While many of us get hooked on K-dramas because of the kilig-inducing romantic comedies, it’s really the compelling stories and characters that make them so memorable. And because Koreans are big on family ties, you’re bound to meet moms (eommas) and dads (appas) who will make a mark on you.
If you can’t help but go soft for appas, here are six more of our favorite K-Drama dads (read the first part here!). Have fun streaming the titles on Viu Premium with PLDT Home!
Im Jae-pil in True Beauty
From Park Ho-san’s Official Instagram
Im Jae-pil (Park Ho-san) starts out as the problematic dad who invests in a scam and makes his family fall into debt. But while he lacks financial literacy, he makes sure to be there for his daughter, Im Joo-kyung (True Beauty’s heroine, played by Moon Ga-young), as her support system.
Jae Pil always comes to the rescue whenever Joo-kyung’s mom nags her. In one episode, he distracted his wife so Joo-kyung could sneak up to her room and avoid her mom’s scolding. He is also the first to know that Joo-kyung is dating and promises to keep it a secret until she’s ready to tell the whole family. So adorable! Stream True Beauty on Viu Premium with PLDT Home!
Kim Nak-cheon in Darli & the Cocky Prince
Courtesy of Viu
Kim Nak-cheon (Jang Gwang) is the female lead Kim Da-li’s appa, and while we can only see him in flashback scenes, his love for his daughter is evident in every one of them. He was very affectionate towards his daughter and allowed her to pursue her dreams, even if it meant letting her go and live in another country. We even see that he was willing to do everything—including going down on his knees—just so Da-li could have a lifetime of happiness. Lastly, he wasn’t just softhearted around his daughter; he also showed genuine kindness, consideration, and generosity to everyone around him. He’s one of the best dads, for sure! Catch Darli & the Cocky Prince on Viu Premium with PLDT Home!
All the dads in Reply 1988
Courtesy of Viu
Our list of favorite K-drama dads won’t be complete without the appas of Reply 1988—Sung Dong-il, Kim Sung-kyun, Yoo Jae-myung, and Choi Moo-sung, whose characters are also named after themselves. They may not be perfect, but we all know how much they adore and care for their children (even if they don’t always show it!).
Despite always raising his voice to his wife and children and falling into debt, Sung Dong-il is a hardworking father who does his best to provide for his family’s needs. He may sometimes make fun of his children, but he’s always ready to give heart-to-heart talks when they need it. His dedication and love for his family behind the scenes will surely tug at your heartstrings.
Kim Sung-kyun may drive us mad with his corny jokes, and it might seem that he’s not always appreciated by his wife and children, but we can all see that he tries his best to keep the family together as the head and that they love him for it. Plus, he’s super devoted to his wife!
Yoo Jae Myung might be the strict dad because he’s the school dean, and his son Dong Ryong (Lee Dong-hwi) is a troublemaker, but we know it’s coming from a place of concern and love. Like Sung Kyun, he’s also considerate toward his wife, allowing her to succeed as a high-powered career woman.
Having had to raise his son Taek (Park Bo-gum) by himself, Choi Moo-sung may sometimes appear stoic, but he’s always there to support his child, especially when it comes to fulfilling his dreams. He may find it hard to express his love, but we see how much he cares for his son when his tough exterior gets broken at the thought of his child getting hurt. Aww! Watch the dads of Reply 1988 on Viu Premium with PLDT Home!
Access unlimited K-Dramas and get to know more inspiring dads when you subscribe to Viu Premium with PLDT Home. Sign up now through pldthome.com/viu or subscribe directly through the Viu app or website and have fun binge-watching!