Shim Hyung-tak and Park Soo-hong Strike Gold as Late-in-Life Celebrity Dads on Return of Superman

Two of South Korea most beloved entertainers are proving that fatherhood can be the greatest career comeback of all. Actor Shim Hyung-tak and comedian Park Soo-hong, both late-in-life fathers, have turned their parenting journeys on KBS 2TV Return of Superman into a commercial phenomenon, landing lucrative advertising deals and merchandise sales that have surprised even industry veterans.

Shim Hyung-tak, who became a father at age 48 after marrying his 17-years-younger wife Saya in 2023, has seen his son Haru become one of the most in-demand baby models in the Korean entertainment industry. Park Soo-hong, who married Kim Daye in 2021 despite a 23-year age gap, has experienced a similar surge in popularity through his daughter Jae-yi irresistible on-screen charm.

Baby Haru Meteoric Rise to Stardom

At just nine months old, Shim Hyung-tak son Haru was already making his advertising debut, landing a deal with diaper brand KAIYA as the company official model. The announcement, made during a broadcast of Return of Superman, sent ripples through the Korean advertising industry. Haru round face and expressive eyes quickly earned him comparisons to actors So Ji-sub and Park Bo-gum, with Korean netizens dubbing him the next heartthrob of the entertainment world.

The commercial success has been staggering. According to reports, Shim Hyung-tak has secured a total of 17 advertising contracts since joining Return of Superman with Haru, transforming his career trajectory in ways that decades of acting work never achieved. The veteran actor, who endured long periods of relative obscurity during his career, has experienced what Korean media describe as a complete reversal of fortune.

The show impact on Shim career was officially recognized when he won the Rookie Award at the KBS Entertainment Awards, a remarkable achievement for a veteran performer. The honor acknowledged that his appearance on Return of Superman had effectively introduced him to an entirely new audience of viewers who had never encountered his previous acting work.

Park Soo-hong Daughter Jae-yi Captures Hearts

Park Soo-hong parenting journey has been equally transformative. The veteran comedian, known for his quick wit and self-deprecating humor, has revealed a tender and devoted side through his interactions with daughter Jae-yi on the show. Their segments regularly trend on Korean social media, with fans particularly moved by Park emotional investment in every milestone of his daughter development.

The commercial opportunities have followed naturally. Both Park and his daughter have become sought-after figures for family-oriented brands, and the advertising revenue generated by their appearances has reportedly reached impressive figures. Industry analysts note that the late dad narrative resonates particularly well with Korean audiences, who appreciate the sense of gratitude and wonder that both fathers bring to every parenting moment.

One of the show most viral moments came when baby Jae-yi and baby Haru had their first playdate, creating what fans called the cutest baby duo ever. The episode generated massive social media engagement and further cemented both families status as fan favorites on the long-running variety show.

The Economics of Celebrity Fatherhood

The financial success of both Shim and Park illustrates a growing trend in Korean entertainment where reality TV appearances, particularly on family-oriented shows, can generate revenue streams that rival or exceed traditional acting and comedy work. Return of Superman, which has been a KBS staple for years, continues to serve as a launchpad for celebrity parents looking to connect with family-oriented audiences and brands.

Both fathers have been refreshingly candid about the challenges of late-in-life parenting. Shim Hyung-tak memorably confessed on the show that he needed to get three pairs of glasses due to presbyopia, struggling to see his own son face clearly without corrective lenses. Park Soo-hong jokingly responded that he had only gotten one pair of multifocal lenses, highlighting the humorous dynamic between the two friends.

As part of the show 5th generation family lineup alongside Kim Jun-ho, Jang Dong-min, and Son Min-soo, Shim and Park have brought a unique energy to Return of Superman. Their genuine amazement at fatherhood, combined with their entertainment experience, creates compelling television that continues to attract viewers and advertisers alike. For these two late-blooming dads, the greatest show of their careers is happening right at home.