A long binge to get through 52 episodes, this series stretched the K-drama tropes a bit while challenging Korea to move forward. As one daughter complains to her old fashioned parents "...it's 2017.." But the standard boxes are checked; the girls with rich boyfriends, the class struggles, a legal problem, in-law stresses, parental respect, apologies, largely chaste romancing. Not all grim, some laughs and levity thrown in to make for a successful show. Give it a try.
12 Reviews
Watched halfway....
lmerana23 March 2019
Heartwarming, funny, sad
chilligrrl26 January 2021
I haven't quite finished this drama yet, but I'm almost there. This is a very good, if not overly long, family drama that is well worth watching. The acting is fantastic (even the portrayal of 'bad' acting is good!). It covers so many real life topics and family issues that you almost want to join this family. Even the repulsive mother-in-law is annoyingly amusing enough to be a good watch.
One thing I have to point out is the completely unrealistic portrayal of certain things the writers obviously have zero clue about, such as the LAZIK eye surgery. I've had it and that story was just as wrong as possible. There is pain. There are eye patches. There is blurred vision for at least 48 hours. You cannot drive for a few days. If only real life was like that procedure!!
Well worth watching though. It's long but you won't regret it :)
One thing I have to point out is the completely unrealistic portrayal of certain things the writers obviously have zero clue about, such as the LAZIK eye surgery. I've had it and that story was just as wrong as possible. There is pain. There are eye patches. There is blurred vision for at least 48 hours. You cannot drive for a few days. If only real life was like that procedure!!
Well worth watching though. It's long but you won't regret it :)
Family Drama Worth Watching
emma-suba22 September 2017
I literally just finished watching the last episode of Father Is Strange today. Even if you're not usually into family dramas, I really do think you might like this one.
It's engaging and well-paced despite its sprawling cast and multiple narrative arcs, and the characters feel like real people, even when things lean a little treacly at times.
I enjoyed almost every character in this show, but my hands-down favorite is Lee Yoo Ri as Hye Young. She is – in a word – Awesome. I think I didn't even know what I wanted in an awesome female character, until Hye Young exploded onto my screen.
In the myriad of romantic relationships in this drama world, the one that stood out to me the most was between Dad and Mum (Kim Young Chul and Kim Hae Sook). Beyond the flush of courtship that their kids went through at various stages of our story, to me, the longstanding affection and care that Dad and Mum had for each other was even more beautiful and moving. I love that in the big and little things, they unfailingly stood by each other, and supported each other, and demonstrated love, care and concern for each other. Even when they disagreed and argued, it was clear that they never stopped caring about each other. If anything, any disagreement they had tended to be rooted in a deep sense of concern for each other. Serious relationship goals, truly. ❤
In this kind of family drama where I know going in, that we're highly likely to get a happy ending all around, it's more important to me how we get to that happy ending, and the nuances around the journey, rather than the happy ending itself. And I have to say, Father Is Strange got us to its happy ending with a boatload of emotional resonance, feeling and heart. Well done, Show. Well done. ❤
It's engaging and well-paced despite its sprawling cast and multiple narrative arcs, and the characters feel like real people, even when things lean a little treacly at times.
I enjoyed almost every character in this show, but my hands-down favorite is Lee Yoo Ri as Hye Young. She is – in a word – Awesome. I think I didn't even know what I wanted in an awesome female character, until Hye Young exploded onto my screen.
In the myriad of romantic relationships in this drama world, the one that stood out to me the most was between Dad and Mum (Kim Young Chul and Kim Hae Sook). Beyond the flush of courtship that their kids went through at various stages of our story, to me, the longstanding affection and care that Dad and Mum had for each other was even more beautiful and moving. I love that in the big and little things, they unfailingly stood by each other, and supported each other, and demonstrated love, care and concern for each other. Even when they disagreed and argued, it was clear that they never stopped caring about each other. If anything, any disagreement they had tended to be rooted in a deep sense of concern for each other. Serious relationship goals, truly. ❤
In this kind of family drama where I know going in, that we're highly likely to get a happy ending all around, it's more important to me how we get to that happy ending, and the nuances around the journey, rather than the happy ending itself. And I have to say, Father Is Strange got us to its happy ending with a boatload of emotional resonance, feeling and heart. Well done, Show. Well done. ❤
A MUST WATCH
nehamahadik-334896 June 2019
This show is a MUST watch! Greatest kdrama ever! It's a perfect blend of comedy, romance, drama... everything! It is so perfectly balanced that the one hour long 52 episodes won't be enough... 💖
I wish I saw this when it aired... Loved it! The characters, dialogues, situation are so real.
