Latest news with #TheAtypicalFamily
Tatler Asia
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
What Korean dramas can teach us about modern fatherhood
The imperfectly evolving: Seo In-ho in 'Doctor Cha' Above Seo In-ho in 'Doctor Cha' (Photo: JTBC) Seo In-ho (played by Kim Byung-chul) in Doctor Cha (2023) starts as a rather flawed husband and father, entangled in an affair and seemingly oblivious to his family's emotional needs. However, as the drama unfolds, he undergoes a significant, albeit often comedic, transformation. While his journey is messy and filled with missteps, he eventually confronts his shortcomings and genuinely attempts to be a more present and supportive father to his children. His evolution shows that fatherhood is also about the willingness to learn, adapt and strive for improvement, even when it's uncomfortable. He offers a relatable, if sometimes frustrating, portrayal of a dad trying to find his way back to his family. Related: From panels to screen: Korean dramas based on webtoons to watch on the weekends The quietly resilient: Bong Gwi-ju in 'The Atypical Family' Above Bong Gwi-ju in 'The Atypical Family' (Photo: Netflix) Bong Gwi-ju (played by Jang Ki-yong) in The Atypical Family presents a unique take on fatherhood. A man with the ability to time travel, he loses his powers after his wife's death, succumbing to depression. His journey isn't just about regaining his abilities, but about rediscovering his purpose as a father to his daughter, Bok I-na. He is living proof of the quiet resilience of a father grappling with loss and mental health, demonstrating that true strength lies in confronting one's vulnerabilities for the sake of one's children. His efforts to connect with I-na and protect her, even in his weakened state, are truly poignant. The unexpected healer: Lee Jang-hyun in 'My Dearest' Above Lee Jang-hyun in 'My Dearest' (Photo: MBC TV) While not a biological father, Lee Jang-hyun (played by Namkoong Min) in the historical epic My Dearest becomes a profound father figure in the tumultuous backdrop of Joseon. His enigmatic nature and deep-seated trauma initially make him seem unapproachable, but his quiet acts of protection and selfless sacrifice for those he cares for, especially the younger, more vulnerable characters caught in the ravages of war, solidify his place. He exemplifies a paternal bond forged not by blood, but by shared hardship and unwavering compassion. The steadfast sentinel: Jang Ju-won in 'Moving' Above Jang Ju-won in 'Moving' (Photo: Disney+) In the fantastical world of Moving , Jang Ju-won (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) stands out as a father whose superhuman healing abilities are matched only by his unwavering devotion to his daughter, Hui-soo. A former black ops agent, Ju-won is a man of few words but profound actions. He runs a fried chicken shop to provide for Hui-soo, always putting her safety and well-being above his own. When danger looms, he transforms into a formidable protector, facing down any threat to his child with raw strength and relentless determination. His journey is one of sacrifice and unconditional love, proving that some heroes wear aprons and carry the weight of the world for their children. The quietly supportive: Lee Ik-jun in 'Hospital Playlist' Above Lee Ik-jun in 'Hospital Playlist' (Photo: TVN) Lee Ik-jun (played by Jo Jung-suk) in Hospital Playlist is a prime example of a modern, single father who excels at balancing a demanding career as a liver surgeon with devoted parenting. His relationship with his son, U-ju, is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the series. Ik-jun treats U-ju not just as a child, but as a trusted friend, engaging in playful banter, listening intently to his thoughts, and always making time for him despite his hectic schedule. Their daily video calls, filled with U-ju's adorable updates and Ik-jun's patient responses, paint a picture of a father who prioritises emotional connection and fosters an environment of open communication. He demonstrates that being a great dad isn't about grand gestures, but consistent presence and genuine affection. The unwavering protector: Sung Dong-il in 'Reply 1988' Above Sung Dong-il in 'Reply 1988' (Photo: iQIYI) Perhaps the quintessential K-drama dad, Sung Dong-il, playing a character bearing his own name, is the heart and soul of Reply 1988 . As the perpetually stressed but deeply loving father of three, he embodies the everyday struggles and profound joys of fatherhood in a working-class Seoul neighbourhood. His gruff exterior often masks a heart of gold, always ready with a witty retort or a surprisingly profound piece of advice. He may seem miserly, meticulously tracking every penny, but his sacrifices for his children are immense and often unspoken. His unwavering belief in his eldest daughter, Deok-sun, even when she doubts herself, is a testament to his profound paternal love. He's the sort of dad who might scold you for leaving the lights on but would secretly give you his last won for a treat. NOW READ 11 Korean dramas you loved—but didn't know were remakes From 'Buried Hearts' to 'Doctor Slump': Must-see Park Hyung-sik Korean dramas across genres 9 new, exciting Korean dramas to watch in 2025—from thrillers to tearjerkers
