Korean actors are popular globally not only for their good acting and sizzling looks but also for their impressive capacity to manage demanding acting careers while meeting family obligations.
Several of these stars have become doting dads, and for some, it even serves as a creative muse. Check out these 15 adorable on and off-screen dads in Korea!
Jo Jung Suk
Jo Jung Suk captured hearts with his warm and relatable role in Hospital Playlist. However, in real life, it shape-shifted beautifully in 2020 as he and his wife, singer Gummy, were blessed with a daughter, the couple's first child together.
Jo has been open about how being a father enhances his life with an extra layer of emotional reservoir to excavate from in roles, especially ones about families. Fans appreciate the way he swings between an active acting career and the pleasures of a father being a hands-on dad.
Ji Sung
Ji-sung, who is famous for his roles in Kill Me, Heal Me, and Secret, was already a father in 2016. He has two children, a daughter, and a son, with his wife, who is also a well-known actress, Lee Bo Young.
Even with such thriving acting careers, they still put family first. As Ji Sung has previously stated, the experience of being a father has instilled in him an ability to wait and a level of endurance that he has also brought into his work on screen.
Hyun Bin
In November 2022, one of Korea's most renowned actors, Hyun Bin, found a new chapter in life: the actor welcomed his first child, a son, with his wife, actress Son Ye Jin.
Fans have since looked at the pair, who met on set for Crash Landing on You, as a beacon of love and family.
Hyun Bin has previously shared that becoming a father also gave his life new meaning, and he often ponders the impression he wants to leave on his son.
Song Joong Ki
In 2023, the star welcomed his first child — a son — shortly after marrying British actress Katie Louise Saunders.
Recently this year, Song Joong Ki also disclosed the good news that her wife gave birth to their daughter while he was concentrating on his filming work in Rome.
He previously called parenthood a "life-changing" experience that has inspired him "to live and work with more meaning and purpose."
Park Hae Soo
Park Hae Soo, with his wife, welcomed their first child (son) back in 2021, which was revealed recently.
He has spoken about how parenthood has changed his perspective on the world, how the little things in life now bring him joy, and how his choice of roles might be different because of the kids.
Cha Seung Won
Cha Seung Won is one of Korea's most disclosed celebrity fathers. Cha has managed to juggle his family life, including two children, between an illustrious acting career (and his son Cha No-Ah following in his career as well into the entertainment industry).
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As a father, that life experience has translated into his roles playing family men on screen.
Kwon Sang Woo
Kwon Sang Woo, who is best remembered from Stairway to Heaven, has two children with his wife, the actress Son Tae Young.
The son and daughter of the actors are seen occasionally in public, and they win fans over with their innate charm.
As Kwon often reiterates, although his filming schedule is hectic, he does his best to create a caring atmosphere for his family.
Yoon Sang Hyun
The actor from Secret Garden, Yoon Sang Hyun, is the father of three kids, and his wife is singer MaeBee.
A cheerful personality, Yoon often reveals his family life on variety shows, and fans love his authentic father image.
Lee Byung Hun
One of the most successful and well-known actors in both Korea and Hollywood, Lee Byung Hun, has one son with his wife, actress Lee Min Jung.
While Lee finds the time in his busy international career to be around for family milestone moments, being down-to-earth is something he believes you should always be.
Choi Tae Joon
The multi-talented Choi Tae Joon, who became a father for the first time last year, shares his first child with his wife, Park Shin Hye, who is also an actress.
Fans have been privy to a part of the couple's journey as new parents, with Choi having disclosed through social media that parenthood has allowed him to appreciate each moment even more.
Rain
K-drama star Rain has two daughters with wife and fellow actress Kim Tae Hee, who one reader described as one of Korea's most 'multi-talented' entertainers.
Rain is known for his high-energy performances, but dad life brings out the softer, nurturing side of him that he often talks about.
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Fans love his stories about being a parent - a side of the superstar that is a little less well-known.
Joo Sang Wook
Joo Sang Wook, known for his dramas such as Good Doctor, had his first child with actress Cha Ye Ryun in 2018.
Fatherhood, he says, completes him, and he now pursues more intense and emotional performances in front of the camera.
Jang Hyuk
Jang Hyuk may be a veteran in the industry, with decades of acting under his belt, but the father of three is a newcomer to the reality TV scene.
Jang, who is known for protecting his private life, is admired for the balance he manages between being a working actor and making sure that his family always comes first.
Song Il Kook
His success stories include not only notable historical drama characters but also the heart-warming father of future national icons of the variety show The Return of Superman, triplet sons Daehan, Minguk, and Manse.
Because Song frequently discusses the highs and lows of raising triplets, he has become a patron saint for parents.
Kim Jae Won
The last one is also the actor who was able to balance his career and being a father, Kim Jae Won.
The warm and caring Kim is said to be using his own family life for inspiration with his recent roles and is establishing himself further as one of Korea's most relatable stars.