so good😍
aylinzeynadini7 March 2022
I love it✨i just want to say this series was amazing. I wish i had seen it sooner, At first i was like oh 52 episodes it's too much so i didn't watch at the first time i found out about this movie so i delayed it 😆 but trust me it worth it.
Sheer enjoyment
imats8 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is going to be a rave review. I loved everything start to finish from the characters to the storyline. I wished there were more episodes. (Please make more)
The characters became real people. You saw them grow and change and mature. The love and affection they shared was so enduring. I hope the cast and crew had as much fun making this as I did watching.
I laughed out loud. It was awesome. There were tears but not like your usual drama. More laughs and smiles than tears.
When Ahn Joong-hee found out Han-su wasn't his real dad my heart broke. He had grown so much with the love that was given to him and after he found out the pain he was feeling was written on every inch of his being. He went from arrogant to happy to sullen. I was so glad he found his happy ever after.
There still 2 weddings to go and I want to be a part of it.
Joong-hee and Mi-yeong... I loved the couple moments. There wasn't enough. When he was teaching her to dance.. I rather think that was the moment love took a firm hold. Another 5-10 episodes may fill that gap. Spin off anyone?
Ra-yeong and Chul-soo... you are my favourites. I loved everyone but these two were sooo cute. Another 5-10 episodes as well please. The way Ra-yeong took on the chairman my heart melted. Definitely do a spin off with these two please.
Hye-yeong is such a strong woman you expected her to win at everything and anything but she had this soft core. Cha Jeong-hwan was perfect for her. I feel their story was told although I'd have like to see babies.
Joon-young.. what a sweetheart. I didn't like Yoo-joo at first but she grew into an awesome person and on me. She would make an awesome mother one day.
The characters became real people. You saw them grow and change and mature. The love and affection they shared was so enduring. I hope the cast and crew had as much fun making this as I did watching.
I laughed out loud. It was awesome. There were tears but not like your usual drama. More laughs and smiles than tears.
When Ahn Joong-hee found out Han-su wasn't his real dad my heart broke. He had grown so much with the love that was given to him and after he found out the pain he was feeling was written on every inch of his being. He went from arrogant to happy to sullen. I was so glad he found his happy ever after.
There still 2 weddings to go and I want to be a part of it.
Joong-hee and Mi-yeong... I loved the couple moments. There wasn't enough. When he was teaching her to dance.. I rather think that was the moment love took a firm hold. Another 5-10 episodes may fill that gap. Spin off anyone?
Ra-yeong and Chul-soo... you are my favourites. I loved everyone but these two were sooo cute. Another 5-10 episodes as well please. The way Ra-yeong took on the chairman my heart melted. Definitely do a spin off with these two please.
Hye-yeong is such a strong woman you expected her to win at everything and anything but she had this soft core. Cha Jeong-hwan was perfect for her. I feel their story was told although I'd have like to see babies.
Joon-young.. what a sweetheart. I didn't like Yoo-joo at first but she grew into an awesome person and on me. She would make an awesome mother one day.
Heartwarming
joanne-7804912 June 2019
Just watch this series must admit skipped a few scenes especially with the aunt and uncled wasnt really interested in there lives . the main couple for me was jung so min and lee joon perfect chemistry the acting was excellent . loved the younger sister as well her interaction s with her boyfriend were beautiful a great series .
just my type of kdrama
weamKYF21 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
An amazing drama, with great actors, everyone did a nice job.
