RIIZE member Anton's father Yoon Sang opened up about his life living as a 'Gireogi Appa.'
"Gireogi Appa" is a South Korean term used to describe a man who works in Korea alone while his wife and children reside in an English-speaking country such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand, typically for the betterment of their children's education.
On February 5, Channel A's 'Close Friends Documentary: Dining Table for Four' featured a conversation about Yoon Sang's experience as a "Gireogi Appa" as he visited the home of singer Lee Hyun Woo.
Lee Hyun Woo initiated the discussion by asking, "How do you usually handle meals?" Yoon Sang replied that he mainly relies on take-out food, adding, "My wife and our second son are still in the United States," surprising everyone. His eldest son, Anton, debuted as a member of the idol group RIIZE and returned to Korea.
Yoon Sang's revelation that he's been a 'Gireogi Appa' for 14 years struck a chord of sympathy. Lee Hyun Woo, along with Jang Hyun Sung and Kim Jin Soo, expressed surprise, when Yoon Sang shared, "It's been 14 years already; it just happened that way."
Yoon Sang shared further insights, saying, "When I was a radio DJ, I lived right in front of the staff cafeteria for about three years, so I had lunch sorted out." He continued, "These days, I have some company colleagues, so I have a piece of bread for breakfast and then lunch at the company cafeteria. If I eat a hearty lunch, I'll usually skip dinner," drawing attention to his routine.
Meanwhile, on the day of the broadcast, Lee Hyun Woo invited close friends such as singer-songwriter Yoon Sang, actor Jang Hyun Sung, and comedian Kim Jin Soo to his home to share a meal together.
I feel bad for him. He's been supporting his family that's living in another country for 14 years? That doesn't seem right to me. And with his other son being in the group Riize and living in a dorm now. Anton's dad is living a lonely life.