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Abibu Podcast: A community for fathers and sons

Fathers
& Sons
Matter

Abi-bu, what is it to be a father? There isn't just one archetype. A club for sons to learn about being a father from different men.

Abibu
Discipline without distanceBeing present When my dad wasn't aroundRaising daughters Work and familyWhat my father taught me The first yearFathers and Sons Matter Discipline without distanceBeing present When my dad wasn't aroundRaising daughters Work and familyWhat my father taught me The first yearFathers and Sons Matter
Father and son playing basketball Online discussion group

No scripts,
no experts.
Just fathers
talking.

Abi-bu is a father-son community based in Seoul, South Korea, dedicated to strengthening the bond between fathers and sons. In Korean society, patriarchal norms still heavily shape this relationship, often creating emotional distance or invisible walls between two generations.

Through monthly group meetings, Abi-bu provides a safe, supportive environment where fathers and sons can engage in open, guilt- and judgment-free conversations.

Our name comes from the Korean 아비 부, meaning father. The idea is simple: fatherhood looks different everywhere you go, and every version of it deserves to be heard.

"

"I thought I was the only one who felt like I was making it up as I went. Then I heard another father say the exact same thing, and something shifted."

Discussion group member, Seoul

Watch a discussion

See what a conversation
looks like

A sample from our discussion groups. Real fathers talking honestly about fatherhood, no script, no agenda.

EP 01
Fathers want sons to be better than them

Most fathers carry a quiet hope that their sons will surpass them. Steven reflects on what that desire looks like in practice and what it asks of a father.

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EP 02
American expectations on the role of fathers

Pete grew up with a specific picture of what a father was supposed to do and be. Coming to Korea complicated that picture in ways he didn't expect.

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EP 03
Shifting social perceptions across generations

From his father's generation to his own to Generation Alpha, Mr. Ha traces how what it means to be a father has changed in Korea.

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Discussion group at table Discussion group talking

Join the
conversation

Sign up to be part of an upcoming discussion group, or to get notified when new episodes drop.

About
Abi-bu

하나의 원형만 있는 게 아닙니다. There isn't just one archetype. Abi-bu is a father-son community based in Seoul, South Korea, dedicated to strengthening the bond between fathers and sons.

Our
Mission

In Korean society, patriarchal norms still heavily shape the father-son relationship, often creating emotional distance or invisible walls between two generations. As a result, both fathers and sons tend to be cautious in how they behave and what they express with each other.

Through monthly group meetings, Abi-bu provides a safe, supportive environment where fathers and sons can engage in open, guilt- and judgment-free conversations. These discussions explore the different ways men choose to embody fatherhood.

We believe that through these conversations, both fathers and sons can begin to understand the intentions behind each other's words and actions, which are often misunderstood. By building stronger, more empathetic connections, Abi-bu hopes to challenge the idea that there is only one way to be a father.

Fathers, in turn, reflect on how their words and actions influence their sons, and learn ways to better understand and support their sons' needs. Together, through mutual learning and growth, fathers and sons in Korea can begin to reshape the paradigms of fatherhood.

Father and son sitting together after basketball
What
Sons
Gain

Sons come to Abi-bu to think seriously about the kind of men they want to become, in a space that is both fun and meaningful.

  • Time to reflect on what kind of person they want to become
  • A foundation in core virtues and practical ways to live them out
  • Character development through active, engaging activities
  • Friendships with peers who are also working on becoming better men
  • Meaningful time spent with their father in a relaxed, enjoyable setting
What
Fathers
Gain

Fathers come to Abi-bu to deepen their understanding of their sons and of fatherhood itself, alongside other men navigating the same terrain.

  • Deeper understanding of the virtues they want to model for their sons
  • Practical ways to help their son grow into those virtues naturally
  • Opportunities to have meaningful conversations about deeper topics together
  • Connection with other fathers doing the same work
Father and son together at home Father and son sharing a moment
How
Meetings
Work

Abi-bu meets monthly, primarily online. Sessions are structured conversations designed to draw out honest, thoughtful perspectives on fatherhood. The format is focused and interview-style, with pre-planned discussion topics guiding each meeting.

Format
Primarily Online

Meetings are conducted online via video call. In-person gatherings happen occasionally but are not the norm.

Opening
Introductions

Participants introduce themselves and establish context for the session ahead.

Core
Structured Discussion

A moderated conversation exploring a pre-set topic on how different fathers approach a specific aspect of fatherhood.

Breakout
Separate Group Sessions

Fathers and sons split into their respective groups for more candid, age-appropriate discussion on the same topic.

Close
Reflection and Wrap-up

Groups reconvene briefly to share key observations. The session closes with time for follow-up questions and next steps.

Become part of a growing community of fathers and sons

Abibu
Podcast

Clips from our discussion groups about how different fathers approach fatherhood. Real conversations, unscripted, from fathers across Seoul and beyond.

EP 01
The Way My Dad Learned to Be a Father
Mr. Steven Hwang

A conversation with a Korean American father about fatherhood, cultural identity, and how life in Korea and the U.S. shaped his approach to parenting.

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EP 02
What Parenting Looks Like Across Cultures (America, Japan, and Korea)
Mr. Peter Smith

Mr. Smith and his son Kai discuss fatherhood, parenting, and growing up between different cultural expectations.

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EP 03
Not Talking Was His Way of Letting Me Be
Mr. Ha

A Korean father and neurosurgeon reflects on fatherhood, traditional Korean parenting, and how family relationships have changed across generations.

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EP 04
Kids Learn What Parents Live
Mr. Larson

Mr. Larson discusses parenting, education, and how families can balance achievement, lifelong learning, and personal growth.

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EP 05
A Father Trying Not to Repeat the Past
Mr. Song

Roy and his father discuss how Korean fatherhood has evolved from traditional, authority-based parenting toward more open parent-child relationships.

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EP 06
Finding Balance as a Father
Mr. Ruden Lee

Mr. Lee discusses how living in Korea and the United States shaped his approach to parenting, education, and communication with his child.

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More conversations are on the way. New episodes drop regularly as we sit down with more fathers across Seoul and beyond.

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Join
the
community

Abi-bu meets monthly in Seoul. Sign up to join an upcoming discussion group or to be notified when new podcast episodes drop.

커뮤니티 가입하기. Become part of a growing community of fathers and sons committed to growth, connection, and compassion.

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Contact
Us

Location
Seoul, South Korea
Meetings
Monthly in Seoul. Sign up to receive details on the next session.