Unlike most of his peers, actor Park Bo Gum has ditched the practice of joining paid fan communication platforms and gone for a free option instead.
Earlier this year, Park had announced that he had created an open chatroom on Kakaotalk for his fans. The chatroom allowed users to join the group chat for free and without revealing their personal identification, as they could opt for any public profile name instead. Park started using this chatroom to communicate with fans in real time.
Though initially, fans thought it was a one-time event for the new year, the actor kept popping into the chatroom whenever he had time. His updates included TMIs shared in real time and some exclusive selfies.
Park Bo Gum: Today’s filming is over!!
Park Bo Gum: You guys aren’t asleep!
Park Bo Gum: I messaged you guys so late. Have a nice night everyone!
The actor sometimes shares his music recommendations as well.
Despite there being so many members in the group chat, the actor makes sure to read fan messages and respond!
Park Bo Gum: I can see everything.
Park Bo Gum: I’m reading it all.
Park Bo Gum: Hehe.
Though the actor has been routinely using the chatroom to communicate with fans one-on-one, netizens weren’t aware of this until recently, when a post about the topic went viral on Theqoo. Now, Park is being showered with praise in online communities for his unmatched devotion to his fans.
- “He’s a genius.”
- “Bo Gum’s fans must be happy.”
- “Cute.”
- “Wow, this is really daebak. This isn’t something agencies would make you do. He did it because he wanted to.”
- “Wow, he’s sweet.”