Ahn Jae-wook revealed he raced against Taeyang at their kids sports day, humorously admitting defeat. Both stars, despite their fame, shared relatable dad moments—from pre-competition nerves to parenting milestones. Their story shows how fatherhood connects even the most unexpected celebrities through shared experiences.
In the world of Korean entertainment, few stories are as heartwarming as when two stars from different generations cross paths in the most unexpected way - especially when that meeting happens at a kindergarten sports day. Veteran actor Ahn Jae-wook, beloved for his timeless charm, recently shared a delightful anecdote about his unlikely encounter with BIGBANG's Taeyang, one of K-pop's most iconic idols, revealing:
"We met at the sports day."
The revelation came during his guest appearance on SBS's My Little Old Boy, where he humorously recounted how the two ended up competing against each other as fathers.
Source: Instagram/theannyeongoppa & Instagram/steelajw6796
What makes this story particularly endearing is that their children attended the same kindergarten, turning these celebrities into what Ahn jokingly called "parent classmates." But this wasn't just a casual meet-up. Ahn, now in his 50s and a proud father of two, admitted:
"I was really nervous. I was worried I'd embarrass myself. What would I do if they made me do it? I was so worried about that."
To his surprise, one of the other fathers was none other than Taeyang, who, despite being a decade younger, stood alongside him as an equal - albeit a far more athletic one.
Source: SBS via Chosun
"Taeyang came in first and I came in second or third," Ahn laughed, proving that age is just a number when it comes to parental pride.
From Idol to Family Man: Taeyang's Journey into Fatherhood
Taeyang's transition from global superstar to devoted family man has been one of K-pop's most heartwarming narratives. After marrying actress Min Hyo-rin in February 2018 following a three-year relationship that began in June 2015, the couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2021. Their love story captivated fans, especially since Hyo-rin was Taeyang's first publicly acknowledged girlfriend.
YG Entertainment's CEO Yang Hyun-suk even publicly celebrated their relationship, stating:
"It's Taeyang's first girlfriend. It is something to congratulate and the YG family are all congratulating him."
When marriage rumors surfaced, some speculated it might be a shotgun wedding, but both YG and Hyo-rin's agency Plum Entertainment quickly clarified:
"It's true they're getting married in February. She's not pregnant."
Years later, when they finally welcomed their son, YG confirmed: "It's true that Taeyang and Min Hyo-rin welcomed the birth of their baby boy."
Ahn Jae-wook's Late Blooming Family Life
Ahn Jae-wook's path to fatherhood was no less touching. He married musical actress Choi Hyun-joo in June 2015 after they met performing in Rudolf, and within months, they announced they were expecting. When their daughter was born in February 2016, Ahn emotionally shared on Instagram:
“I finally became a father today. I promise to raise my little daughter well. She will be a healthy child too. Thank you.”
Now a father of two (his second child born when he was 51), Ahn revealed on My Little Old Boy that he's even considered expanding his family further:
"After my second child, we agreed to have one, and with the help of medicine… I've been thinking about it lately. What would it be like to have a third child? It would be physically demanding, though."
What makes Ahn and Taeyang's kindergarten encounter so special is how it strips away their celebrity status, revealing their most relatable role yet - as proud, sometimes nervous fathers.
For Taeyang, who recently held his first solo fan meeting ‘01’ (marking 19 years since debut), the sports day was a rare glimpse into his quiet family life. For Ahn, it was proof that even veteran stars feel parental pressure: "Other fathers are also 10 years younger than me, but in my heart, I stand on the same line as Taeyang."
At its core, the unexpected friendship between Ahn Jae-wook and Taeyang reveals a profound truth about celebrity life, that no amount of fame or success compares to the shared experience of parenthood. Their kindergarten sports day rivalry, where "Taeyang came in first and I came in second or third," as Ahn humbly recalled, becomes more than just an amusing anecdote. It symbolizes how fatherhood levels the playing field, creating bonds between people who might otherwise move in different social circles.
For Taeyang, the global superstar known for electrifying performances, this moment showed his transition into a role he values even more, being present for his son's childhood milestones. Similarly, for Ahn Jae-wook, the veteran actor who once dominated prime-time dramas, the nervous excitement he felt about potentially embarrassing himself in front of younger parents reveals how even the most seasoned celebrities experience the same vulnerabilities as any other parent.
What makes their story particularly resonant is how it reflects the changing priorities that come with fatherhood. Both men, despite their busy careers, Taeyang preparing for his Japanese tour and Ahn balancing acting projects, made time for something as simple yet significant as a kindergarten sports day. Their willingness to share these personal moments publicly, from Ahn's emotional Instagram post about his daughter's birth to Taeyang's quiet dedication to family life despite his superstar status, offers a refreshing perspective on modern masculinity in the entertainment industry. In the end, whether it's a K-pop idol or a veteran actor, the most rewarding competition isn't for awards or chart positions, but for the title of "best dad" - a race where everyone wins simply by showing up and trying their best.
Source: Chosun, Koreaboo, OSEN, SBS
Can we get a variety show of idol dads competing?
Maybe something like ‘Beautiful Moment’ by BTOB, that warm, piano melody perfect for heartfelt fatherhood moments. And the way the sunlight would catch their determined expressions as they run toward the finish line… I’m already writing the fanfic version in my head!
