In celebration of Father’s Day, we’ve curated unforgettable father figures from Korean dramas. Though some are not the main characters, their presence leaves a strong emotional impact on both the story and the viewers. Now, let’s meet these unforgettable fathers!
TOP 5 Korean Dramas with Exceptional Father Figures
1. “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (2025)
The first K-drama with an unforgettable father figure is “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” This slice-of-life drama starring IU, Moon So-ri, Park Bo-gum, and Park Hae-joon follows the ups and downs of Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik’s lives over several decades. Actors Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon portray the same character of Yang Gwan-sik, the father figure in this series, at different stages of his life.
Yang Gwan-sik is a devoted husband who has supported his wife, Oh Ae-sun, through decades of hardships. To him, Oh Ae-sun has been his world since childhood. He gave up his dreams of becoming an athlete and became a dedicated fisherman to support his family’s needs.
In contrast to his wife’s fiery determination, he embodies quiet resilience, enduring struggles without loud complaints or anger. He prioritizes his wife’s and children’s needs above his own. Though not a man of many words, Yang Gwan-sik serves as a steady anchor for his family, his strength subtle but unwavering until the end.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. “Love Scout” (2025)
SBS’s rom-com K-drama “Love Scout“ follows the love story of a female CEO, Kang Ji Yun (Han Ji-min), and her perfect secretary, Yoon Eun=ho (Lee Jun Hyuk).
Yoo Eun-ho is a man who prioritizes his family over his career. Despite being at his career peak, he took a year of parental leave when he realized his daughter needed therapy. To keep his daughter always happy and healthy, he learned to balance his career with paternal responsibilities. At work, Yoo Eun-ho is a highly skilled secretary, while at home, he is Yoo Byeol’s devoted appa.
Where to watch: Netflix, VIU, Vidio, Viki
3. “Family by Choice” (2024)
The next drama that features beloved fathers is “Family by Choice.” In this series, Choi Won-young plays Yun Jeong-jae, the father of Yun Ju-won (Jung Chae Yeon) and adoptive father of Kang Hae-jun (Bae Hyeon Seong), while Choi Moo Sung plays Kim Dae Wook, the father of Kim San Hu (Hwang In Hyeop).
Together, they join hands in raising Kim San-ha, Yun Ju-won, and Kang Hae-jun, who lack mother figures.
Yun Jeong Jae, a restaurant owner, is a modest father who becomes the umbrella for the children. He is a father who offers his ears and opens his arms to them. With his understanding nature, he empathizes with the children’s feelings and provides emotional support.
Kim Dae-wook, a police officer, is a gentle and dedicated father. Although he struggles to express his feelings and thoughts to his son, Kim San Ha, he always ensures his well-being.
Where to watch: Viki, TVING, VIU
4. “Moving” (2023)
There are three father figures in this hit series. They are Jang Ju-won (Ryu Seung-ryong), Lee Jae-man (Kim Sung-kyun), and Zo In-sung (Kim Du-sik).
Jang Ju-won, Jang Hui Su’s father, possesses an honest and humorous personality despite having superhuman strength and healing abilities. As an agent, he prioritized his family’s safety, yet he lost his wife. To protect his remaining family, he resigned as an agent. He worked multiple jobs before deciding to build his fried chicken shop. When he learns his daughter inherited his superpower, he keeps a close eye on her to ensure her safety.
Lee Jae Man is a caring father to Lee Ga-hoon. He always waits for his son in front of their home store. Jae-man has super-speed and incredible strength. However, he must control his power to stay close to his son and ensure his safety.
Kim Du-sik is a powerful agent who possesses the ability to fly. To protect his family from the elite and keep them safe, he hides, keeping their identities a secret.
Where to watch: Disney+
5. “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” (2022)
“Extraordinary Attorney Woo“ follows the story of Woo Young-woo, a lawyer with autism spectrum disorder. Her father, Woo Gwang-ho (Jeon Bae-soo), sacrificed his dream of becoming a law student at Seoul National University to take on the responsibility of a single father. He devoted himself to caring for his daughter after her autism diagnosis, offering unconditional love and unwavering support in a judgmental world.
For his portrayal as Woo Young-woo’s beloved father, actor Jeon Bae-soo earned the title of the “Nation’s Father.” Notably, he also played a heroic father in “All of Us Are Dead” (2022), sacrificing himself to save his daughter Nam On Jo (Park Ji Hu).
Where to watch: Netflix
Among these Korean dramas featuring father figures, which one is your favorite? Do you have other Korean dramas with memorable father figures to recommend? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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