South Korean actor Park Bo Gum, well-known for his performances, made headlines this week by choosing a free alternative to engage with his fans, which explains why he has been trending recently.

According to Koreaboo, he chose to communicate with his followers through a new platform that, while paid, offered free access so that he could speak directly to his fans instead of using traditional paid or other social media channels.

Park created a public chatroom on Kakaotalk, the most popular messaging app in South Korea.

The chatroom is free and does not require you to identify yourself, as fans can use their public profile names.

It has allowed Park to interact in real time and share personal updates and photos with his fans.

Park was supposed to have only appeared once to ring in the new year, but he has continually surprised followers by popping into the chatroom regularly.

He interacts by sharing TMI (too much information) moments and exclusive selfies.

"Today's filming is over!! Park wrote in the chatroom during one such interaction. You guys aren't asleep! I messaged you guys so late. Have a nice night, everyone!"

Besides his updates, Park also sometimes shares music he has been listening to. Even with so many people in the chat, he tries to read and respond to them.

Park also assured his fans, "I see all. I'm reading it all. Hehe."

His project remained under the radar for some time until a post detailing his unorthodox fan interaction went viral on Theqoo, one of South Korea's online community platforms.

Since then, Park has received much applause from various online spaces for his passionate approach to staying in real touch with fans.

One fan said, "He really is a genius." Other comments echoed this sentiment, such as, "Fans of Bo Gum must be glad," and "Wow, kudos to him."

It has given a breather from the trend of many stars who, at best, will interact with their fanbase through a paywall.