It’s a myth that K-drama fans are made up solely of women. Its accessibility has earned diverse fans, and that includes dads.
The action genre makes me think of my father. If he were still alive, he would probably like “The Worst of Evil,” “Healer,” “Song of the Bandits,” and “Flex X Cop.” He would be delighted to know that he shares the same birthday as Ji Chang-wook, an actor my mom adores. In my imagination I would talk to him about the shows we’ve watched together.
Photos from Disney PH, Namgildaero Instagram, SBS Drama
Men watching K-dramas are still a minority, or at least they’re not out about it. But those who have discovered its entertainment value can see beyond the eye candy and cheesy storylines.
Here are dads recommending K-dramas to other dads:
Beautiful storytelling
Former Overseas Filipino Worker Leonardo Angeles, 68, is a K-drama newbie. A father to two daughters, he said that K-dramas are exciting to watch because of the beautiful storytelling and the believable portrayal of the actors. He is fascinated that they can shift from intense to humorous scenes.
Favorite K-dramas: “Descendants of the Sun,” “Encounter,” “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”
Favorite stars: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-Kyo, Shin Min-a
Stress buster
Lawyer Anthony Paruñgao, 62, has liked K-dramas for a long time. The father of three girls found it impossible to give just three K-drama titles as his favorites. K-drama is his stress buster. He likes the diverse content, the great storytelling, and the production value. He lists down the K-dramas he’s watching on his Facebook account. He has watched 166 titles so far.
Favorite K-dramas: “Misaeng,” “Prison Playbook,” “Reply 1988,” “Moving,” My Mister,” “Like Flowers in Sand,” “A Shop for Killers,” “Hell is Other People,” “Hot Stove League” and “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.”
Favorite stars: Han Hyo-Joo, Kim Tae-ri, Kim Da-mi, Jung So-min, Shin Hye-sun, Jeon Yeo-bin, Park Eun-bin, Jun Ji-Hyun, Park Seo-jun, Im Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, and Lee Do-hyun
Heartwarming
Public Health Administrator John Philip Tiongco, 49, father to Issey and EJ also likes Korean movies. He likes different genres such as action, thriller, and heartwarming storylines. For him, K-dramas also help strengthen his family bond because of their heartfelt moments and valuable life lessons.
Favorite K-drama: “Autumn in My Heart,” “Crash Landing on You,” “The Glory” Favorite K-movies: “Dad for rent,” “Be with you,” “Il Mare,” “Ditto,” “Miracle in Cell No. 7”
Favorite stars: Lee Jung-jae, Song Hye-kyo
Sentimental
Inquirer News Service coordinator Rodelio Roberto, 45, is drawn to K-dramas because of their compelling storylines, and sometimes, they bring out his sentimental side. This father also wants to visit South Korea after seeing the beautiful locations featured in K-dramas someday.
Favorite K-drama: “Autumn in My Heart”, “Iris,” “Vagabond”
Favorite Stars Joong-ki, Park Seo-Joon, Lee Seung-gi, Song Hye-kyo, Son Ye-jin, Kim Tae-hee.
Excellent Acting
“Kahit puyat ka na, go pa rin!” said Patrick Earl Alvarez, 41, Inquirer Senior Graphic Artist, echoing the sentiment of long-time K-drama fans. He got hooked on K-dramas due to the excellent acting, engaging plot, iconic umbrella scenes, and funny moments. He bonds with his wife over K-dramas. Now, even their three kids join in watching them. He credits learning Korean words and culture to K-dramas.
Favorite K-dramas: “Goblin,” “King the Land,” “Encounter”
Favorite stars: Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-Wook
Overcoming despair
“It is a way for me to be preoccupied instead of thinking about things that will make me feel bad, which will just harm my health,” said David Buban, 57. The father of four boys is a stroke survivor and watching K-dramas helped him overcome the despair he felt after his health crisis. He likes the excitement and the feeling of watching K-dramas. He remembers crying over a scene from “Encounter,” which he has seen twice.
Favorite K-dramas: “Encounter,” “The Glory,” “Descendants of the Sun,” “Queen of Tears”
Favorite stars: Song Hye-Kyo, Kim Ji-won.
Photos from Instagram of hanhyojoo222, kyo1122, and bn_sj2013
