The Return of Superman: Triplet Psychology

PSYCHOLOGY, TV, Philosophy

Written by Rachel Jeong

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Whether you’re an only-child or youngest, middle, or eldest child, you have probably noticed each have archetypes. Or, perhaps you’ve noticed that in sibling pairs, the younger is usually the complete opposite of the older in certain respects. 

Most of us acknowledge these birth-order archetypes, even if it is unserious. According to Medical News Today, the oldest child tends to be more self-reliant, serious, responsible, and “behave conventionally to keep the attention of their parents.” The middle child may be more outgoing, attention-seeking, and funny. The youngest tends to be more free-spirited and creative.

One particular place where I see these categorized sibling archetypes played out is the South Korean reality TV show, The Return of Superman. This is not a Basketball Wives, KUWTK kind of reality show, but a show where different Korean celebrity dads have to take care of their children without the help of the mom for a period of time. Although it is quite antiquated in viewing the woman’s role–as much of Korean culture is–the hit show features the cutest little twins, triplets, and only-childs going about their daily lives.

My personal favorite is Song Il-kook’s triplets, heftily named Daehan, Minguk, and Manse, the Korean epithet for “Long Live the Republic of Korea.” I grew up watching them, and still do. Even from 2014 as round, wee two year-olds, to 2024 as tall sixth-graders, it’s fascinating how distinctly they still seem to represent the sibling stereotypes:

Daehan is the eldest triplet. I think the eldest child culture is more severe in Korea. Maybe that’s why, in their first TROS episode, Song Il-kook said that it feels like Daehan knows he is the eldest, even as a two year-old. Daehan is relatively quiet, but opens up more around his mom. Daehan is relatively sensitive, judgmental, and practical as a child. Even as a sixth grader in a recent You Quiz on the Block interview, he seems more geared towards custom and politeness. We see he is particularly talented at the piano. You can get the sense that Daehan might be a bit more wired to find comfort in his parents’ approval. Daehan seems most responsible. 

Minguk is the middle child. He frequently acts cute, being fully conscious of his cuteness as a baby, and talks a lot. Minguk is energetic and a people-person as a toddler. His father says he is easily jealous, like a stereotypical middle child. Even as a sixth grader, he overflows with playfulness the moment he walks into the room and introduces himself. I predict he will be a TV show host or grow in the entertainment industry at least. He is the most talkative, witty, and quick. 

Manse is the youngest triplet. Manse is the most carefree and free-spirited as a baby. He seems to not see practicality. Even as a sixth grader, he seems sensitive, and a bit slower as well. His slowness reminds me of someone who relies on deep thought or feeling, or thinks more abstractly. The relatively advanced art by Manse the interview shows us supports this. Manse seems more artistic and creative, as the boundaries of expectations of the eldest child don’t apply to him. Nor is he cold rice (a Korean saying for a child who receives little to no attention relative to other siblings).

The first theory on personality and birth order was created by Austrian psychotherapist Alfred Adler, the founder of the school of Individual Psychology. According to a 1998 study published in in PubMed Central, 

“Adlerian Theory suggests that birth order and the number of siblings affect a child’s potential. Adler called upon the importance of understanding the “Family Constellation”:

‘It is a common fallacy to imagine that children of the same family are formed in the same environment. Of course there is much which is the same for all in the same home, but the psychic situation of each child is individual and differs from that of others, because of the order of their succession” (Adler, 1964, p. 96).’”

Yet in spite of Adler theory’s existence,

much of modern studies continue to find little to no evidence to support these conclusions, and have yet to pursue further research in this area.

Although the sibling archetypes are not scientifically supported, it is still interesting to observe the potential links between personality and science, as we see it so-often played out to some extent in everyday life. Plus, it’s fun. We humans, especially Gen-Z, gravitate towards placing ourselves within preexisting groups to validate our existence or feel a sense of belonging; yet simultaneously, we hate being put into boxes. Regardless, the topic of how the factor of time shapes your being and identity is one that will continue to interest us, and expand our perception of the self.

IMG Credits: Asia One, allkpop (in order of appearance), we own no rights to these pictures.