Tatler Asia
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
‘Moving' and beyond: how K-dramas make superpowers hit harder
'The Atypical Family' The Bok family has gone from atypical to all too typical as they slowly begin losing the superpowers that once set them apart: crippling depression has robbed Bok Gwi-ju (Jang Ki-yong) of his ability to travel back in time; insomnia has clouded Bok Man-heum's (Go Doo-shim) visions of the future; and low self-esteem has quite literally grounded Bok Dong-hee (Claudia Kim), who once had the power to fly. Meanwhile, Gwi-ju's teen daughter Bok I-na (Park So-yi) has yet to manifest any special abilities. Enter mysterious and charming Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee), who seems to have arrived just in time to save the day. But her timing is dubious and her motives unclear. Is she really who she says she is? And does she truly have the Bok family's best interest at heart? 'The Uncanny Counter' Seasons 1 and 2 Counters are humans granted supernatural powers by spirits in the afterlife, tasked with hunting down vengeful spirits that have escaped to the human world to prey on the living. The first season of this superhero K-drama follows So Mun's (Jo Byeong-kyu) journey as the newest—and most powerful—Counter. Still learning the ropes, he struggles to find his place within the team and master his powers. Fortunately, Counters Ga Mo-tak (Yoo Jun-sang), Kim Sejong (Do Ha-na) and Chu Mae-ok (Yeom Hye-ran) welcome him like family, for the most part, and train him well, helping him unleash his full potential. Season 2 introduces Na Jeok-bong (Yoo In-soo), a brand-new recruit, and even more formidable foes. The stakes are higher and the sacrifices are greater. But the Counters continue to lean on one another to protect the living—and each other. See also: 9 fan-favourite K-drama opening credits you wouldn't want to skip 'Behind Your Touch' Bong Ye-bun's (Han Ji-min) superpowers are unique, if a little absurd. When she touches the rear end of animals and people, she sees into their past. Her powers may have led to awkward misunderstandings and embarrassing encounters, but as the town vet, her special ability has proved useful in helping diagnose and treat her patients. Her unusual gift also draws her into an unlikely partnership with detective Moon Jang-yeol (Lee Min-ki), as they work together to solve petty crimes—and catch a serial killer preying on the town's young women. 'He Is Psychometric' It may not be a traditional superhero K-drama, but He Is Psychometric features a protagonist with special powers: Lee Ahn (Park Jinyoung) has the ability to read the memories of people and objects through touch. Burdened by a traumatic past and still learning to control his gift, he crosses paths with Yoon Jae-in (Shin Ye-eun), a sharp-witted aspiring police officer with secrets of her own. Together, they form an unlikely partnership, using his psychometry and her intuition to solve crimes and uncover the truth behind their shared past. 'Strong Girl Bong-soon' and 'Strong Girl Nam-soon' The Strong Girl franchise consists of the original Strong Girl Bong-soon and its spinoff, Strong Girl Nam-soon —two superhero K-dramas centred on women endowed with extraordinary strength, a power passed down through the matriarchal line. In Bong-soon , the titular heroine struggles with her desire to lead an ordinary life and is initially reluctant to embrace her powers. Over time, however, she learns to harness her strength and step into her identity. Nam-soon, by contrast, is bright and unreserved about her abilities. Lost in Mongolia as a child and returning to South Korea as an adult, she uses her gift freely in her quest to reunite with her long-lost family. 'Cashero' Above Lee Jun-ho returns in the upcoming 'Cashero'. (Photo: Netflix) In this upcoming superhero K-drama, set to premiere on Netflix later this year, Lee Jun-ho stars as Kang Sang-woong, a humble civil servant whose super strength depends on how much money he has. He's joined by Bang Eun-mi (Kim Hyang-gi), whose telekinetic powers are fuelled by her calorie intake, and Byeon Ho-in (Kim Byung-chul), a lawyer whose abilities are activated by alcohol. Together, they must protect the world from a villainous organisation hunting down people who, like them, possess superpowers. 'The WONDERfools' Above Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo team up in the upcoming 'The Wonderfools'. (Photo: IMDb) Reportedly inspired by the legendary Stan Lee's superhero stories, the upcoming The WONDERfools might just be the closest a K-drama has come to capturing that classic Hollywood superhero spirit. Park Eun-bin stars as Eun Chae-ni, who, along with her neighbours Son Kyeong-hoon (Choi Dae-hoon) and Kang Ro-bin (Im Sung-jae), suddenly develops superpowers. Cha Eun-woo plays a mysterious civil servant who joins forces with the unlikely trio to investigate a series of disappearances in their city and take on the sinister Ha Won-do (Son Hyun-joo).
