Family by Choice

Where blood ties are woven with love, not blood.

4,85

Synopsis

Yoon Jeong-Jae, a man who becomes a father figure to several young people, creates an unconventional family with his biological daughter, Joo-Won; the son of his policeman neighbour, Kim San-Ha (whose parents are divorced); and Kang Hae-Joon, a boy abandoned by his own parents. Throughout the series, the family confronts past traumas, deals with present challenges, and makes critical decisions that shape their future.

Actors

Hwang In-Yeop
Jung Chae-Yeon
Bae Hyun-Sung
Seo Ji-Hye

Review

This highly recommended series focuses on family, friendship, and mutual care among those who matter most to us. Family by Choice invites us to reflect on bonds that go beyond blood ties, highlighting what it means to support one another unconditionally during difficult times.

Originally created in China, the first version of this story, Go Ahead, aired in 2020 with a longer and more detailed narrative. In 2024, it was adapted into this K-drama. Featuring a stellar cast of seasoned actors, the series is bound to move you deeply and touch your heart with every scene.

The story follows a widowed father who, along with his daughter, ends up raising two other boys, all under the guidance of his policeman neighbour. Together, they form an unconventional family full of love and understanding. Despite lacking blood ties, each member of this unique family has experienced personal loss, which unites them in ways that are often deeper, more caring, and more supportive than many traditional families.

Each episode delivers powerful lessons about the true meaning of family: when one person is troubled, everyone feels it; when someone falls ill, helping hands are always ready. It’s an emotional journey that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Choi Won-Young (Yoon Jeong-Jae)

The heart of the series lies with him. This veteran actor, known from Hwarang, The Queen’s Umbrella, While You Were Sleeping, and Heirs, brings an endearing charm that steals the show. His character revolves around love and sacrifice, ensuring his daughter and the two boys he treats as his own never lack anything. His selflessness and unwavering devotion make him an unforgettable character.

Hwang In-Yeop (Kim San-Ha)

This South Korean actor rose to fame in 2020 with his role in True Beauty as the charismatic singer Han Seo-Joon. Initially criticised for being relatively unknown at the time, the show’s massive success catapulted his career, and he has been in constant demand ever since.

Bae Hyun-Sung (Kang Hae-Joon)

After his intense role as a cold, calculated murderer in The Monster of Old Seoul, it’s refreshing to see him in a completely different light as the warm, funny brother of the family. His performance delivers unforgettable moments of humour that will leave you laughing out loud. We look forward to witnessing the growth of his promising career.

Supporting Characters:

  • Choi Moo-Sung (Kim Dae-Wook): One of South Korea’s most acclaimed supporting actors, recognised for roles like the teacher in Mr. Sunshine or the coach in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo. Here, he plays Hwang In-Yeop’s father, bringing depth and gravitas to the story.
  • Kim Hye-Eun (Kwon Jeong-Hee): Portraying one of the series’ most despised characters, her cruelty and coldness add dramatic tension, evoking strong feelings of anger and frustration. Her ability to elicit such intense emotions is a testament to her acting talent.

Why You Should Watch It?

Family by Choice is a highly recommended series. While it includes moments of hardship, it strikes a balance that leaves you with a sense of fulfilment. It’s one of those stories that will captivate you and make you want to set aside special time to enjoy it fully.

Full valuation

Soundtrack

It turns out to be discreet and not very present throughout the series, going unnoticed in many key moments.

Actors

The actors not only shine for their visual appeal, but also for the quality of their performances, convincingly conveying the emotions and complexities of their characters.

Addictive

In this aspect the series continues without disappointing us.

Final

It was simply perfect, leaving the Qkdramas team more than satisfied. In addition, the surprise appearance of a special guest added a memorable final touch, becoming the icing on the cake to close the series brilliantly.

TOTAL

4,85