From Appa to Oppa: How Dads Define Our Standards in Love

They say a girl’s first love is her father — and I believe that’s true in more ways than one. How a father treats his daughter often becomes her silent blueprint for how she should be loved, respected, and valued. This Father’s Day, I find myself looking back and realizing that the kind of man I want to end up with is deeply inspired by the kind of father I grew up with.

The way he opened the door for me before school, how he never missed a single milestone, even the smallest ones. How he made me feel heard even when I was just rambling about my day. That quiet strength and unwavering love? That became my standard.

When someone asks why I don’t settle easily,  it’s because I’ve seen what real love looks like, and it started with my dad.

And of course, being a K-drama fan, I can’t help but notice how many stories highlight the beautiful, complex love between fathers and their children. If you're spending Father's Day at home and want something to tug at your heartstrings, here are some K-dramas that beautifully portray fatherhood:

💔 1. “Hi Bye, Mama!” – A Single Father’s Quiet Strength

Gang-hwa’s role as a single dad after losing his wife is both heartbreaking and deeply admirable. He raises his daughter with gentleness and grace, never letting his grief cloud the love he gives her. A soft but powerful portrayal of single fatherhood done right.

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🎧 2. “Move to Heaven” – A Father’s Legacy That Lives On

Geu-ru’s father instilled values of dignity, empathy, and purpose through their trauma cleaning service. After his passing, his son continues their work — guided by everything his father taught him. A tribute to parenting that lasts beyond words or even time.

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🧸 3. “Reply 1988” – Dads Who Love in Their Own Way

Whether it’s Dong-il’s tough love or Sung-kyun’s gentle awkwardness, this drama shows that fatherhood comes in many forms. Each dad struggles, sacrifices, and supports — often without saying “I love you,” but proving it every single day.

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🥺 4. “My Father is Strange” – Flaws and All, He Loves Deeply

This drama portrays a father whose past isn’t perfect, but his present love is unshakable. He’s the emotional backbone of the family, always choosing love and protection above all else — a reminder that even flawed dads can be heroes at home.

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⏳ 5. “18 Again” – A Second Chance to Be a Better Dad

When a middle-aged father magically transforms into his 18-year-old self, he gets the rare opportunity to reconnect with his children — this time, from their point of view. It’s heartfelt, humorous, and ultimately healing. A must-watch for anyone who believes in redemption through love.

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🏠 6. “Family by Choice” – When Love Makes You a Father

Not all dads are biological — some choose to love, guide, and protect. K-dramas like “Itaewon Class” (where a former convict takes in a young man as his own) or “Navillera” (where an elderly man mentors a young ballet dancer) show how father figures can be formed through empathy, trust, and time — not just blood.

These dramas remind us that fatherhood is not a title, it’s an action. It's about showing up — again and again.

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🎓 7. “Life Is Beautiful” – Stepping Into Fatherhood with Grace

In this drama, a stepfather raises his wife’s children as his own, building strong, emotional connections with them. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that love isn’t 

about DNA — it’s about consistency and heart.

💡 Why These Stories Matter

K-dramas show us that fathers come in many forms — some strong and silent, some affectionate and clumsy, some biologically related, and some chosen. What unites them is the deep, often unspoken love they give.

This Father’s Day, whether you’re celebrating with your dad, remembering him, or simply acknowledging the role he played in your story — know that his love, in all its forms, shaped you.

And if you didn’t have a present father growing up, these dramas can offer healing, comfort, or even a hopeful glimpse of what that love can look like.

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To all the appas and father figures out there — thank you for setting the standard, whether quietly or boldly. You were the first to teach us how to love and be loved.