That show deserves more rewards.
One thing that i felt annoying, last few episodes, they keep talking about the father's fault, all the characters discuss that when they gather.
Anyway i appreciate the happy ending even though real life is not that easy.
Thank you again for this drama and the amusement.
That show deserves more rewards.
One thing that i felt annoying, last few episodes, they keep talking about the father's fault, all the characters discuss that when they gather.
Anyway i appreciate the happy ending even though real life is not that easy.
Thank you again for this drama and the amusement.
Be prepared for a roller coaster emotional ride. Ends happy but you may not be happy it ended.
leahcubed25 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
9/10 is my rating. This is a 2017 South Korean drama series with 52, ~65 minute episodes.
First I provide a unique synopsis then review
Synopsis This is a drama about an average family living in Seoul. Things change when a struggling celebrity shows up claiming to be a son of the family. The series follows the family through many events from joyous to challenging. Through it all the strong family bond sustains them. Each child finds their way and pursues happiness in jobs and relationships.
Family members: Byun Han-su/Lee Yoon-seok (Kim Yeon-cheol) He is the father and head of the household. He was a Judo athlete prior to being accused of a crime he was innocent of. Through a series of events he wound up swapping names with his friend and keeping it to mask his criminal record to avoid hardship for his family. When the son shows up it is because of this name swap and Yoon-seok takes him in out of respect for his friend. He soon sees the young man as a true son and member of the family.
Na Young-sil (Kim Hae-sook) Mother and wife of the family. She is a nurse who learned of Han su's past when he was treated in the hospital. She knows he is innocent and helps him hide the past from the children and others.
Byeon Hye-yeong/Lee Hye-yeong (Lee Yu-ri) The eldest daughter of the family. She is a successful lawyer and has diligently worked to prove her father's innocence.
Ahn Joong-hee (Lee Joon) is a former idol who is now struggling at acting. When he loses a role because he cannot understand the emotions between father and son he seeks out whom he believes is his missing father.
Byeon Mi-yeong/Lee Mi-yeong (Jung So-min)- A middle child of the family she has struggled to find a career path since quitting as a Judo athlete following an injury.
Byun Joon-young/Lee Joon-young (Min Jin-woong) The eldest child of the family, He has struggled for years to pass the civil service exam.
Byeon Ra-yeong/Lee Ra-yeong (Ryu Hwa-young) is the youngest child of the family. When she is not annoying her other siblings, particularly the eldest sister, she is either on social media or teaching yoga.
Review
This was a very compelling family drama that provides a roller coaster for your emotions but ends happy. The main plot point revolves around an, at first, mysterious event from the past involving the father. You are quickly let in on the secret and it is then a matter of when and how the rest will find out and if it will be resolved. There are some sad moments, but the story overall is uplifting. I would watch this again and highly recommend it. It is a relatively long drama with over 50 episodes that are over an hour but it allows time character development and believable romances.
Spoilers
Hye-young the lawyer daughter is my favorite character. She is no nonsense yet does everything with such dramatic flair it was enjoyable every time she was onscreen. Her boyfriend turned husband, Cha Jung Hwan (Ryu Soo Young), is a mama's boy at first but watching as Hye young deals with the over bearing mother in law and the overly filial son is entertaining. He comes around and it is part of what makes him her perfect match.
Joong-hee, the idol turned actor, was also my favorite. His deep desire for a father was heart feels. It showed how famous people are still very much human beings. His romance with Mi-yeong was the highlight of the show and one of the best romances I have seen even compared to series where the romance is the key focus. Having them both drawn to each other even when they thought they were related illustrated the depth of their connection. He never gave up on himself and I loved that, I understood his anger when he found out he was deceived but I still thought the writers took it too far. He would have known the father did not know about his existence so was unaware that deception was hurting a child. He and the father had formed such a bond it was hard to believe he would not have understood the genuine nature of that connection. The father could have let Joong-hee contact him then let that fade as Joong-hee seemed ready to but he kept bringing him meals and showing up to develop a relationship. There was nothing for the father to gain from forging that tie. But people do act irrationally when they get hurt emotionally.
