2. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
Photo 1 of 3 Separated from his daughter, Lee Ye-sung (played by Kal So-won), intellectually disabled Lee Yong-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) must prove his innocence when he’s wrongfully imprisoned for the death of a commander's child In ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’
Photo 2 of 3 Separated from his daughter, Lee Ye-sung (played by Kal So-won), intellectually disabled Lee Yong-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) must prove his innocence when he’s wrongfully imprisoned for the death of a commander's child in ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’
Photo 3 of 3 Separated from his daughter, Lee Ye-sung (played by Kal So-won), intellectually disabled Lee Yong-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) must prove his innocence when he’s wrongfully imprisoned for the death of a commander's child in ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’
Separated from his daughter, Lee Ye-sung (played by Kal So-won), intellectually disabled Lee Yong-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) must prove his innocence when he’s wrongfully imprisoned for the death of a commander's child In ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’
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Synopsis: Lee Yong-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong), an intellectually disabled man is wrongfully imprisoned, but his heartwarming bond with his young daughter (played by Kal So-won) and fellow inmates showcases a father’s love transcending dire circ*mstances. His pure-hearted nature, deep love for his daughter, and the profound impact he has on those around him make him one of the most memorable father figures in Korean cinema.
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Through his journey, Miracle in Cell No. 7 beautifully portrays the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, offering both heartache and hope in equal measure.
Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Kal So-won, Park Shin-hye
Release: January 23, 2013
3. Reply 1988 (2015)
Above Choi Moo-sung (played by Choi Moo-sung) and Choi Taek (played by Park Bo-gum) in ‘Reply 1988’
Choi Moo-sung (played by Choi Moo-sung) and Choi Taek (played by Park Bo-gum) in ‘Reply 1988’
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Synopsis: Choi Moo-sung (played by Choi Moo-sung) in Reply 1988 is a character defined by his quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering support for his son, Choi Taek (played by Park Bo-gum), who’s an internationally renowned genius Baduk (also known as the popular board game, Go) player.
Read more: ‘Coffee Prince’, ‘Boys Over Flowers’, and more: The best K-dramas of all time
His portrayal of Choi adds depth and emotional resonance to the series, highlighting the complexities of single parenthood and the powerful, understated ways in which a father can express love and care. Choi’s journey, marked by personal sacrifice and a profound bond with his son, makes him one of K-drama’s most beloved father figures.
Cast: Lee Hye-ri, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, Park Bo-gum, Lee Dong-hwi
Release: November 6, 2015
4. Train to Busan (2016)
Photo 1 of 3 Seok-woo (played by Gong Yoo) and Su-an (played by Kim Su-an) in ‘Train to Busan’
Photo 2 of 3 Seok-woo (played by Gong Yoo) and Su-an (played by Kim Su-an) in ‘Train to Busan’
Photo 3 of 3 Seok-woo (played by Gong Yoo) and Su-an (played by Kim Su-an) in ‘Train to Busan’
Seok-woo (played by Gong Yoo) and Su-an (played by Kim Su-an) in ‘Train to Busan’
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Synopsis: Seok-woo (played by Gong Yoo) in Train to Busan is a deeply compelling character brought to life by Gong Yoo's nuanced performance. A divorced fund manager who initially appears somewhat detached from his relationship with his young daughter, Su-an (played by Kim Su-an) his evolution from a distant, career-focused father to a brave, selfless protector forms the film’s emotional heart.
See also: Korean shows to watch: 7 movies and series Starring Gong Yoo
Seok-woo’s journey underscores themes of redemption, the power of parental love, and the profound sacrifices parents make for their children. His ultimate act of self-sacrifice leaves a lasting impact, making him one of the most heroic fathers in modern Korean cinema.
Cast: Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Kim Su-an, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee, Kim Eui-sung
Release: July 20, 2016
5. Flower of Evil (2020)
Photo 1 of 3 Baek Hee-sung (played by Lee Joon-gi) and Baek Eunj-ha (played by Jung Seo-yeon) in ‘Flower of Evil’
Photo 2 of 3 Baek Hee-sung (played by Lee Joon-gi), Baek Eunj-ha (played by Jung Seo-yeon), and Cha Ji-won (played by Moon Chae-won) in ‘Flower of Evil’
Photo 3 of 3 Baek Hee-sung (played by Lee Joon-gi), Baek Eunj-ha (played by Jung Seo-yeon), and Cha Ji-won (played by Moon Chae-won) in ‘Flower of Evil’
Baek Hee-sung (played by Lee Joon-gi) and Baek Eunj-ha (played by Jung Seo-yeon) in ‘Flower of Evil’
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Synopsis: Baek Hee-sung (played by Lee Joon-gi) is a complex character in the psychological thriller K-drama Flower of Evil. He’s portrayed as the ideal husband of the female lead, Cha Ji-won (played by Moon Chae-won), and the father of their young daughter, Baek Eun-ha (played by Jung Seo-yeon).
Don't miss: 23 exciting new Korean dramas to watch in 2024
Initially, Hee-sung’s character highlights the multifaceted nature of family bonds and the depths to which one may go to protect and maintain a sense of normalcy in a tumultuous life.
Cast: Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-won, Jung Seo-yeon, Jang Hee-jin, Seo Hyun-woo
Release: July 29, 2020
6. 18 Again (2020)
Above Jung Da-jung (played by Kim Ha-neul), 18-year-old Hong Dae-young (played by Lee Do-hyun), and 37-year-old Hong Dae-young (played by Yoon Sang-hyun) in ‘18 Again’
Jung Da-jung (played by Kim Ha-neul), 18-year-old Hong Dae-young (played by Lee Do-hyun), and 37-year-old Hong Dae-young (played by Yoon Sang-hyun) in ‘18 Again’
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Synopsis: Hong Dae-young (played by Yoon Sang-hyun) is a multifaceted central character in 18 Again, a K-drama that revolves around his life as a middle-aged married man who’s a father of two who gets a second chance to relive his youth.
