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.
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
A sample from our discussion groups. Real fathers talking honestly about fatherhood, no script, no agenda.
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.
Watch nowPete 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.
Watch nowFrom 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.
Watch nowSign up to be part of an upcoming discussion group, or to get notified when new episodes drop.
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.
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.
Fathers come to Abi-bu to deepen their understanding of their sons and of fatherhood itself, alongside other men navigating the same terrain.
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.
Meetings are conducted online via video call. In-person gatherings happen occasionally but are not the norm.
Participants introduce themselves and establish context for the session ahead.
A moderated conversation exploring a pre-set topic on how different fathers approach a specific aspect of fatherhood.
Fathers and sons split into their respective groups for more candid, age-appropriate discussion on the same topic.
Groups reconvene briefly to share key observations. The session closes with time for follow-up questions and next steps.
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.
Watch nowMr. Smith and his son Kai discuss fatherhood, parenting, and growing up between different cultural expectations.
Watch nowA Korean father and neurosurgeon reflects on fatherhood, traditional Korean parenting, and how family relationships have changed across generations.
Watch nowMr. Larson discusses parenting, education, and how families can balance achievement, lifelong learning, and personal growth.
Watch nowRoy and his father discuss how Korean fatherhood has evolved from traditional, authority-based parenting toward more open parent-child relationships.
Watch nowMr. Lee discusses how living in Korea and the United States shaped his approach to parenting, education, and communication with his child.
Watch nowMore conversations are on the way. New episodes drop regularly as we sit down with more fathers across Seoul and beyond.
Watch more on YouTube ↗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.