The kids acted so mean to Joong-hee when he was first in the house. The father kept saying my kids are kind they will accept this or that but they really were not completely kind especially in some of the situations. They acted spoiled and immature multiple times both individually and together as a group. The grandmother was so mean to him in the beginning. But that does reflect some previous generation's response to orphans and illegitimate children. My father was illegitimate in the US born in the 50s and he was treated poorly by the elders and society in general so it is a thing that unfortunately happens not just in South Korea but elsewhere too. It is an ugly streak in humanity to treat the innocent children poorly when the adults create the situations.
The sister-in-law, Kim Yoo Joo (Lee Mi Do) was truly horrible in the beginning. To go through sweet Mi-yeong's memories of being bullied by her was heart wrenching. I loved the way they handled it. It was cute when Joong-hee bullied her back a bit. I did not think it would be possible for me to forgive that character because I absolutely detest bullying and have stepped in to stop bullies in the past. In my school days I was not bullied as I had a very strong personality and no-one bullied others in front of me or they had it turned on them. I even shielded multiple people as an adult subject to workplace bullies. But there was a situation where I was bullied in the workplace and have experienced how miserable those situations can be. But Yoo Joo did finally see the light and changed and offered apology in the right way so even I could understand Mi-yeoung forgiving her.
I was so conflicted about the mother, Young sil. On one hand she was a great wife and mother who was always there for her family. The way she took in Joong-hee and then all of the sons in law and the daughter in law was one of the sweetest components of the story. I felt both annoyed and understanding in the way she emotionally blackmailed Yoon-seok to take on his friend's identity. It seriously would have felt like a sign from the Gods with the way the mix up originally happened. But it was definitely a character flaw that lying and hiding things seemed to be go to responses for her.
It was hard and I was torn about whether there was justification to deceive about his identity. On one hand he was unjustly accused, and there is such a strong, social stigma on people that commit those type of crimes that carries through to their children so it was understandable. Conversely lying is never good especially about something so monumental. The writers did a good job of laying that conflict out there and examining how the different characters thought about it, and how people in general might think about it. It was unfortunate that while we did get to learn there would be a retrial we did not know the outcome of the retrial. I felt beyond frustrated when you found out that his friend was the one that had originally betrayed him, and then he was so unwilling to talk about it even all those years later. I certainly never felt sympathetic towards that character as I thought what he had done was completely unforgivable. I loved when Hye-young lost it with him and was like look you will do the right thing or I will put it on blast what you did. The father told her to stop and was a bit apologetic about it but that dude more than had it coming. I do not think he would have been willing to testify without the threat of some personal consequences. Even if his mom had taken money he should've still told the truth and let the chips fall where they may. You don't let an innocent man go down for a crime because your family member accepted a bribe. His unwillingness to help right the wrong showed he was just a completely unrecoverable character. The other piece I felt wasn't well tied up was I would've liked to have seen his conviction overturned and then find out what happened to the people that had actually beaten that poor kid to death. A lot of times when that sort of thing happens, those type of people go on to commit other crimes. While Hye-young mentioned that if the conviction was overturned, they could reopen a case against the actual perpetrators we never got that level of satisfaction.
#MyFatherisStrange #KimYeonCheol #KimHaeSook #LeeYuRi #LeeJoon #JungSoMin #MinJinWoong #RyuHwaYoung.
First I provide a unique synopsis then review
Synopsis This is a drama about an average family living in Seoul. Things change when a struggling celebrity shows up claiming to be a son of the family. The series follows the family through many events from joyous to challenging. Through it all the strong family bond sustains them. Each child finds their way and pursues happiness in jobs and relationships.
Family members: Byun Han-su/Lee Yoon-seok (Kim Yeon-cheol) He is the father and head of the household. He was a Judo athlete prior to being accused of a crime he was innocent of. Through a series of events he wound up swapping names with his friend and keeping it to mask his criminal record to avoid hardship for his family. When the son shows up it is because of this name swap and Yoon-seok takes him in out of respect for his friend. He soon sees the young man as a true son and member of the family.
