Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Kim Bum-soo has stepped away from his 'overprotective dad' mode for his daughter Hee-soo, who is a 'top 2%' language prodigy with an independent spirit.

The 24th episode of Channel A's 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man', aired on the 10th, featured special guests including broadcaster Sayuri, a 'voluntary single mother' raising her 4-year-old son, and chef Kim Do-yoon, who is gaining popularity as the 'black-and-white chef'. The episode depicted the day when the '58-year-old flower daddy' Shin Sung-woo and his sons Tae-oh and Hwan-jun supported Kim Do-yoon's 'pop-up store'. Additionally, the '57-year-old flower daddy' Kim Bum-soo visited a counseling center with his eight-year-old daughter Hee-soo to address their differences in temperament and communication issues, leading to a positive change that touched viewers.
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Guest Sayuri shared, “I gave birth to my son Zen through sperm donation and am playing both 'mom and dad' roles,” and expressed her desire to gain insights from the 'flower daddies' Kim Yong-gun, Kim Gu-ra, Shin Sung-woo, Kim Won-jun, and Kim Bum-soo, who warmly welcomed her. Chef Kim Do-yoon, invited by Shin Sung-woo, humorously revealed that his girlfriend encouraged him to appear on the show, causing laughter. He also explained that he wore headphones during a competition to calm himself amid the noise, adding to the humor.
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
In a cheerful atmosphere, the day of Shin Sung-woo and his sons Tae-oh and Hwan-jun was unveiled. Shin Sung-woo, previously requested by chef Kim Do-yoon to assist with a 'pop-up store' opening on the weekend, eagerly accepted the task. He and his sons headed to a sweet potato field to fulfill the mission of harvesting 40kg of sweet potatoes for 150 people, which they delivered to Kim Do-yoon's restaurant. Grateful, Kim Do-yoon served them sweet potato ice cream, the 'pop-up store' menu item, as a token of appreciation.

A few days later, the much-anticipated 'pop-up store' opened. Shin Sung-woo joined the kitchen early in the morning to assist Kim Do-yoon in preparing sweet potato ice cream, 'noodle-wrapped kimbap', tteokbokki, and blood sausage. Tae-oh and Hwan-jun sold the sweet potatoes they had harvested at a stall in the restaurant. Thanks to the efforts of Shin Sung-woo and his sons, the customers were highly satisfied, and the 'pop-up store' was a success. Tae-oh, experiencing his first economic activity, was delighted to receive 30,000 won from Kim Do-yoon as his wage. Shin Sung-woo expressed joy in providing Tae-oh with valuable economic education. Tae-oh used his first paycheck to buy body lotion for his grandmother, touching Shin Sung-woo, who recalled mentioning his mother's rough skin due to illness.
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
After successfully completing economic education, the story of Kim Bum-soo and his 'language genius' daughter Hee-soo unfolded. Kim Bum-soo picked up his daughter from school and hosted a 'only child club' meeting with Hee-soo's friends. Observing his daughter engrossed in makeup with her friends, Kim Bum-soo was concerned, but Hee-soo's friends advised him not to pressure her and to let her do what she wants. Taking their advice to heart, Kim Bum-soo moved to a counseling center to hear the results of Hee-soo's 'Wechsler Intelligence Test', which revealed her as a top 2% genius, bringing a smile to his face.

The expert explained that Hee-soo excels in various intelligences, particularly in language comprehension. However, the 'temperament test' showed significant differences between father and daughter, indicating potential communication issues. Kim Bum-soo admitted, “I lack empathy, so I often clash with my sensitive daughter. I need a clear solution.” The expert advised giving Hee-soo alone time, as constant observation might feel like being watched by CCTV. Hee-soo dislikes showing vulnerability, so sometimes it's best to step back.
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
The expert also emphasized the need for genuine empathy towards Hee-soo, suggesting Kim Bum-soo recall moments of empathy from his own childhood. Kim Bum-soo, with tears in his eyes, shared, “I didn't have a good relationship with my father, who was often abroad and strict.” He realized that his desire to give Hee-soo the love he missed from his father might have been burdensome. Reflecting on his thoughts, Kim Bum-soo acknowledged, “Having a daughter made me understand my father's feelings. He probably didn't know how to express love.” The expert recommended waiting for Hee-soo to ask for help and moderating excessive attention and expressions.
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Kim Bum-soo Embraces Change for His Gifted Daughter: A Heartwarming Journey on 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man'
Returning home with complex emotions, Kim Bum-soo created a 'tent room' in the living room for Hee-soo, who desires her own space. Overjoyed, Hee-soo enjoyed her alone time in the tent. Following the expert's advice, Kim Bum-soo wrote a simple card saying, 'Hee-soo, I love you, thank you,' and gave it to her in the tent. Hee-soo's response, “I'm so grateful to be your daughter,” moved Kim Bum-soo to tears. Hee-soo warmly embraced her father, and Kim Bum-soo promised, “I'll stay healthy and be by your side for a long time,” delivering a heartfelt message.

Channel A's 'Dad is a Flower Middle-aged Man' airs every Thursday at 9:30 PM.

Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr