understandable. Park Bo Gum is beautiful inside and out and a lovely departure from all those empty, attention thirsty, self promoters who I just don't get people's fascination with.

Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검

Just as refreshing is his acting talent which is front and center in Encounter in which he woos the equally beautiful Song Hye Kyo. The setup of a younger free spirited man and wealthy divorcée who meet by fate and are drawn to each other despite their differences is nothing new but this gorgeously filmed drama, full of nuanced details is offering a fresh take in how it employs familiar tropes and subverts them in unexpected ways. There is a still a certain stigma against single/divorced women in Asian society and the way this story is being presented feels like it is a commentary against that that outdated prejudice. It's nice that the male lead isn't the traditional alpha male type. Kim Jin Hyuk doesn't suffer from a fragile sense of masculinity or feel inferior to Cha Soo Hyun despite their social differences. Instead he admires and applauds her strength and her success. Similarly Cha Soo Hyun sees Jin Hyuk for the person he is and knows that he has no ulterior motives. Of course he quite literally saved her life on their first meeting in Cuba. Their relationship is balanced and based on a foundation of respect, consideration and friendship. It's really lovely how whenever something happens, they think of the other person first. I can't remember the last time I saw one of these relationships because Western TV loves it's dysfunction and depravity. With all the ugliness in the world, Encounter is such a pleasant escape right now. I love the quiet dignity of Hye Kyo's performance and Bo Gum's exuberance. If you want a master class in acting with your eyes, just watch these two.  In real life, Song Hye Kyo is married to Song Joong Ki whom Park Bo Gum is like a younger brother to. He was a guest at the SongSong couple wedding and even performed for them. This could've been a distraction but both actors have managed to completely immerse themselves to embody Cha Soo Hyun and Kim Jin Hyuk in every way and I fully root for their romance which has already included some heart fluttering moments. I know some people don't care for romances because they feel like they're unrealistic. I happen to like a good romance. I'm very lucky to be married to a romantic and considerate man. Like when Jin Hyuk tells a family friend that it makes his day when Soo Hyun smiles. My husband tells me that all the time.

Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Park Bo Gum, Park Bo Gum Vogue, Park Bo Gum 2018, Park Bo Gum Boyfriend, 박보검
Photos: Vogue Taiwan

16 comments

The Dainty Dolls House said...

He's one of my favourites!! Stunning talent!! x

Beauty Unearthly said...

Everything looks amazing
xx

Pilar said...

He looks so handsome in this editorial!

Dressed With Soul said...

Wow, I'm not surprised that this Vogue with this cover sold that well! He is handsome, no doubt! So far he wasn't on my rader but now he is :) Thanks for sharing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com

ALLIE NYC said...

Oh he really does sounds like a balanced down to earth person. And the show does sound uplifting and I agree would be a nice break from all the doom and gloom. I have been watching a lot of historical things on Netflix which I find interesting but not the most uplifting. And this editorial is great but wow does he look young!

Allie of
www.allienyc.com

Emmylou said...

It's so awesome to see how his career is really just taking off, chingu:) I really can't wait to see this show! I remember that speech Bo Gum did thanking Joong Ki and how both of them were crying...so good to see bros supporting each other like that:) And OMG! He looks so goooooood in this editorial. I really wish I can get my hands on these Asian mags easier here!

Amy Aed said...

Oooh I love these! How stunning is he??? What a model, he nailed this shoot - and they're all so gorgeous I could easily just stare at them for a while.

Have a great week :)
Amy x Wandering Everywhere

Paola Lauretano said...

So damn handsome! Great editorial!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

Blackswan said...

Definitely one of my favourite Korean actors! xoxo

Amely Rose said...

I love how these shots are classy, masculine and kinda innocent.
The styling is so amazing. Lovely editorial and definetly one of my favourites.

Need cute cat content?
And some christmas vibes, take a look at my Youtube Video HERE

Gabrielle said...

Oh, my favourite aspect would have to be the white shirt layered underneath the scoop-neck jumper. I'd love to see my boyfriend in that style, but it'd take a lot of convincing haha! :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

Doctor Anne said...

Sounds like you are married to a truly romantic man then, you are blessed. Encounter sounds like something I would enjoy too, I love slow and undramatic romance especially when my life gets hectic.

Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca

sonia // daring coco said...

He's one of my fave actors! I actually saw one of your tweets on Encounter and added it to my to-watch list. I'm just waiting for the series to end so I can binge all at once hahahaha!

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sxx
www.daringcoco.com

Unknown said...

Oh I like how he always slays his roles .And this magazine walahhhh, sold out- that's truly the Bogum magic.. .Now he is in talk of movie Seobok with Gong Yoo.If this happens as twitter makes their hashtag- Boyfriend Meets Goblin.

Ju Mi said...

This fast sold magazine of Vogue Taiwan reminds me of Cine21 magazine that featured The Goblin and The Nation's Boyfriend / now it becomes Goblin meets Seobok because of Seobok interview.
#GoblinMeetsBoyfriend
#GoblinMeetsSeobok

Anonymous said...

I can’t keep my eyes off him, he’s so handsome! I loved your article on Bo Gum and share your opinion of him. He’s so sweet inside and out like when he thanked the whole village when he won at the Baeksang Awards 2016. His cute, dazzling smile and expressive, innocent eyes just makes me melt. I’m not really a K-Drama fan but somehow was drawn to watching Encounter. Still waiting for my Jin Hyuk! 😬