Since it’s father’s day today, here’s a list of dads in Korean dramas and films — both the best kind and the worst of its kind.
BEST DAD AWARDEES
1.) Hong Dae Young (Lee Do Hyun) In “18 Again”
Despite becoming a dad at such a young age, Hong Dae Young worked hard to provide for his family the love and financial support they needed. He gave up on his dreams just to be able to raise their twins, worked various jobs to keep food on their table, and was always there when the twins needed him.
2.) Lee Ik Jun (Jo Jung Suk) in “Hospital Playlist”
Lee Ik Jun is not just an exceptional doctor, he is also an outstanding dad to Uju. As a now single dad, he works hard but makes sure to always have time for some quality dad-and-son bonding.
3.) Tae Ho (Song Joong Ki) In “Space Sweepers”
Despite being raised as an emotionless Space Guard, Tae Oh opened his heart to a young child that he eventually raised as his daughter. And, although he lost her, he dedicated his life to find her and also learned how to be open up again when he meets a young girl named Kot-nim.
4.) Yong Goo (Ryu Seung Ryo) In “Miracle In Cell No. 7”
Despite his disability, Yong Goo does his best to provide for his daughter, Ye Seung. After being sentenced to jail for a crime he did not commit, Yong Goo starts to somehow raise his daughter inside the prison’s cell. (P.S. After so many years, still getting teary-eyed because of this father-daughter tandem.)
5.) Park Sung Yeol (Son Hyun Joo) “In Itaewon Class”
He may have only appeared in the first episode, but Park Sung Yeol taught his son, Park Saeroyi, how to be a good person who believes in justice and fairness. His son’s success is evidence of how good of a father he is.
6.) Kim Chang Gul (Ahn Kil Kang) In “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo”
A single dad who practically gave everything he has just to raise Bok Joo. Despite his hardships, he is seen to always be smiling and keeps a playful attitude around his daughter.
7.) Hong Yoo Chan (Yoo Jae Myung) In “Vincenzo”
This dad-slash-lawyer is a kind man at heart. He believes in justice, and hopes that his daughter could do the same while still being headstrong.
8.) Choi Gong Pil (Byung Hee Bong) In “Pinocchio”
He knew that the Dal Po in front of him is no longer his late son, but he still treated Ki Ha Myung as if he’s his real child.
BONUS: A VARIETY OF DADS — The Fathers In “Reply 1988”
They may not be perfect, but we all know how much the dads in “Reply 1988” all love their children.
THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD
1.) Sa Yeong Nam (Park Soo Young) In “Record Of Youth”
Although the head of the Sa family only wanted what he thinks is best for Hye Jun — a normal life, he became too fixed on his own idea of success that he started to ignore Hye Jun’s wants and needs.
2.) Lee Tae Oh (Park Hae Joon) In “The World Of The Married”
Despite his divorce, he could never fully abandon his son and just wanted to him a good life. However, this doesn’t change the fact that he cheated and became one of the primary reasons for his son’s trauma.
2 OF THE WORST KOREAN DRAMA DADS
1.) Hwang Ki Nam (Oh Man Seok) In “Youth Of May”
A greedy tyrant who tried to push his twisted ideals to his sons. He also did everything he can to break up his son, Hee Tae, and his son’s lover, Myeong Hee.
2.) Joo Dan Tae (Uhm Ki Joon) “In The Penthouse”
This man’s pure evil. Period. Plus, he’s now trying to turn his child into his minion. Talk about level 300 evil that even the Counters find hard to counter.
Do you have other dads to add to the list? Comment below!