Na Young-sil (Kim Hae-sook) Mother and wife of the family. She is a nurse who learned of Han su's past when he was treated in the hospital. She knows he is innocent and helps him hide the past from the children and others.
Byeon Hye-yeong/Lee Hye-yeong (Lee Yu-ri) The eldest daughter of the family. She is a successful lawyer and has diligently worked to prove her father's innocence.
Ahn Joong-hee (Lee Joon) is a former idol who is now struggling at acting. When he loses a role because he cannot understand the emotions between father and son he seeks out whom he believes is his missing father.
Byeon Mi-yeong/Lee Mi-yeong (Jung So-min)- A middle child of the family she has struggled to find a career path since quitting as a Judo athlete following an injury.
Byun Joon-young/Lee Joon-young (Min Jin-woong) The eldest child of the family, He has struggled for years to pass the civil service exam.
Byeon Ra-yeong/Lee Ra-yeong (Ryu Hwa-young) is the youngest child of the family. When she is not annoying her other siblings, particularly the eldest sister, she is either on social media or teaching yoga.
Review
This was a very compelling family drama that provides a roller coaster for your emotions but ends happy. The main plot point revolves around an, at first, mysterious event from the past involving the father. You are quickly let in on the secret and it is then a matter of when and how the rest will find out and if it will be resolved. There are some sad moments, but the story overall is uplifting. I would watch this again and highly recommend it. It is a relatively long drama with over 50 episodes that are over an hour but it allows time character development and believable romances.
Spoilers
Hye-young the lawyer daughter is my favorite character. She is no nonsense yet does everything with such dramatic flair it was enjoyable every time she was onscreen. Her boyfriend turned husband, Cha Jung Hwan (Ryu Soo Young), is a mama's boy at first but watching as Hye young deals with the over bearing mother in law and the overly filial son is entertaining. He comes around and it is part of what makes him her perfect match.
Joong-hee, the idol turned actor, was also my favorite. His deep desire for a father was heart feels. It showed how famous people are still very much human beings. His romance with Mi-yeong was the highlight of the show and one of the best romances I have seen even compared to series where the romance is the key focus. Having them both drawn to each other even when they thought they were related illustrated the depth of their connection. He never gave up on himself and I loved that, I understood his anger when he found out he was deceived but I still thought the writers took it too far. He would have known the father did not know about his existence so was unaware that deception was hurting a child. He and the father had formed such a bond it was hard to believe he would not have understood the genuine nature of that connection. The father could have let Joong-hee contact him then let that fade as Joong-hee seemed ready to but he kept bringing him meals and showing up to develop a relationship. There was nothing for the father to gain from forging that tie. But people do act irrationally when they get hurt emotionally.
The kids acted so mean to Joong-hee when he was first in the house. The father kept saying my kids are kind they will accept this or that but they really were not completely kind especially in some of the situations. They acted spoiled and immature multiple times both individually and together as a group. The grandmother was so mean to him in the beginning. But that does reflect some previous generation's response to orphans and illegitimate children. My father was illegitimate in the US born in the 50s and he was treated poorly by the elders and society in general so it is a thing that unfortunately happens not just in South Korea but elsewhere too. It is an ugly streak in humanity to treat the innocent children poorly when the adults create the situations.
The sister-in-law, Kim Yoo Joo (Lee Mi Do) was truly horrible in the beginning. To go through sweet Mi-yeong's memories of being bullied by her was heart wrenching. I loved the way they handled it. It was cute when Joong-hee bullied her back a bit. I did not think it would be possible for me to forgive that character because I absolutely detest bullying and have stepped in to stop bullies in the past. In my school days I was not bullied as I had a very strong personality and no-one bullied others in front of me or they had it turned on them. I even shielded multiple people as an adult subject to workplace bullies. But there was a situation where I was bullied in the workplace and have experienced how miserable those situations can be. But Yoo Joo did finally see the light and changed and offered apology in the right way so even I could understand Mi-yeoung forgiving her.
