Robert E. Kelly, famously known as ‘BBC Dad’, shared heartwarming family photos on March 14th, commemorating the 6th anniversary of the viral video that made him an internet sensation. In the original clip, Kelly’s young children, Marion and James, interrupted his live television interview on the BBC, reminding every parent to lock the door during video calls.
Some BBC Dad content since the 6th anniversary of the original video was last Friday.
— Robert E Kelly (@Robert_E_Kelly) March 14, 2023
Marion had a singing performance this past weekend, so we got some nice family pictures.
Thanks again to all of you who follow me bc of the video. My family and I flattered by your kindness. pic.twitter.com/1SWVtJME5e
The newly released pictures showcase Kelly, his wife Kim Jung-A, and their children Marion and James, radiating joy and love as a family. Expressing his appreciation to his social media followers, Kelly tweeted that he and his family are “flattered by the kindness” shown to them.
The memorable incident took place on March 10th, 2017, during a live television interview on the BBC where Kelly, a professor of International Relations at Pusan National University in South Korea, was discussing the impeachment of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye.
Marion, then four years old, strolled into the room with confidence, catching the attention of the host. Shortly after, James, who was only nine months old at the time, rolled into the room in his baby walker, joining his sister in front of the camera.
Ask Me Anything: Today is the anniversary of the #BBCDad video. I know I don’t talk about the video as much as many of my Twitter followers would like – sorry, we’re wary of over-exposing our kids bc they’re so young – but today is a good opportunity to revisit this. So I’ll /1
— Robert E Kelly (@Robert_E_Kelly) March 10, 2018
Jung-A, the mother, swiftly entered the room, retrieved both children, apologized for the interruption, and removed them. The clip quickly went viral, and Kelly became famously known as “BBC Dad” on social media. Kelly thanked people for their kind sentiments in a blog post, dispelling conspiracy theories and clarifying that the woman in the video was his wife and not a nanny.
The following year, the family returned to the BBC for their first proper interview, with Jung-A explaining that she did not realize her children had joined their dad until it was too late. Kelly elaborated on the overwhelming reaction from parents, stating that many of the comments they received were from parents who had similar experiences of trying to balance work and life.
Some BBC Dad content pic.twitter.com/3XlCMapr6S
— Robert E Kelly (@Robert_E_Kelly) August 3, 2022
Despite Kelly’s initial vow that his public statement would be his last, he humorously celebrates the incident with a social media tribute every year since the video went viral. In the newly shared family photos, the Kelly family appeared happy and content, with Marion at 11 years old and James at six.
Kelly’s social media tribute reminded people of the importance of balancing work and family life while celebrating the laughter and joy that children can bring, even in the most unexpected moments.