Ryu Seung Ryong is a powerhouse actor in the Korean entertainment industry, known for his versatility and ability to deeply immerse himself in his characters, both in dramas, movies, and theater. He has headlined various hit dramas and starred in several of the highest-grossing Korean films of all time. He is also one of the very few artists to have starred in at least four movies that have drawn over 10 million viewers each, proof of his well-known acting prowess among audiences and critics alike.

He made his acting debut at the age of 15 in a stage musical and eventually made his on-screen debut in 2004. During his acting career, he has also received a ton of award nominations and accolades, such as the Grand Prize for Film (Daesang) during the 49th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 21st Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards. 

Among the wide varieties of his roles, Hallyu fans and viewers realized how he has notably taken various "father" roles, each different from one another and iconic in their own ways. 

Here are some of his most notable "father" roles to date in films and series!

"Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2013)

In this emotional rollercoaster of a film, Ryu Seung Ryong delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Lee Yong Gu, a mentally challenged father who was wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced for murder. His unwavering love for his daughter, Lee Ye Sung (Kal So Won), was seen right from the start of the movie and their touching bond transcends the confines of prison walls, with the help of his inmate friends, making this film a tearjerker for audiences everywhere. His love continues till Ye Sung grows old wonderfully (Park Shin Hye) who carries his legacy. 

"The Piper" (2015)

Ryu Seung Ryong takes on another father role as Woo Ryong, in the film "The Piper". With his son, Young Nam, they arrive in a remote mountain community shortly after the Korean War, hoping to find jobs so they may earn enough cash on their way to Seoul. Woo Ryong is permitted to perform odd chores against the chief's better judgment, when he quickly discovers the community has a severe rat infestation. Similar to a Pied Piper from the Middle Ages, he strikes a contract with the chief to get rid of the rats in the town, but when it comes time for him to get his money and go, the chief betrays him and his son. He fulfills an ancient prophecy that causes terror in the village by luring the rats back with promises of retribution.

"Psychokinesis" (2018)

In "Psychokinesis," Ryu Seung Ryong becomes Shin Seok Heon, a father who gains unexpected telekinetic superpowers from a mountain spring affected by the meteor. He decides to use his newly obtained power to protect his estranged daughter, Shin Roo Mi (Shim Eum Kyung), and her neighborhood from an evil and powerful corporation. Seok Heon now tries his best to save her while trying to mend his relationship with her daughter, who has been harboring hurt towards him since she felt abandoned by him as a child.

"Life is Beautiful" (2022)

In the tear-jerking musical film, "Life is Beautiful," Ryu Seung Ryong portrays Kang Jin Bong, the seemingly cold and nonchalant husband of Oh Se Yeon (Yum Jung Ah), his dedicated and loving wife who recently learned she has a terminal illness. Upon deciding that the both of them do not disclose this fact to their son, Seo Jin (Ha Hyun Sang), Se Yeon thinks about her wishes and decides to wish on her birthday to go on a trip to find her first love from her school days which Jin Bong reluctantly joins.

"Moving" (2023)

He once again claims our hearts as a father with a superpower as Jang Ju Won, who is now living as an owner of a fried chicken shop and the loving father of Jang Hui Soo (Go Youn Jung). Ju Won, while now an ordinary citizen, was originally a former gangster turned former ANSP agent with his healing abilities and superhuman strength. While he was called 'Monster', Ju Won consistently shown compassion and eventually decides to leave his life as an agent and live as an ordinary worker even with his hardships in taking such jobs after an unfortunate incident that reveals his daughter, Hui Soo has inherited his power and raises his daughter on his own.

"Chicken Nugget" (2024)

In his most recent project, he is now Choi Seon Nam, a president of the company All Machines and a father of a chicken nugget. Seon Nam now goes on a crazy and unbelievable journey of trying to revert his daughter, Choi Min Ah (Kim Yoo Jung) back into a human after she turns into a chicken nugget upon entering a mysterious machine thinking it is a fatigue recovery machine. He finds a helping hand in the form of their intern, Go Baek Joong (Ahn Jae Hong), who harbors a crush on his daughter.

His portrayal of "father" roles not only showcases his exceptional acting prowess but also resonates deeply with audiences, touching several themes. Whether he's bringing tears to our eyes or keeping us on the edge of our seats, Ryu Seung Ryong's performances leave an indelible mark, solidifying his status as one of Korea's finest actors.