Over the past two weeks, I’ve been completely immersed in a heartwarming family drama that had me laughing one moment and crying the next.
Summary
Family by Choice is a 2024 South Korean television series that delves into the lives of three individuals—Kim San-ha, Yoon Ju-won, and Kang Hae-jun—who, despite not being related by blood, form a deep familial bond during their teenage years. The series stars Hwang In-youp as Kim San-ha, Jung Chae-yeon as Yoon Ju-won, and Bae Hyun-sung as Kang Hae-jun. Supporting roles include Choi Won-young as Yoon Jeong-jae, Ju-won’s father and owner of a noodle restaurant, and Choi Moo-sung as Kim Dae-wook, San-ha’s father and a dedicated police officer. The narrative follows the trio as they are raised together under the care of Ju-won’s and San-ha’s fathers, creating a nurturing environment despite the absence of their mothers. Circumstances eventually lead San-ha and Hae-jun to part ways from this close-knit family. A decade later, they reunite, confronting past memories and rekindling their profound connections.
5 Most Memorable Scenes
Here are five of the most memorable scenes from the Korean drama Family by Choice:
1. The Unexpected Dinner Invitation: A heartfelt dinner scene showcases the trio—Kim San-ha, Yoon Ju-won, and Kang Hae-jun—sharing a meal together for the first time as a “family.” Despite their initial awkwardness, the warmth of the moment and their shared laughter hint at the bond they are destined to form. The scene beautifully captures the beginning of their unconventional family dynamic.
2. The Rooftop Promise: One evening, the three friends find themselves on a rooftop under a sky full of stars. They make a promise to always be there for each other, no matter what life throws their way. This moment becomes a recurring theme throughout the series, symbolizing their unwavering connection.
3. The Talent Show Performance: During a school event, the trio steps out of their comfort zones to perform together, showcasing their unity and individual strengths. The scene is both emotional and humorous, reflecting their shared determination and the joy they bring to one another’s lives.
4. The Heartfelt Reunion: After years of being apart, the trio reunites in an unexpected setting. The tension and emotion of the moment are palpable, as unresolved feelings and memories resurface. The scene serves as a turning point, reigniting their bond and setting the stage for the next chapter of their journey.
5. The Farewell Letter: A poignant moment involving a letter from one of the fathers leaves a lasting impact on the trio. The words in the letter serve as a reminder of the love and care that shaped their family, and it inspires them to carry forward the values they were taught.
These scenes stand out not only for their emotional depth but also for how they highlight the themes of love, family, and resilience that run throughout the drama.
Themes
Family by Choice explores several powerful themes that resonate deeply with its audience, shedding light on the complexities of relationships and the meaning of family. Here are the key themes of the drama:
1. Family Beyond Blood
The central theme of the drama revolves around the idea that family is not solely defined by blood relations but by love, trust, and mutual care. Kim San-ha, Yoon Ju-won, and Kang Hae-jun create a family through their shared experiences, showing that chosen families can often provide the same, if not more, support and love than biological ones.
2. Resilience and Growth
Each character faces personal hardships and emotional challenges, but their journey showcases the resilience required to overcome obstacles. The drama highlights how these experiences shape their growth as individuals and as a family unit, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
3. The Power of Friendship
The trio’s bond demonstrates the transformative power of friendship. Their unwavering support for one another helps them navigate life’s difficulties, and their connection becomes a safe space where they can be their authentic selves. Friendship is portrayed as a form of unconditional love and acceptance.
4. Healing from the Past
The drama delves into the process of healing, especially when dealing with loss, abandonment, and unresolved feelings. Each character carries emotional scars, and their journey of reconciling with their past shows the importance of addressing pain to move forward.
5. The Influence of Parental Love
The role of the fathers in the trio’s lives is pivotal to the story. Their unconditional love, sacrifices, and guidance shape the lives of the protagonists, demonstrating how parental figures—whether biological or not—play a crucial role in building the foundation of a person’s values and emotional well-being.
6. Belonging and Identity
As the characters navigate their relationships and life choices, the theme of belonging and identity takes center stage. The drama explores how a sense of belonging—whether to a family, a group of friends, or a community—can help individuals define themselves and find their place in the world.
7. Second Chances
The narrative heavily emphasizes the idea of second chances, whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones, healing broken relationships, or pursuing unfulfilled dreams. The drama portrays life as an ongoing journey where reconciliation and new beginnings are always possible.
These themes, woven throughout the story, make Family by Choice an emotional and heartwarming tale that encourages viewers to reflect on the meaning of family, relationships, and personal growth.
Personal Review
Family by Choice is a beautifully crafted Korean drama that managed to grab at both my heart and my funny bone in the most unexpected ways. It’s a heartfelt exploration of what truly makes a family, and it proves beyond a doubt that blood is not the only thing that binds people together. From the first episode, the drama had me laughing out loud at the quirky, relatable humor while also wiping away tears at the deeply emotional moments that feel raw and real.
One of the most touching aspects of the show is how it showcases the strength of childhood bonds that can’t be broken, no matter the distance or time that separates people. The three main characters—Kim San-ha, Yoon Ju-won, and Kang Hae-jun—share a bond so strong and genuine that it feels like they were destined to be a family, despite not being related by blood. The story perfectly captures how love, care, and shared experiences can create a family just as real and powerful as any biological connection.
The actors absolutely nailed their roles, bringing incredible depth and humor to their performances. Hwang In-youp as San-ha, Jung Chae-yeon as Ju-won, and Bae Hyun-sung as Hae-jun had undeniable chemistry, making their bond feel authentic and endearing. Each of them brought their own charm to the story, and their comedic timing was spot on, adding a lighthearted balance to the more emotional moments. The supporting cast also shone, especially the fathers, whose love and sacrifices added even more emotional weight to the story. The performances made the drama feel deeply personal and relatable, as if you were watching a story about your own family or close friends.
What makes Family by Choice even more special is that it’s a remake of the beloved Chinese drama Go Ahead. While staying true to the essence of the original, this adaptation brought its own flavor, making it uniquely Korean while still retaining the universal themes of love, healing, and connection. It’s the perfect mix of heartfelt emotion and laugh-out-loud humor, which makes it stand out among other family dramas.
If you love family dramas with plenty of comedy, this one is an absolute must-watch. The humor is warm and lighthearted, yet it never overshadows the emotional depth of the story. Family by Choice is a perfect reminder that family isn’t just about who you’re born to—it’s about who chooses to stand by you through thick and thin. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good drama that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile.
Next Week:
Next week I’l be heading to India and Japan to watch two new films, here’s a look into what you can expect next week:
India: A powerful Indian film centers on an ex-army officer who takes it upon himself to create a chain of goodwill and kindness in society. After witnessing widespread corruption and social injustices, he devises a system encouraging people to help three others in need, who, in turn, must continue the chain. Through his selfless actions and unwavering determination, he inspires change in his community, while facing resistance and challenges from a corrupt political system. The story is a compelling mix of action, emotion, and a strong social message about the power of kindness and unity.
Japan: A lighthearted Japanese romance follows the story of a high school girl who unexpectedly ends up living under the same roof as her school’s most popular and charming boy due to unforeseen circumstances. As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, the two develop a deeper understanding of each other, leading to moments of humor, tension, and heartfelt connection. The film beautifully captures the challenges and excitement of young love while blending humor and drama in a captivating way.
Song of the Week:
Check out my socia media sites!
X (Twitter): MeganMay235
MM Exploration 
Leave a comment