Family by Choice (2024)

Hwang Inyoup finally gets the girl~

I watched this series unbiasedly, without thinking there was an original and I liked it alot. I feel that many who are comparing with the OG might not be enjoying it as much, which is a real pity. Why must you torture yourself and take out the enjoyment upon yourself? lol

Given the length of the series the writers and actors/actresses did their best to showcase the story. 3 kids who had similar issues with abandonment, raised by single fathers, grew up with trauma and still tried their best to be ‘happy’. Their fathers did their utmost best to make it feel like a family, and the 3 siblings also contributed. Individually, each kid is not able to express their concerns openly given the fact that other siblings are also going through rough times. They bottled up everything and burdened themselves. On the surface, they feel like a family, but deep down, everyone has their demons. I think they did a great job showcasing that throughout the show. And whenever shit hits the fan, they were always there for each other, and that’s what matters.

This series isn’t a masterpiece or a 10/10, however it was satisfying enough to watch. I do think the finale episode was rushed, jammed in a lot of situations to make a happy ending. On an overall scale of the series- it was a good 8/10. It would have been great if they extended the show for 4 more episodes, just to flesh out some things. My man Hwang Inyoup finally is the lead and gets the girl, so it’s a 8.5/10 for me (:.

Overall, I advise anyone watching this series to not think of the original story. But to view this as its own version, a kdrama version, and really take in the story, the struggle, and the bonds that these 3 kids and their family shared. Just follow the story and enjoy the moment. I liked it.

Also, bring some tissues.

===Spoilers=== a longer ranting

I don’t think Sanha and Juwon relationship is rushed in an overall sense. Sanha has liked Juwon since their childhood days and the drama gave us many subtle hints regarding it. She relies on him more than she knows. When she’s in trouble, she’s more afraid that Sanha will get upset than Haejun. When he confessed in episode 10, her reaction was perfectly normal. It’s sudden, and also ‘what comes after this?’. She really didn’t want to lose him. She was nonchalant when Haejun said they should get married because that idea was far fetched. However, it was different when Sanha did it. She only realized later that she truly liked him as a man rather than ‘brother’.

Haejun and Dal relationship is perfectly where it should have been. In the phase of ‘I didn’t know your feelings 10 years ago, however now that I know, I would like to really know you. So let’s start dating’- and that’s what dating is, to know more about the person. The only regret is that I think there should be more screen time for Dal and Haejun, more butterfly moments. But I guess they did not write that in because it would conflict with Haejun’s personality- he’s oblivious to these kinds of things. More moments will give him hints.

I understand Juwon’s father when he hesitates for approval. Sanha held alot of responsibilities, some even he shouldn’t be responsible for. Of all their years together, he never voiced it out or asked for support. Juwon’s father lives with them but he truly never knew of the internal struggles of Sanha, since he does not open up. So if Juwon and Sanha have a fight, Sanha won’t likely be open up to Juwon’s father- in that sense, it seems like he had lost a son.

Haejun loves both of his siblings and he always wanted a place to belong to, as being abandoned by his father AND mother since young. I understand his need to be within the family, similarly with Juwon, but the difference is- he doesn’t wish to be abandoned again. That’s why he felt so angry and sad when Juwon and Sanha dated. He felt left out. When his mom came back, he was truly overjoyed because if his Dad and Mom got married, it would finally fulfill his wish. It was a happy occasion, but indeed a rush to the finale.

I think if this series had 4 more episodes, some of these issues could be ironed out and be digestible throughout each episode, making more sense. However with 16 episodes compared to 40 episodes of the original, they did well for the story itself.

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Choice is the keyword

Let me get this out of the way: the romance made no sense in this drama. I wasn't feeling it and it was unnecessary.

Yes, we see SanHa falling in love and remaining in love but there was never a clue about JuWon's feelings until after Sana confesses. She always saw him as a brother, they grew up as siblings or maybe as cousins, since they didn't live in the same house. A cousin is still family and family love is nothing like romantic love. It was brotherly love and it was a choice. A family of choice is still a family, blood is absolutely meaningless.

I enjoyed the drama because of the family theme. It's a theme that resonates with me because I too was brought up in an unconventional family. My family is and will always be my mother and my grandma. They raised me and protected me the best they could.
I found it strange that the men were the ones who stayed when statistically the women are the ones who tend to raise their children alone.

The one cultural difference I can't seem to get past has to do with family and with how bonds are broken with the children as if they're disposable once the adults' relationship ends. I see that a lot in Korean and Japanese dramas and movies and I know some people who dealt with that irl.

I don't understand how a parent leaves their children behind once they remarry and say they're not family anymore. I don't think I'll ever understand how a person can birth and/or raise a child and then abandon them just because they don't love their spouse anymore. A child is a commitment for life.

