The upcoming variety show Bonjour Bakery (working title, 봉쥬르 베이커리) has revealed its first group poster, offering a glimpse into a gentle, community-centered concept that blends baking with human connection. Featuring Kim Hee Ae, Cha Seung Won, Kim Seon Ho, and Lee Ki Taek, the show positions itself as a healing program set in a quiet rural village.
At the heart of Bonjour Bakery (봉쥬르 베이커리) is a unique idea: Korea’s first French dessert café designed exclusively for senior guests. Using locally sourced ingredients, the café aims to create not only pastries, but also moments of comfort and emotional warmth for visitors aged 65 and above.
A Café Built on Warmth and Roles
The newly released poster captures the four cast members standing together in front of a bright green door, evoking a sense of familiarity and ease—more like a family gathering than a formal workplace. This tone reflects the show’s broader intention: to create a space where relationships develop naturally through everyday interactions.
Within Bonjour Bakery (봉쥬르 베이커리), the cast is divided into two functional teams. In the kitchen, Cha Seung Won takes on baking for the first time, stepping into an unfamiliar role that adds an element of curiosity and growth. He is paired with Lee Ki Taek, the youngest member of the group, whose energy and enthusiasm balance the learning process. Together, they are responsible for crafting desserts that are both visually appealing and emotionally resonant.
Service Meets Storytelling
On the front-of-house side, Kim Hee Ae assumes the role of the café’s general manager, bringing a composed and charismatic presence that anchors the space. Alongside her, Kim Seon Ho works as a barista, embodying a warm and attentive demeanor that aligns with the show’s tone. His role has already been described as that of a “favorite grandson,” hinting at the kind of gentle, intergenerational connection the program seeks to build.
One of the most distinctive elements of Bonjour Bakery (봉쥬르 베이커리) is its age-specific policy. A sign at the café entrance reads, “Only guests aged 65 and older are allowed,” underscoring the program’s focus on a demographic often overlooked in mainstream entertainment. This choice transforms the café into more than just a setting—it becomes a space dedicated to listening, sharing, and acknowledging lived experiences.
More Than a Baking Show
While baking remains a central activity, Bonjour Bakery (봉쥬르 베이커리) extends beyond the mechanics of pastry-making. The interaction between French desserts and the personal stories of elderly guests is expected to form the emotional core of the show. Each visit becomes an exchange, where food serves as a bridge between generations.
By combining a slow-paced rural backdrop with intimate storytelling, the program aligns with a growing trend of “healing variety shows” that prioritize atmosphere and human connection over competition or spectacle.
A Gentle Premiere Ahead
Bonjour Bakery (봉쥬르 베이커리) is set to premiere on May 8 at 4 p.m. KST. With its distinctive concept and carefully balanced cast, the show offers a quieter alternative within the variety landscape—one that finds meaning not in grand moments, but in small, shared experiences.
