Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Father Is Strange, which became one of Korea’s most beloved weekend family dramas and a true hidden gem that captured hearts with its perfect blend of comedy, romance, and genuine family warmth.
Father Is Strange is a 2017 South Korean television series starring Kim Yeong Cheol, Kim Hae Sook, Ryu Soo Young, Lee Yoo Ri, Lee Joon, Jung So Min, Ryu Hwa Young, and Ahn Hyo Seop. The series aired on KBS2 every Saturday and Sunday from March 4, 2017, to September 10, 2017, at 19:55 KST. The TV series gained huge popularity and was extended by 2 episodes from its original 50-episode run, bringing the total to 52 episodes with each episode running approximately 65 minutes. The series delivers authentic family dynamics, heartfelt comedy, and touching romance wrapped in the engaging storytelling that made it appointment television for Korean families.
A man’s peaceful life with his wife and children is turned upside down when an actor, who claims to be his son, turns up at their house. The drama masterfully explores themes of family identity, the meaning of success, and how strangers can become family while delivering the humor and heart that Korean audiences cherish. This show is a MUST watch! Greatest kdrama ever! It’s a perfect blend of comedy, romance, drama… everything! according to enthusiastic viewers who discovered this underrated gem.
The Byun Family Chaos: When a Celebrity Claims to Be Your Son
This drama is about a family that lives on the outskirts of Seoul. Byun Han Soo is the father and his wife, Na Yeong Shil is a dedicated, responsible mother to their three daughters and one son. Their ordinary middle-class life is completely turned upside down when Ahn Joong Hee, a famous actor played by Lee Joon, arrives at their doorstep claiming to be Byun Han Soo’s long-lost son from a previous relationship.
The series begins with this shocking revelation that forces the entire family to reevaluate their relationships and identities. What starts as a simple identity crisis evolves into a complex exploration of what makes a family, how secrets from the past affect the present, and whether blood relations are more important than the bonds formed through love and time spent together. The show excels at balancing the comedic chaos of this situation with genuine emotional depth.
Byun Han Soo: Kim Yeong Cheol’s Lovable Patriarch
Kim Yeong Cheol delivers a heartwarming performance as Byun Han Soo, the father whose past secret threatens to destroy his family’s peace but ultimately brings them closer together. His portrayal captures a man who has spent decades hiding a part of his past, not out of shame but out of love for the family he’s built. Yeong Cheol brings both comedy and pathos to a character who must navigate the impossible situation of integrating a celebrity son into his modest household.
Han Soo’s relationship with each family member creates authentic father-child dynamics that feel both funny and deeply moving. The actor masterfully shows how a simple man with a big heart can hold a family together through love, patience, and the occasional well-timed joke. His chemistry with the entire cast creates the warm family atmosphere that makes this drama so addictive.
Ahn Joong Hee: Lee Joon’s Celebrity with Hidden Depths
Lee Joon brings complexity to Ahn Joong Hee, the famous actor who discovers he has a family he never knew existed. Initially appearing arrogant and self-centered, Joong Hee gradually reveals his vulnerability and desperate need for genuine family connection. Lee Joon’s performance shows how fame and success can’t fill the void left by growing up without family love and support.
The actor’s journey from entitled celebrity to beloved family member provides some of the series’ most touching character development. Lee Joon masterfully portrays how Joong Hee learns to be a son and brother while teaching his new family about confidence and pursuing dreams. His chemistry with Kim Yeong Cheol creates authentic father-son moments that feel both comedic and deeply emotional.
The Byun Sisters: Romance and Individual Growth
The three Byun sisters each bring their own unique storylines and romantic complications that add depth to the family dynamic. Lee Yoo Ri’s eldest daughter deals with workplace romance and career ambitions, Jung So Min’s middle daughter navigates first love and college life, while Ryu Hwa Young’s youngest daughter faces the challenges of teenage relationships and family expectations.
Each sister’s story interweaves with the main family plot while exploring contemporary Korean social issues like workplace equality, education pressure, and changing dating culture. The show doesn’t treat the romantic subplots as mere filler; instead, they serve to show how family support helps individuals grow and pursue happiness while staying true to their values.
The Extended Episodes: A Testament to Popularity
A long binge to get through 52 episodes, this series stretched the K-drama tropes a bit while challenging Korea to move forward, proving that audiences were hungry for this type of authentic family storytelling. The extension from 50 to 52 episodes demonstrates how much viewers loved spending time with the Byun family, with fans suggesting that even those hesitant about the 52-episode count should watch because “You DEFINITELY won’t regret it instead you will be thankful”.
The additional episodes allowed for more character development and family bonding moments that made the series even more satisfying. Rather than feeling stretched, the extra content provided more opportunities to explore each family member’s individual journey while maintaining the heartwarming family dynamics that made the show special.
Success on KBS: A Weekend Drama Phenomenon
The series aired on KBS2 every Saturday and Sunday from 7:55 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. (KST). The TV series gained huge popularity, becoming appointment television for families across Korea who gathered every weekend to follow the Byun family’s adventures. The series attracted viewers across all age groups, proving that authentic family comedy-drama could still capture massive audiences in the modern television landscape. Most of the daily dramas and weekend dramas seems to have higher ratings compared to mini-series in South Korea, and Father Is Strange exemplified this trend perfectly. The show’s success established it as a modern classic of Korean weekend drama programming while demonstrating that heartwarming family stories never go out of style.
The Perfect Feel-Good K-Drama Experience
If you love family comedies with heart, heartwarming romance, and stories about finding your place in the world, Father Is Strange is the perfect series to binge on streaming platforms. This isn’t just television; it’s a masterclass in feel-good storytelling that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of family love to overcome any obstacle.
Why This Family Comedy Will Become Your New Comfort Watch
The characters, dialogues, situation are so real, making Father Is Strange succeed because it treats every family member with genuine love and respect, creating authentic moments that feel both specifically Korean and universally relatable. The series offers the perfect blend of comedy and heart, proving that the best family dramas come from understanding that love, laughter, and acceptance can transform any situation into something beautiful.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 52
Platform: KBS2
Release/End Year: 2017
Rating (IMDb): 8.1/10
Genre: Family Comedy-Drama/Romance
Status: Completed
Main Characters: Kim Yeong Cheol (Byun Han Soo), Kim Hae Sook (Na Yeong Shil), Lee Joon (Ahn Joong Hee), Lee Yoo Ri (Byun Hye Young), Jung So Min (Byun Mi Young)
Antagonist: Family misunderstandings and social expectations (no traditional antagonist)