I was so conflicted about the mother, Young sil. On one hand she was a great wife and mother who was always there for her family. The way she took in Joong-hee and then all of the sons in law and the daughter in law was one of the sweetest components of the story. I felt both annoyed and understanding in the way she emotionally blackmailed Yoon-seok to take on his friend's identity. It seriously would have felt like a sign from the Gods with the way the mix up originally happened. But it was definitely a character flaw that lying and hiding things seemed to be go to responses for her.
It was hard and I was torn about whether there was justification to deceive about his identity. On one hand he was unjustly accused, and there is such a strong, social stigma on people that commit those type of crimes that carries through to their children so it was understandable. Conversely lying is never good especially about something so monumental. The writers did a good job of laying that conflict out there and examining how the different characters thought about it, and how people in general might think about it. It was unfortunate that while we did get to learn there would be a retrial we did not know the outcome of the retrial. I felt beyond frustrated when you found out that his friend was the one that had originally betrayed him, and then he was so unwilling to talk about it even all those years later. I certainly never felt sympathetic towards that character as I thought what he had done was completely unforgivable. I loved when Hye-young lost it with him and was like look you will do the right thing or I will put it on blast what you did. The father told her to stop and was a bit apologetic about it but that dude more than had it coming. I do not think he would have been willing to testify without the threat of some personal consequences. Even if his mom had taken money he should've still told the truth and let the chips fall where they may. You don't let an innocent man go down for a crime because your family member accepted a bribe. His unwillingness to help right the wrong showed he was just a completely unrecoverable character. The other piece I felt wasn't well tied up was I would've liked to have seen his conviction overturned and then find out what happened to the people that had actually beaten that poor kid to death. A lot of times when that sort of thing happens, those type of people go on to commit other crimes. While Hye-young mentioned that if the conviction was overturned, they could reopen a case against the actual perpetrators we never got that level of satisfaction.
#MyFatherisStrange #KimYeonCheol #KimHaeSook #LeeYuRi #LeeJoon #JungSoMin #MinJinWoong #RyuHwaYoung.
Not For Me - DNF
fake_moviestar2 February 2021
Okay, I am not saying this is a terrible drama - it just wasn't for me.
I tried watching the first few episodes, and got through three before skipping to episode 30 (as another reviewer said that's where the conflict begins). But I just wasn't interested. The at home scenes were shot like a tacky, low budget soap opera/daytime drama and really just took me right out of the tone and mood of the show. The cast is pretty widespread, and I found it hard to connect with anyone other than Mi-Young (who is one of my favorite actresses and a natural performer) and Jong-Hee (who had a funny and interesting charisma that was very watchable). I think for those that like daily-life dramas focusing on the daily activities like work and relationships with little to no plot might like this. But this just wasn't for me.
I tried watching the first few episodes, and got through three before skipping to episode 30 (as another reviewer said that's where the conflict begins). But I just wasn't interested. The at home scenes were shot like a tacky, low budget soap opera/daytime drama and really just took me right out of the tone and mood of the show. The cast is pretty widespread, and I found it hard to connect with anyone other than Mi-Young (who is one of my favorite actresses and a natural performer) and Jong-Hee (who had a funny and interesting charisma that was very watchable). I think for those that like daily-life dramas focusing on the daily activities like work and relationships with little to no plot might like this. But this just wasn't for me.
The compass that guides my life
alaningle76 October 2022
The Byun family consist of Mother, Father, a Son and 3 Daughters, living in the same building also are the mothers mother and brothers family. Father has a small restaurant and both parents love and adore the children. The children are all of different abilities and temperament and often fall out and squabble, but underneath all the drama they love and support each other whenever needed. I think over the 52 episodes they manage to hold your interest exceptionally well because of the great individual performances of all the cast and the direction and storyline that develops of all the characters and allows lots of time for each family member. Yes at times it is overly sentimental but it does it with a smile and the humour will put a smile on your face whilst watching it.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
