Yobo from Togo, who became Dongducheon's 'Captain Yobo', after 8 years

Eight Years of Transformation: From a Manual Laborer Migrant to Dongducheon's 'Captain Yo'

In 2018, Yobo, a man from Togo who came to Korea after losing his father and younger brother in protests against the dictatorship in his home country, stands before the camera again after eight years. At that time, he led a grueling life, working day and night in everything from manual labor to factory jobs to protect his children's dreams. For him, who crossed the vast distance of 12,000 km solely "to survive," life in Korea was a constant struggle against fear.

In the summer of 2026, the status of the reunited Yobo has changed remarkably. Now a resident of Bosan-dong, Dongducheon for 22 years, he has become a local celebrity known by the nickname 'Captain Yo.' To the 974 migrants from Africa—accounting for one-fourth of all foreigners in Dongducheon—he is more than just a neighbor; he is a reliable pillar of support.

Yobo struggles to help foreigners, who often face difficulties settling in due to the unfamiliarity of Korean culture, to establish stable lives. He also serves as a bridge, mediating small and large disputes that arise between native Koreans and foreign migrants. The daily life of Yobo, who has gone beyond being a good friend to the foreigners of Dongducheon to become their dependable father figure, is revealed in this episode.

Yobo wants to give back the love he has received. This is because he has never forgotten the warm hearts of his Bosan-dong neighbors who took such good care of him when he was a stranger eight years ago. In this place that has become his second home, he aspires to be a better neighbor in Bosan-dong by acting as a 'father' to the migrants.

The Growth of Firstborn Blessing, a Sociology Major, and Secondborn Wisdom, Who Has Grown So Much

The greatest driving force sustaining Yobo's life is his two children. Blessing, the admirable eldest child who used to go to auditions alone dreaming of becoming an actress when they appeared on the show eight years ago, is now a twenty-three-year-old university student. After deep reflections on identity experienced while growing up in a migrant background family, Blessing is currently majoring in sociology at a university.

Wisdom, the second child who used to follow his older sister around and monopolize her affection, has also grown into a high school student with tall stature and handsome looks. Amidst the social change of an era with 200,000 students from migrant backgrounds, the sight of these siblings overcoming confusion and contemplation to take root in Korean soil and confidently nurture their dreams shows a changing facet of our society.

KBS1 'Neighbor Charles' Episode 537, Airing on July 14

Episode 537 of KBS1 'Neighbor Charles' will air on Tuesday, July 14, at 7:40 PM. It captures the new future that Yobo's family, who received passionate support when they appeared eight years ago, will draw in Bosan-dong, Dongducheon. The special story of Yobo's family, who settled in Korea after traveling 12,000 km twenty-two years ago, unfolds.

The Settlement Story of a Stranger Who Traveled 12,000 km Twenty-Two Years Ago

Twenty-two years ago, Yobo's family traveled 12,000 km to settle in Korea to survive. Although everything was unfamiliar and frightening, the neighbors in Bosan-dong helped them settle in by taking great care of them.

In 2018, Yobo first visited 'Neighbor Charles' with the story of leaving his hometown after losing his family in protests against the dictatorship in his home country. At that time, he had to endure a harsh reality, working day and night to protect his children's dreams.