Sung Dong-il Shows Off 'Dad Mode' Reuniting with Ryu Hye-young on 'House on Wheels' Hokkaido Special

Actor Sung Dong-il showcased his doting fatherly side on the tvN show 'House on Wheels: Hokkaido Special' (hereafter 'House on Wheels') when he reunited with actress Ryu Hye-young, with whom he played father and daughter in the drama 'Reply 1988'.

In the 7th episode, aired on the 24th, Sung Dong-il, Kim Hee-won, and Jang Na-ra headed to Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido, setting up their new temporary home for a unique travel experience. The episode garnered significant viewership, ranking first in its time slot across cable and general programming channels with average ratings of 2.5% and a peak of 4.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and 2.5% average and 3.9% peak nationwide. It also dominated the 2049 viewer demographic, proving its popularity.

Upon arriving at Lake Kussharo, the cast welcomed Ryu Hye-young as their new guest the following day. Upon seeing her, Sung Dong-il immediately took her luggage and exclaimed, "I'll do anything for you," openly displaying his affection for his on-screen daughter. He also went out of his way to find a local restaurant famous for its 'butadon' (pork rice bowl) to ensure Ryu Hye-young had a delicious meal, demonstrating his attentive nature. Sung Dong-il praised her as "the most reliable daughter among my daughters."

Ryu Hye-young radiated a bright and positive energy, captivating everyone. She shared that she had a change in mindset about a year ago. Looking in the mirror one day, she realized, "I'm so pretty, healthy, with all my limbs intact and a healthy mind, what am I doing at home?" This led her to decide to show her true self. Impressed, Jang Na-ra commented, "That's cool," while Sung Dong-il jokingly remarked, "I thought she went through a major heartbreak or got scammed," drawing laughter.

Ryu Hye-young also impressed with her fluent Japanese skills, easily reading menus and ordering at a retro teahouse. She took good care of Sung Dong-il, prompting him to proudly tell Kim Hee-won, "Do you have a daughter like this?" During a fly-fishing experience, Ryu Hye-young spotted a wild deer, eliciting cheers from the group. When Sung Dong-il fumbled with his fishing gear, she called him "our daughter is number one," activating her 'dad mode' and adding to the fun.

Towards the end of the episode, Jang Na-ra and Ryu Hye-young displayed a close chemistry, like former high school classmates, even enjoying some impromptu acapella dancing. The surprise arrival of another guest, Ra Mi-ran, further heightened anticipation for the next episode. 'House on Wheels' continues to entertain viewers with heartwarming moments, beautiful scenery, and unexpected adventures.

Netizens reacted positively to the reunion, with comments like "Seeing Sung Dong-il and Ryu Hye-young as a loving father-daughter pair makes me happy too" and "Na-ra & Hye-young are so cute like high schoolers, feels like watching a school trip." Many also expressed excitement for the next episode, anticipating Ra Mi-ran's appearance, with comments such as "Ra Mi-ran is here! Trust Ra Mi-ran's variety show skills. Looking forward to next week."