It won't feel like Father's Day if we don't honor the K-drama dads who made us all cry and *feel special*! Dads in dramas aren't perfect, of course, but that's what makes their scenes with the leads sooo relatable.
Below are the *best* fictional K-drama appas, according to Cosmo Girls:
1. Park Saeroyi's dad in Itaewon Class
"First, he loves food, and he seemed like a really cool dad to Saeroyi. But what I really liked about him is he did not compromise his principles...I cry every time he appears onscreen!"—Bea
"Hands down Saeroyi's dad. In Episode 1, just when you thought he was going to apologize to Chairman Jang when Saeroyi punched the most annoying character on television, he's like, 'He's still just a child who doesn't know the ways of the world. It's hard to believe that he's my son. I'M AMAZED BY HIM. He's doing what he thinks is right and is willing to be responsible. So I have nothing more to say to you, sir.' THE TEAAARS."—Ysa
The actor playing the appa: Son Hyun Joo
2. Ik Jun in Hospital Playlist
"My current fave is Doctor Ik Jun from Hospital Playlist! Partly because he's such a good *single* dad to Uju (sobrang dedicated and responsible niya, grabe) and partly because sobrang cute lang ni Uju! More Uju scenes for Season 2, please!"—Grace
The actor playing the appa: Jo Jung Suk
3. Bok Joo's dad in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
"The first K-drama dad that won my heart was Kim Bok Joo's papa! Yes, he was pasaway (esp. with his health LOL), but he was the most supportive father to Bok Joo and her sports career talaga. She was his pride and joy and he never made her feel that she couldn't do anything just 'cause she was *a girl*." —Cindy
The actor playing the appa: Ahn Gil Kang
4. Gang Hwa in Hi Bye, Mama!
Even though it was super hard and there were times when he wanted to give up, Gang Hwa juggled being a doctor + a newborn baby's dad after his wife passed away!
The actor playing the appa: Lee Kyu Hyung
5. Captain Ri's dad in Crash Landing On You
Everyone who watched the show fell in love with Captain Ri's military man appa when he defended his son and his loyal band of soldiers from the enemy. Also, remember when he was *flabbergasted* when his son flirted with Se-ri right in front of him?
The actor playing the appa: Jeon Gook Hwan
6. Sung Dong Il in the Reply series
Yup, this amazing actor played all the lead characters' dads in Reply 1997, Reply 1994, and Reply 1988! Even though his roles were *grumpy* at times, you could tell that they really loved their families.
The actor playing the appa: Sung Dong Il
7. Jung Hwan and Jung Bong's dad in Reply 1988
"My fave among [the Reply 1988 dads] is Kim-sajang! He had the corniest dad jokes and goofiest antics, but he just wanted his family to be cheerful and happy." —Ginyn
The actor playing the appa: Kim Sung Kyun
8. Taek's dad in Reply 1988
Aww, the quiet Mr. Choi. We'll never forget when he *proudly* wore those pink mittens Taek got him for his birthday! He was also the sweetest stepfather to Jin Joo and Seo Woo.
The actor playing the appa: Choi Moo Sung
9. Han Geu Ru's dad in Move To Heaven
"Geu Ru was adopted as a baby but he never felt that he's different because of his parents. When his mom died, Geu Ru's dad made sure that he feels as if she's always with them. This goes the same when he passed away. He taught him that he will always be there for him in spirit. I will always remember this K-drama appa as a calm, understanding, and loving father—and also as a dedicated brother to Sang Gu."—Hanna
The actor playing the appa: Ji Jin Hee
10. Hong Dae Young in 18 Again
Hong Dae Young is the dad that is willing to risk everything for his children—even if it's something that really means a lot to him—just to protect them. He would always put them first before himself.
The actor playing the appa: Yoon Sang Hyun/Lee Do Hyun
11. Im Ju Kyung's dad in True Beauty
When Ju Kyung is in trouble, her dad is always ready to save the day! He will ~hide~ stuff from his wife just to prevent her from scolding their daughter. He's also supportive of his Ju Kyung's love life but once the moment calls for it, he can also be stern (just a bit, LOL).
The actor playing the appa: Park Ho San
12. Hwang Yong Shik in When The Camellia Blooms
Yong Shik treats Pil Goo as his own son and his efforts to win his heart (and Dongbaek's) are really admirable! Our favorite moment between the two was when Yong Shik came out of nowhere carrying a ~high-resolution drone~ that has proof of how a child hit Pil Goo during a game. Our favorite words from this dad? "If your kid is that precious to you, other people's kids are precious too." <3
The actor playing the appa: Kang Ha Neul
*Answers have been edited for clarity.
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