Kim Seon-ho's Secret to Winning Over Industry Icons: Kim Hee-ae & Cha Seung-won Cannot Get Enough of Him

Kim Seon-ho beamed with joy as he received glowing praise from veteran actors Kim Hee-ae and Cha Seung-won on the set of 'Bonjour Bakery'.

On the morning of the 6th, a press conference for the new Coupang Play variety show 'Bonjour Bakery' was held at Community House Masil in Myeong-dong, Seoul. The event was attended by actors Kim Hee-ae, Cha Seung-won, Kim Seon-ho, and Lee Gi-taek, along with director Park Geun-hyung and writer Kim Ran-ju.

'Bonjour Bakery' is a healing baking variety show set in a quiet rural village, featuring the country's first 'senior dessert cafe.' It follows the stories of seniors who know the taste of life and the bakery staff who know the taste of happiness as they share sweet comfort and warmth. The cafe, which has a unique 'Yes Senior Zone' concept—allowing entry only to those aged 65 and older and their companions—features Cha Seung-won and Lee Gi-taek on the 'Kitchen Team,' while Kim Hee-ae and Kim Seon-ho work as the 'Hall Team.'

Kim Seon-ho took on the challenge of becoming a barista, brewing coffee and welcoming senior guests with his friendly charm. Kim Hee-ae, who worked alongside him on the 'Hall Team,' praised his exceptional preparation, saying, "We had to make coffee and various other drinks. I had no idea where to start, but Kim Seon-ho would record and take notes on everything during the learning process. Having him by my side made me feel so secure."

After building a friendship while working together on 'Bonjour Bakery,' Kim Hee-ae even went to see a play starring Kim Seon-ho. She shared her admiration, stating, "I knew Kim Seon-ho was a talented actor, but as a viewer, I only had a vague idea. After working with him, I realized that while he may look like a gentle 'herbivore' type, he is actually very charismatic, masculine, and possesses great leadership when he works." She added, "He was also excellent in the play. Watching a junior actor perform gave me a fresh sense of stimulation, making me think, 'I need to work hard, too,'" showing her support for him.

Kim Seon-ho also displayed a strong bond with Cha Seung-won from the 'Kitchen Team.' The two reunited for 'Bonjour Bakery' following their work on the Disney+ series 'The Tyrant'.

Cha Seung-won remarked, "Kim Seon-ho is such a great friend. When I was offered this show, Kim Seon-ho was also being considered. I texted him asking, 'Are you doing it?' and he replied, 'Senior, I love it. I'm in.'" He continued, "I feel a sense of kinship with Kim Seon-ho; we are on a similar wavelength. That’s why I always feel happy and have fun whenever we meet."

Kim Seon-ho reciprocated the praise. Regarding Cha Seung-won, he said, "He is a senior I admire both as an actor and as a person, and someone I want to emulate. Working with a senior I look up to was healing, and I spent such happy times talking with him after work. The three of us guys shared a room, and we talked all night long. It felt like a thrilling journey."

On 'Bonjour Bakery,' Kim Seon-ho used his warm smile and signature attentiveness to lower the barriers for seniors who were hesitant to enter the bakery. In addition to his role as a barista, he acted like the character 'Chief Hong,' finding ways to ensure more seniors could enjoy the popular bread by selling it in halves or setting some aside for regular customers.

"It was a meaningful experience to provide healing to the seniors and receive healing in return, so I gave it my all," Kim Seon-ho said, reflecting on the filming. "We weren't the owners; I did my best every moment with the mindset that the seniors were the protagonists. I was truly happy."

'Bonjour Bakery' will premiere on Friday, the 8th, at 4:00 PM.

[Photo = Coupang Play]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)