Kim Hee-ae and Cha Seung-won's 'Bonjour Bakery' Ends Warmly, Tops Viki Southeast Asia for 5 Weeks

Coupang Play's variety show 'Bonjour Bakery' completed its journey by releasing its final episode on the 26th. The show warmly closed its final day of business and confirmed its global success, including five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Rakuten Viki's weekly ranking in Southeast Asia.

First released on May 8, 'Bonjour Bakery' was set in a 'senior dessert cafe' in a rural village. It is a healing variety show that captures the process of communication between seniors who know the taste of life and the cast members who know the taste of happiness.

Final business concludes with a party for residents

In the final episode, the cast members, facing their last day of business, held a special party by inviting village residents. SEVENTEEN Dino made a surprise visit to liven up the atmosphere alongside Kim Seon-ho, and Kim Hee-ae shared warmth and said her goodbyes while connecting with customers until the very end.

In the kitchen, Cha Seung-won and Lee Ki-taek presented menus utilizing local specialties. Kumquat Forsythia Tart, peanut pain au chocolat, and Cha-sik-ban were served on the final business table.

Final greetings from Kim Hee-ae, Cha Seung-won, and Kim Seon-ho

At the thank-you party held after the business ended, communication between the cast and residents continued. The sight of a senior discovering a lucky chestnut hidden in a dessert prepared by Cha Seung-won drew laughter, and the cast members were moved to tears by the subsequent musical gifts.

The cast members, including Cha Seung-won, Kim Hee-ae, Kim Seon-ho, and Lee Ki-taek, expressed their feelings while giving their final greetings. Kim Hee-ae said, "I will remember this warmth for a long time," and Cha Seung-won remarked, "I hope the time we spent together remains fulfilling for the viewers as well." Kim Seon-ho showed his affection, saying, "I miss the seniors of Gochang already."

5 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in Southeast Asia, Top 10 in 127 countries

'Bonjour Bakery' established a rule that only seniors aged 65 and older and their companions could enter. Instead of provocative competition, it is evaluated as having led intergenerational communication by highlighting the daily lives of seniors, who are easily marginalized, through a warm lens.

Writer Kim Ran-ju stated that she wanted to create a space where people who cannot spend enough time with their parents could visit comfortably.

This sincerity also led to international success. 'Bonjour Bakery' recorded No. 1 for 5 consecutive weeks in the Rakuten Viki weekly rankings in the Southeast Asian region and entered the Top 10 in 127 countries worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.