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Dad Crush Monday: Tablo

By Samantha Jong
June 5, 2017

He’s the lead rapper of one of Korea’s top hip-hop groups, a talented songwriter and producer, and more recently, the head of independent music label, HIGHGRND. He has more than a couple of number one hits under his belt, and his group Epik High is known for their cool on stage performances. But it was his appearances with his daughter Haru on the show, The Return of Superman, where he showed his warm and affectionate side that truly captured our attention and made him a true blue dad crush in our eyes.

i will stand for you forever through anything #fatherdaughter

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

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Though he’s doing well now, Daniel Armand Lee Seon-Woong (Tablo’s real name) nearly didn’t make it into the music industry as his parents were not at all supportive of his decision to pursue music. Luckily for all of us, Tablo defied their wishes and after graduating from Stanford with a Master’s degree in creative writing, he moved to South Korea and met his bandmates Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz in the underground hip-hop scene, and they formed Epik High.

The band launched their first album in October 2003, and their music has been well-received by the public, with Tablo being the leader and the face of the group. They recently played at the Seoul Jazz Festival 2017 with Korean indie rock band, Nell.

once in a lifetime #EPIKHIGH #NELL #서재페 #sjf2017

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

Their popularity isn’t just limited to Korea and they are regularly invited to perform overseas. Their appearance at Singapore’s Sundown Festival 2015 contributed to the festival having one of its largest turnouts ever since it was launched in 2009.

Epik High in The Straits Times. #EPIKHIGH #EPIKSINGAPORE

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

They were also the first ever Korean band to be invited to perform at Coachella, which they did to a crowd of 3,000 in 2016.

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

Riding on his growing international popularity, Tablo was one of the select few who received an invitation to the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, where he got to meet many of his idols, including Chance the Rapper.

?? #grammys #suitandtie

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

He also got to speak with one of his heroes rapper, Andre 3000. Perhaps there’s a future collaboration in the works.

Despite his busy schedule, Tablo found the time to publish a book, titled Blonote in 2016. The book is a compilation of personal messages from musicians, directors, models, DJs and more, as well as thoughts and quotes used by Tablo.

the sun also rises #블로노트 #BLONOTE #북스타그램 #책스타그램 #얼굴에불지마

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

However, no matter how busy he gets, Tablo always makes it a point to spend time with the apple of his eye – Haru, his daughter with wife, actress Kang Hye Jung.

The brightest part of my life – Haru's mom

A post shared by Haru Lee (@tabloisdad) on

We love how he encourages her to be fearless and outgoing, and not to be afraid to be silly sometimes.

하루케인 블로 #fatheranddaughter #bff #베프 #love #하루케인블로

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

He even allowed her to ‘customise’ his phone! That doesn’t look like it’ll come off easily.

하루가 저의 폰을 커스텀으로 ^^ / Haru customized my phone

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

Tablo even brings her out when he heads out to meet his band, and this lucky little tot has had the chance to meet some of the biggest stars in South Korea’s music scene.

남녀노소가 함께하는 에픽하이 부산콘 뒤풀이 #에픽하이 #EPIKHIGH #전설의3인조

A post shared by tablo | 타블로 (@blobyblo) on

We’re sure Tablo still has lots to offer the world, and can’t wait to see what projects he has lined up next. No matter what, one thing’s for sure, that he’ll always be a sweet, loving dad to Haru.

?

A post shared by Haru Lee (@tabloisdad) on

 

For last week’s dad crush, click here.