Park Bo-gum's Absence in 'My Name is Na Ae-soon' Raises Questions

Following the release of the first act of Netflix's original series 'My Name is Na Ae-soon' (폭싹 속았수다), fans are eagerly awaiting Park Bo-gum's thoughts on his significantly reduced screen time. The series, set in the 1960s Jeju, follows the adventurous lives of the rebellious Na Ae-soon (IU) and the clumsy Kwan-sik (Park Bo-gum).

Created by writer Im Chun-sang of 'When the Camellia Blooms' and director Kim Won-seok, known for 'My Mister' and 'Misaeng', 'My Name is Na Ae-soon' features a stellar cast including IU, Park Ha-joon, and Moon So-ri. The first act, comprising episodes 1 to 4, premiered on March 7, followed by the second act (episodes 5 to 8) on March 14 and the third act (episodes 9 to 12) on March 21.

The performances of the cast, along with the meticulous direction, have captivated viewers of all ages, effectively portraying the tumultuous lives of the characters as they navigate through changing times. The series quickly climbed to the top of Netflix's 'Top 10 Series in South Korea' within a day of its release, receiving praise from international critics on Rotten Tomatoes for its bittersweet narrative and hopeful messages.

Despite some concerns that the staggered release format might be detrimental, 'My Name is Na Ae-soon' has maintained its popularity and high rankings. However, Park Bo-gum's role has diminished significantly after the first act, leading to dissatisfaction among some viewers. The promotional materials had heavily featured both Park Bo-gum and IU, and their joint appearance at the press conference heightened expectations. Yet, the focus has shifted to the middle-aged characters of Na Ae-soon (Moon So-ri), Kwan-sik (Park Ha-joon), and their daughter Geum-myeong (IU), leaving Park Bo-gum's character largely absent. Additionally, the increased prominence of Kim Sun-ho's 'special appearance' has added to the disappointment.

Both IU and Park Bo-gum expressed a desire for more stories about their younger characters in various YouTube content. In response, Netflix stated, 'My Name is Na Ae-soon' is a tale of the adventurous lives of Na Ae-soon and Kwan-sik, and we aim to deliver much joy and emotion through their middle-aged versions as parents. We hope viewers will continue to engage with the upcoming stories of Na Ae-soon, Kwan-sik, Geum-myeong, and Eun-myeong in the remaining acts.'

In a notable development, Park Bo-gum will be addressing these concerns directly in an interview scheduled for March 24 at a hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. This will be his first opportunity to discuss the series with the press, and fans are eager to hear his perspective on the character's reduced screen time.

The final act of 'My Name is Na Ae-soon' (episodes 13 to 16) is set to premiere on March 28, concluding the series.