Actor Kim Yong Gun Melts Hearts as Devoted Grandfather on Lovers of Joseon

Veteran actor Kim Yong Gun warmed hearts across South Korea when he appeared on the March 2 episode of TV Chosun's reality show 'Lovers of Joseon,' showcasing his devoted grandfather side as he spent a day caring for his grandson Woo-in. The 80-year-old actor visited the home of his daughter-in-law, actress Hwang Bo Ra, and demonstrated that his parenting skills have only sharpened with age.

A Grandfather's Tender Touch

From the moment Kim Yong Gun arrived, he was fully focused on his young grandson. Hwang Bo Ra revealed that her father-in-law had been eager to take Woo-in sledding before winter ended, though this marked the first time he was on solo caregiving duty. The veteran actor proved more than up to the task, attentively watching over the toddler throughout their time together.

One of the episode's most endearing moments came when Kim Yong Gun called out for his grandson but accidentally started saying the name of his youngest son, Sion, instead. He laughed it off, explaining that the name just keeps coming out because his youngest child's name is constantly on his mind. Hwang Bo Ra explained that her father-in-law has been so busy with childcare for his late-in-life son that the name has become second nature.

Late-in-Life Fatherhood at 75

Kim Yong Gun made national headlines in 2021 when he became a father again at the age of 75, welcoming his third son Sion. Now six years old, Sion has grown enough that his father describes his role as more supervisory than hands-on. Kim told the show that with Sion, he mostly follows him around making sure he does not go anywhere dangerous, but that caring for baby Woo-in requires constant close contact.

The actor also showcased his culinary skills by preparing his family's signature janchi-guksu, a traditional Korean noodle dish, for his grandson. Young Woo-in enthusiastically devoured the homemade noodles, delighting everyone on set with his hearty appetite.

Ha Jung Woo's Marriage on the Horizon

The episode also delivered a surprise revelation about Kim Yong Gun's eldest son, acclaimed actor Ha Jung Woo. When producers asked whether Ha Jung Woo is fond of children, the elder Kim replied that his son loves babies and that talk of marriage has naturally started coming up, especially after seeing his nephew Woo-in being born. The remark sent a ripple through the studio, as Ha Jung Woo and actress Cha Jung Won recently confirmed they are in a committed relationship.

Hwang Bo Ra, caught off guard by her father-in-law's candid comments on national television, reacted with surprise, saying she could not believe he brought up the topic on the show. She later shared that she has met Cha Jung Won multiple times and that the couple has been together for quite some time, adding that she believes it was Ha Jung Woo who fell first.

The heartwarming episode painted a picture of a multi-generational family bound by warmth and affection. Hwang Bo Ra, who married Kim Yong Gun's second son Cha Hyun Woo in 2022 and welcomed Woo-in in 2024, expressed deep gratitude for her father-in-law, calling herself not merely a daughter-in-law but a daughter in his family. Her social media post about the filming drew thousands of reactions from fans touched by the family's genuine bond.