South Korean actor Lee Dong Gun recently shared a heartfelt confession about fatherhood, revealing his quiet fear that his daughter may grow distant from him as she gets older.
During the March 8 broadcast of the SBS variety show My Little Old Boy, the actor spoke about moving into a new home and preparing a special space for his daughter Roa, who is currently in the third grade. On the show, viewers watched as Lee Dong Gun carefully decorated the apartment with his daughter in mind.
He explained that he had previously made a promise to her: “Dad will move to a bigger house and make you a study room and a bedroom.” The actor designed the room according to his daughter’s tastes so she could feel comfortable whenever she visits.
The room features an elegant white interior and large windows overlooking the city, including a view of the famous N Seoul Tower. Lee Dong Gun said he hopes the space will allow his daughter to study and paint freely during her visits.
The actor also spoke candidly about his emotions as a father who does not live with his child full-time. “I only have a few years left to stay close to my daughter. That thought scares me,” he admitted. “When Roa enters puberty, I don’t know how she will see her father when we don’t live in the same house. I’m worried, but I’m also looking forward to watching her grow.”
Despite the circumstances, Lee Dong Gun said he is making every effort to maintain a close relationship with his daughter. When asked what they usually do together, he shared that they often visit her grandparents’ house for meals, go to kid-friendly cafés, draw together, or watch newly released animated movies.
“I think of it more as spending time together rather than the responsibility of parenting,” he said.
Lee Dong Gun, born in 1980, gained popularity through hit dramas such as Lovers in Paris, My Boyfriend Is Type B, and Smile Again. After his divorce, he largely stepped away from the entertainment industry, with reports suggesting he struggled personally and even developed a drinking problem.
The actor has recently returned to the public eye with a more positive outlook. Through My Little Old Boy, he has opened up about life as a single father and his efforts to reconnect with his daughter. He also recently opened a Mediterranean-style café on Jeju Island, which has been gaining attention as a popular local destination.
Lee Dong Gun married actress Jo Yoon Hee in September 2017, and the couple welcomed their daughter three months later. They divorced in May 2020, with Jo Yoon Hee receiving custody of the child. Recently, the actor also confirmed that he is currently in a new relationship.
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