One of K-Pop’s soft powers is its ability to create a wide range of content that helps artists connect with fans. From TikTok dance challenges to variety shows, K-Pop groups strive to build identities that extend beyond their music. Fourth-gen leaders TOMORROW X TOGETHER have earned recognition not only for their storytelling through music, but also for their authentic and unfiltered personalities, which shine through in the diverse content they create.
Their latest variety show, ‘TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Parenting Diary (투모로우바이투게더 육아일기),’ is a reboot of MBC’s iconic reality show ‘g.o.d’s Parenting Diary,’ which aired from 2000 to 2002. Twenty-four years after the original series, TOMORROW X TOGETHER step into the role of parents as they take care of a 14-month-old baby boy, Choi Yoojun. The experience soon becomes a joyful yet chaotic journey, with the members discovering that raising a child is no easy task, even when five adults share the responsibility.
About Parenting Diary:
Premiering on Wavve from May 01, 2026, with episodes also releasing on YouTube every Saturday, the series follows the five members as they prepare for Yoojun’s arrival. Nervous but excited, the group welcomes him with open arms. However, the overwhelming attention quickly becomes too much for Yoojun, who bursts into tears shortly after meeting them.
The first two episodes focus on how the members divide childcare responsibilities among themselves. From feeding Yoojun lunch to attempting (unsuccessfully) to put him down for a nap, each member does his best to ensure the toddler’s needs are met.
As the series progresses, the members gradually learn to anticipate Yoojun’s routines and emotions. Yoojun begins to bond with them, flashing toothy grins, cheerful giggles and latching onto a different member in every episode.
While the members clearly adore taking care of Yoojun, the experience prompts discussion about the realities and challenges of parenthood. They reflect on how a responsibility as demanding as parenthood is often shouldered single-handedly by mothers, despite requiring the efforts of an entire support system. They also express how it’s unfair for childcare to be done by one person. Each member shared anecdotes of their childhood, wondering how their mothers managed to successfully raise them. Throughout the show, they openly voice their respect and appreciation for mothers everywhere.
Viewer Reactions and Discussions:
Historically, childcare responsibilities in South Korea have largley fallen entirely on women, while men take on the role of primary breadwinners. Korea’s culture of long working hours continues to make it difficult for parenthood to be equally divided among a couple, resulting in women single-handedly raising a child. This has lead to several women sacrificing their careers to take on the role and responsibility of childcare.
As a result, many viewers interpret ‘Parenting Diary’ as more than just simple entertainment. Discussion forums quickly appeared on Reddit, X and Threads. While many MOAs (their fandom) appreciated TOMORROW X TOGETHER for their attentiveness toward Yoojun and their sincere appreciation of mothers and caregivers, others expressed concerns about exposing a 14-month-old child to media production at such a young age.
Some viewers also questioned whether shows like ‘Parenting Diary’ subtly romanticise and encourage parenthood despite rising living costs and long working hours that modern parents will have to tackle. Other viewers also pointed out how the show unintentionally depicts the quiet reality within the modern Korean society: despite the overwhelming emotional and physical labour, the role of parenthood still disproportionately falls onto mothers.
Counter-discussions also surfaced in support of the show. Many MOAs commented on how child actors and models in Korea are not uncommon, and that it often helps Korean children and teens to make a breakthrough in the entertainment industry. They pointed out how TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Taehyun himself appeared in several commercials as a child, before eventually debuting as a beloved K-Pop idol.
Others expressed their confidence that variety shows involving young children are filmed under parental consent and supervision. Supporters of the show argued that Parenting Diary offers a realistic glimpse into childcare rather than an idealised portrayal of parenting and praised the members for approaching the experience with sincerity and care.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, Parenting Diary offers viewers a unique and realistic lens into modern Korean family life. While viewers’ opinions remain divided, TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s willingness to openly acknowledge both the joys and challenges of parenthood makes the show resonate beyond simple entertainment. The show has successfully sparked meaningful conversations among the public about parenthood, childcare and contemporary Korean society.
Sources of viewers’ discussion:
https://www.reddit.com/r/kpopthoughts/comments/1t25t0k/txts_parenting_diary_should_not_be_happening/
https://www.reddit.com/r/TXTbighit/comments/1t1rsmn/parenting_diary_txt/
Written by: Deborah Sridhar
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