Anyway, the dynamics were interesting and infuriating at times. That mother really tested my patience.
The acting was OK and the production too. somehow, everything seemed a bit underwhelming but I still enjoyed it anyway.

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Better than I expected

I usually don't watch remakes, especially when I've watched the original version. But Family by Choice felt like a new experience. While the plot is based on Go Ahead, Family by Choice feels more tame with its portrayal of abuse. But I still loved it. It was comforting to watch.

The casting was perfect. But I didn't really like how much they changed the female lead's character cause she was one of my favourite characters from Go Ahead. Yoon Juwon had her own charms, but it sometimes felt like she didn't have a life outside of her family.

I personally loved the first 10 episodes. The last 6 episodes made me feel like the writers were trying to solve every issue at the same time without dealing with any of them properly. Felt a bit sloppy and messy. I loved how they didn't make an unnecessary love triangle. The sibling-like relationship between Yoon Juwon and Kang Haejun was heartwarming to watch.

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Family by fate

I watched GO AHEAD as my second ever cdrama 2021 and I loved it I cried laughed while watching it. When I heard they were doing a remake of of go ahead at first I thought they might not meet my expectations but they did and they did exceed them. I love how Haejun never had feelings for Juwoon and he only offered marriage to have a certificate that verify he is part of the family. Kim Sanha was a ten , how he portrayed his emotions and feelings. Juwoon showed growth at the right time and was there when she noticed Kim Sanha was not okay , she never pushed for answers or put pressure on him she waited. What I hate is how Sanha's mother never apologized for what she did. And the relationship between Sanha and Haejun was everything they fought when necessary but they had each other's back when needed

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Definitely worth to watch!

Family By Choice is definitely a K-drama worth watching anytime you’re in need of a heartwarming and kind-hearted show. You’ll quickly grow attached—and maybe even obsessed—with the mental and emotional journeys of the four kids, Sanha, Haejun, Juwon, and Dal, who carry the story so beautifully. Juwon’s and Sanha’s dads also play a significant role, portraying two touching and resilient single parents who add depth and warmth to the show.

The story is beautifully written, making it easy to feel and connect with the emotions each character faces.
Sanha and Haejun’s stories with their moms are particularly heartbreaking and, at times, infuriating. At first, the reasons behind their mothers abandoning them seem selfish, but as the story unfolds, we slowly begin to understand and empathize with their decisions.

Juwon’s feelings are the sweetest part of the show. She’s a girl who grew up with two brothers and eventually found love with one of them, Sanha. I’m grateful to the screenwriters for avoiding the overused love triangle trope, which wouldn’t have added anything to the plot. Instead, Juwon’s character arc concludes with happy and fulfilling relationships with both Haejun and Sanha.

My favorite character, though, is undoubtedly Park Dal. Her character is touching in so many ways. Her shy nature, combined with her determination to express her true feelings—both for Haejun and her mother—makes her character development feel smooth and authentic. I especially loved how Haejun was oblivious to the depth of her feelings for him, and how Dal worked so hard to show him her love. It made their eventual romance in the finale incredibly satisfying to watch.

I won’t spoil any more for you, but I highly recommend Family By Choice whenever you’re looking for a sweet and heartwarming K-drama. It’s the perfect story to make you feel like you’re living with a comfortable, loving family for a few days or weeks.

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A very good adaptation with a lot of personal character!

I'm a BIG BIG BIG fan of Go Ahead, literally my first 10 star in this site. For me, Family by Choice feels like a gift.

It give generally more stress free life for all characters (they use kdrama magic here and there). They cut a lot of angst, so some toxic trait of the characters also gone. They cut a lot of super super complex internal feeling. A very wise choice, because no way they can tackle that in 16 episodes. But they still able to deliver important plot points, either funny, wholesome or emotional.

While Go Ahead is more realistic feeling, Family By Choice is more hopeful and dreamy. Like, San Ha is super positive even until the end (no lie I miss lil bit of pettiness from him, haha). How his sister is not toxic. How Haejun still in track with his love of basketball instead of change career to make cake (Juwon can make it herself!). Generally the change always move to positive feeling. Difference like that keep happen in this drama, make the tone it more light. So the resolution can be shorter.

Actors acting are so good. On par with OG actors, they are seriously great. The only one that weaker is Juwon. Her acting is not as complex and her acting as young Juwon to adult Juwon are not drastic enough. But I feel it's not fair to compare because Tan Song Yun is a lot older IRL and she start as younger Jian Jian. Also, the storyline didn't give Chae Yeon enough chance. A very important story point where Juwon's internal feeling transitioning from seeing Sanha as 'sibling' to lover, is gone! It's too sudden with no enough development time from Juwon stand point. She still give good performance generally, with charming young Juwon to some emotional parts here and there.

