'BBC Dad' Robert E Kelly Marks 7th Anniversary of Viral Interview Interruption

Seven years ago, Robert E Kelly’s life changed after his BBC interview was unceremoniously interrupted by his children live on air. Back then, he was flattered by the many “gentle sentiments” his family had received after millions watched the video online.

Kelly, an American associate professor at Pusan National University in South Korea, had been speaking to the BBC via Skype about the impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye when his daughter marched confidently into his home office in 2017.

When Kelly’s son James was only nine months old, he slipped in a baby walker, followed by his wife, Kim Jung-a, who dramatically chased and expertly extracted both children as Kelly tried to maintain his on-camera composure.

‘BBC Dad content’

Fast forward to 2024, both the kids have grown significantly. ‘BBC Dad’ Kelly shared their pictures on social media platform X. He shared heartwarming family photos, including Marion’s 11th birthday and festive Christmas gatherings.

“BBC Dad content. Today is the 7th anniversary of the BBC Dad blooper. So here it is again, with some recent family pictures in the thread below,” Kelly said in one of the posts.

“It’s crazy to me that this was 7 years ago. Now everyone who was a parent with a toddler during the pandemic truly understands what it was like for y’all! Your family is still so beautiful! Wishing y’all well, from Texas,” commented one of the users on X after Kelly posted the latest pictures.

Another said, “This was the most beautiful interview I’ve ever seen. My late wife and I laughed a lot during the transmission and watched all the replays. You have a very beautiful family. Congratulations to you, your wife, and your children.”

“I remember watching this and my husband and I laughed until we cried! Lockdowns had all of us working from home, where our worlds collided – everyone who has ever been on Zoom call can relate,” yet another commented.