Actor Ryu Seung Ryong opened up about the special bond he develops with actresses who play his daughters on screen, saying he often finds himself caring for them like a real father even after filming ends.
During an interview for the upcoming film Portrait of a Family, Ryu Seung Ryong spoke about working with Kim Si A, who plays his daughter Dong Joo in the movie.
Ryu Seung Ryong plays Joong Goo, a former star baseball player whose life changes after Dong Joo enters his family. Years later, he risks everything to protect her after she becomes involved in a serious incident.
The actor revealed that he originally turned down Portrait of a Family because he had already played several father roles and wanted to avoid repeating similar emotional performances.
He explained, “I had played a lot of fathers, so another father role came to me. Because it was about being a dad and paternal love, I apologized and declined the project.”
However, director Lee Ji Won eventually changed his mind by sending him a heartfelt five-page letter explaining the character’s background, the meaning of family, and why she wanted to make the film.
Ryu Seung Ryong recalled, “When I looked at it again, I could even see tear marks on the letter. I thought, ‘Who am I for her to go this far?’ After that, I started seeing things in the script that I hadn’t noticed before.”
He added, “It would have been a big mistake if I hadn’t done it. I told the director, ‘Thank you for holding onto me with that letter.’”
Ryu Seung Ryong also spoke warmly about Kim Si A and the other actresses who have previously played his daughters.
He mentioned Shim Eun Kyung, Kim Hye Jun, Go Youn Jung, and Kal So Won, saying he even invited several of them to the premiere of Bigwang.
The actor shared, “When I see actresses who played my daughters, they all feel so precious to me. I think I really develop the heart of a father toward them.”
Speaking specifically about Kim Si A, he said, “Seeing the energy Si A brought to the set made me proud, and when I saw her smiling, it felt very rewarding. Without realizing it, I would have a fatherly smile on my face.”
He added that he has often given small gifts such as bags or shoes to actresses who played his daughters, reflecting the lasting relationships he builds with his on-screen family members.