The cinematography and music are a lot better than Go Ahead. It's more consistent in quality and very beautifully shoot. I also adore how they adapt this drama from very Chinese to very Korean. Not only the setting change, but we can also see the difference in characters traits, social dynamic, culture, way of life. They make the story their own, while still keep the soul of Go Ahead alive.

Last but not the least, the best thing about this drama: It give us HAEJUN-DAL!!!

I really want this couple to be a thing even in Go Ahead. But the OG drama was too realistic :') I mean, I love realistic story but at that point I thought, "Can't you give us this couple? No need to be that realistic it still a drama..." But yeah, that not happened. That's why I love the change! How Dan feeling more unwavering, how she choose to pursue her feeling. How precious Park Dal is to the trio. She is a treasure. And because Haejun is super dense even though he is more advance in dating, their dynamic is so fun. I really love this couple, the greatest gift from Family by Choice!

I have fun watch it. Maybe the best drama adaptation I ever watch. It's good for people that can't stand long drama and can't stand heavier feeling in Go Ahead. It's a good additional to Go Ahead world.

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I can't stand seeing Sanha and Juwon in romantic relationship

I like the storyline and the bonding between family in third floor and second floor. I really like the way they act like they are real siblings. When they had quarrel each other, mocking each other even protecting each other. I also really like the way Mr Yoon treated Haejun like he is his own son. Everything was touched and good. everything goes well for me before Sanha confesses his feeling to Juwon. It's shortly cringey for me because since at the beginning, they play too good to be siblings. Till the end i still can't accept that Sanha and Juwon are romantically interested each other. But overall, this drama is really good and worth to watch. 8/10 from me

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This is not remake, it's re-create

I have watched several remade dramas. Many of them disappointed me, but there are remakes that are done very well. A remake involves creating a new version of a work, with adjusted plots and characters. I always hope for the excitement that comes from these adaptations whenever I try to watch a remake. There are two great remakes that I refer to when watching remake dramas: "Playful Kiss" and "Solomon's Perjury." Both are Korean dramas that adapt Japanese dramas and films. I watched both versions and was satisfied with them.

These two dramas adapt the plot and Japanese culture well, adjusting it nicely to Korean culture without rushing to build a new identity for the drama.

However, it’s not the same with this drama. In episode 1, this drama portrays the childhood of the characters quite well. The casting for the parents is very well done, and I am quite satisfied with that. The child actors are also fairly good in portraying their characters.

When the characters begin to enter adulthood, I noticed many important scenes that should have been included but were omitted. I know it’s not easy to condense 40 episodes, but removing major scenes and creating a new plot that lacks a similar message is not the right choice. This is a remake, and while being different and having its own color is fine, it shouldn’t come at the expense of altering the plot.

I was quite skeptical about JCY when the cast was first announced, but it turns out that among the three main cast members, I think she acted the most naturally. She manages to create a new character for Jian Jian effectively. A slight difference in character is okay as long as the overall character doesn’t change. What disappoints me more is the acting of HIY. This is the third time I’ve watched his dramas (18 Again, Why Her?), and I feel there hasn’t been significant development in his acting style.

My disappointment continued when I realized that the character Tang Can was not adapted in this drama. She is a main character who significantly influences Jian Jian’s character development, but this drama seems to prefer emphasizing romance over family and self-development, focusing instead on a love quadrangle that I think isn’t as important.

I am uncomfortable with the change in Ming Yue's character in this drama, as that’s where her development lies. The actress playing Park Dal has acted well, and there’s no doubt about that, but it feels like a new character. Ming Yue is a cowardly female character who gradually starts lying because she cannot express what she wants; she doesn’t dare to openly confront her mother at all during her youth. The first time she does so is at age 25, but here, Park Dal’s character boldly expresses her opinions to her mother while they’re eating together. That doesn’t feel like Ming Yue at all. It’s an unnecessary adaptation of the character.

In fact, this drama has a lot of potential if it wanted to place more emphasis on family rather than romance, just like the original story. Or like its title, because that is indeed its most interesting point. Almost 80% of the casting is well-chosen, with good acting and compatible faces. But everything feels wasted due to the plot that tries too hard to create something new, a new identity. If that's the case, it would be better to just create a new drama.

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Family always

As someone who absolutely loved Go Ahead, I was very excited about this remake, but alas I had to constantly remind myself that it isn’t supposed to be replicated.

The drama keeps majority of the essential story line with more emphasis on family importance, which does support the title. In a perspective of someone who watched the original, its okay, but still very enjoyable, however, unfortunately I feel for those who are a little disappointed as a lot of the core elements that made Go Ahead really amazing, seemed to be toned down and altered in a way that is underwhelming.

If you haven’t watched the chinese original, I feel the drama is amazing in that sense of being a stand alone! Its a lighthearted, romance and slice of life drama with some sentimentality. As a Go Ahead watcher, its basically a very condensed version of the drama, and IMO a lot more emotionally watered down.

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