Read more: Lee Do-hyun: 8 things to know about the Korean rising star
It follows Hong’s journey as he navigates the complexities of his family life while inhabiting his 18-year-old body (played by Lee Do-hyun). Through his transformation and the second chance he receives, Hong learns valuable lessons about love, family, and personal growth.
Cast: Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Sang-hyun, Lee Do-hyun
Release: September 21, 2020
7. Start-Up (2020)
Photo 1 of 3 Han Ji-pyeong (played by Kim Seon-ho) and Seo Dal-mi (played by Bae Suzy) in Han Ji-pyeong (played by Kim Seon-ho) in ‘Start-Up’
Photo 2 of 3 Han Ji-pyeong (played by Kim Seon-ho) in ‘Start-Up’
Photo 3 of 3 Han Ji-pyeong (played by Kim Seon-ho) and Kim Yong-san (played by Kim Do-wan) in ‘Start-Up’
Han Ji-pyeong (played by Kim Seon-ho) and Seo Dal-mi (played by Bae Suzy) in Han Ji-pyeong (played by Kim Seon-ho) in ‘Start-Up’
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Synopsis: Coming at a time when start-ups were a dime a dozen is 2020’s Start-Up, featuring a character we all grew to love through the K-drama’s 16-episode run–Han Deok-soo (played by Kim Seon-ho).
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While a supporting character, he plays a pivotal role as a wise business mentor, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of the start-up world, as well as a compassionate father figure to the main characters, particularly Seo Dal-mi (played by Bae Suzy). Han’s character brings warmth, wisdom, and a sense of guidance to the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the storyline.
Cast: Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Seon-ho, Kang Han-na
Release: October 17, 2020
8. Minari (2020)
Photo 1 of 3 Jacob Yi (played by Steven Yeun), Anne Yi (played by Noel Kate Cho), David Yi (played by Alan Kim), and Monica Yi (played by Han Ye-ri) in ‘Minari’
Photo 2 of 3 Jacob Yi (played by Steven Yeun) and Monica Yi (played by Han Ye-ri) in ‘Minari’
Photo 3 of 3 David Yi (played by Alan Kim) and Soon-ja (played by Youn Yuh-jung) in ‘Minari’
Jacob Yi (played by Steven Yeun), Anne Yi (played by Noel Kate Cho), David Yi (played by Alan Kim), and Monica Yi (played by Han Ye-ri) in ‘Minari’
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Synopsis: Jacob Yi (played by Steven Yeun) is a central character in the multiple award-winning 2020 film Minari, a poignant and heartfelt portrayal of a Korean-American family’s journey to establish a new life on a farm in Arkansas during the 1980s.
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His journey offers a heartfelt and compelling portrayal of the sacrifices and emotional complexities faced by immigrant families navigating new and unfamiliar terrain. Yi is emblematic of a father’s aspirations, sacrifices, and the cultural and emotional challenges that accompany the pursuit of the ‘American Dream’.
Cast: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Youn Yuh-jung, Will Patton
Release: December 11, 2020
9. Move to Heaven (2021)
Photo 1 of 3 Han Geu-ru (played by Tang Jun-sang) and Han Jeong-woo (played by Ji Jin-hee) in ‘Move to Heaven’
Photo 2 of 3 Han Jeong-woo (played by Ji Jin-hee) in ‘Move to Heaven’
Photo 3 of 3 Yoon Na-mu (played by Hong Seung-hee), Cho Sang-gu (played by Lee Je-hoon), Han Geu-ru (played by Tang Jun-sang), and Han Jeong-woo (played by Ji Jin-hee) in ‘Move to Heaven’
Han Geu-ru (played by Tang Jun-sang) and Han Jeong-woo (played by Ji Jin-hee) in ‘Move to Heaven’
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Synopsis: In Move to Heaven, Han Jeong-woo (played by Ji Jin-hee) is a pivotal character and the father of Han Geu-ru (played by Tang Jun-sang), a young man with Asperger's syndrome. Jeong-woo runs a trauma cleaning service called “Move to Heaven,” where he and Geu-ru clean up the belongings of deceased people and help deliver their final messages to their loved ones.
Read more: The best K-dramas to watch according to your personality
Jeong-woo’s role as a father and mentor continues to guide Geu-ru even after his death, emphasising the enduring power of love and the importance of empathy and understanding, making Move to Heaven a touching and heartfelt series that explores deep themes of family, loss, and healing.
Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang, Hong Seung-hee
Release: May 14, 2021
10. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
Photo 1 of 3 Woo Gwang-ho (played by Jeon Bae-soo) and Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin) in the multiple award-winning ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’
Photo 2 of 3 Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin) in the multiple award-winning ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’
Photo 3 of 3 Woo Gwang-ho (played by Jeon Bae-soo) in the multiple award-winning ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’
Woo Gwang-ho (played by Jeon Bae-soo) and Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin) in the multiple award-winning ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’
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Synopsis: Woo Gwang-ho (played by Jeon Bae-soo) is a profoundly impactful character in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, a K-drama that revolves around Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin), a highly intelligent lawyer who navigates the legal world while dealing with the challenges of autism.
See also: 5 things we loved about Netflix’s K-drama ‘ExtraordinaryAttorneyWoo’
His portrayal as a loving and protective single father, who also encourages his daughter’s independence and provides unconditional love and support in overcoming obstacles, adds emotional depth and richness to the K-drama.
Cast: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Kang Ki-young
Release: June 29, 2022
This article/explainer was generated by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.
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