Born to a Korean mother and American father, Ricky Lee Neely (better known as Ricky Kim) is the star of various Korean television series, films, and reality shows. However, he is probably most famous for the recently defunct parenting reality series Oh! My Baby, centred around his life with theatre actress wife Ryu Seung Joo and three kids — Taylor (Kim Tae Rin), five, Asher William (Kim Tae Oh), three, and eight month old Ellysen Victoria (Kim Tae Ra).
In an interview with The New Paper, the self-professed ‘country boy’ lives by “one golden rule as an entertainer to be as transparent as can be” which is a world apart from what one normally expects from Korean entertainers who keep their private lives under wraps.
The actor, though fiercely protective over his kids, has no qualms with them being in show business. The two older ones, Taylor and Asher have had offers to walk the fashion runway, and have grown up with cameras, hair, and makeup as part of daily life. However, he mentioned should his kids start questioning why they have to be in the limelight, he would not force them to continue.
His love for his family is visible through his Instagram feed. Though he is often away for work, it is filled with photos of his wife and kids. Hands-on, a great sense of humor, and ridiculously good looking, he’s the perfect man, and thus our dad crush of the week!
The photogenic family recently made a trip to Singapore in May to film a special Singapore feature as part of Oh! My Baby, and was met with legions of adoring fans.
He dedicated a sweet Happy Birthday post to his wife, with different photos of them throughout the years and naming her his best friend, his rock, his everything. Now which woman would not want to hear that from her significant other?
He isn’t afraid to be goofy and ham it up for the cameras, a refreshing change from the usual Korean celebrities who always feel the need to present a picture perfect image to the public.
Nonetheless, he still has his aegyo and swoon-worthy moments.
We can’t wait to see more of the adventures of this gorgeous man and his growing family, follow him on Instagram at @rickykimkorea for more!
To read last week’s dad crush of the week, click here.
