6 most inspiring K-drama fathers

Tatler Asia

13-06-2025

2. Nam Do-san's Dad in 'Start-Up' (2020)
Above 'Start-Up' (Photo: IMDB)
Nam Seong-hwan (Kim Won-hae), the father of boy genius Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk), is equal parts geeky and devoted. He's the type who would silently mortgage the family home if it meant giving his son a second chance. His support is steadfast and unconditional, and his occasional goofiness makes him even more lovable. Bonus points for that adorable robot scene. 3. Hong Dae-young in '18 Again' (2020)
Technically also a fantasy storyline, 18 Again gives us a two-for-one: Yoon Sang-hyun as the 37-year-old version of Hong Dae-young and Lee Do-hyun as his teenage self. A dad who gets to re-experience high school through the eyes of his children, Hong Dae-young's emotional journey is both hilarious and deeply touching. It's a heartfelt meditation on fatherhood, regret and redemption. 4. Park Sung-yeol in 'Itaewon Class' (2020)
Park Sae-ro-yi's father, Park Sung-yeol (Son Hyun-joo)—one of the most impactful K-drama dads—doesn't always get a lot of airtime. His influence, however, is immense and lasts throughout the series. A paragon of moral integrity, Sung-yeol instils in his son the unshakeable values that become the drama's north star. His death is a catalyst for the story, and his presence echoes in every decision Park Sae-ro-yi makes. Gentle, hardworking and unwavering in his belief in doing the right thing, he's the father we all wish we had. 5. Yang Gwan-sik in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2025)
Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum/Park Hae-joon) made husbands and fathers everywhere feel bad about themselves. Even other K-drama dads seem inadequate. Where else will you find a devoted person who would steal his parents' fish wares for his childhood crush? Where else will you find a man who would swim the ocean to get to his one true love? Where else will you find a father who would turn his back on traditions to give peas to his daughter?
He works 12 hours a day, waking up at the crack of dawn to provide for his family. He's always there to save the day—whether to save his wife from his domineering grandma or to buy his struggling son's rice cakes in secret.
See more: 5 life lessons from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' 6. Ha Yi-chan in 'Twinkling Watermelon' (2023)
Above 'Twinkling Watermelon' (Photo: IMDB)
As both a teen (Ryeoun) and later a deaf father (Choi Won-young), Ha Yi-chan is an extraordinary depiction of fatherhood across time. The show handles his disability with dignity and strength, showing how love can transcend spoken words. His connection with his son Eun-gyeol is musically magical—and emotionally resonant. Future K-drama dads better look at this depiction for lessons.