Family by Choice K-drama review: A likable trio leads this heartwarming story

Leading trio in ‘Family by Choice’

There’s something consistently charming about the main characters family by choiceThe family unit that comes together by chance and love, holds no grudge against anyone, always takes care of each other, and truly believes that a hot meal can lead to everything from a small misunderstanding to a life-changing dilemma. There is a solution to everything. decision.

Joo-won (Jang Chae-yeon) is thrilled to be growing up with Kang Hae-joon (Bae Hyun-sung), who is waiting for her mother who abandoned her and disappeared without a trace, and Kim San-ha (Hwang In-yeah). The adults of this family unit, Joo-won’s father Jeong-jae (Choi Woon-young) and San-ha’s father Dae Wook (Choi Moo-sung) also form a stable alliance.

The three get along well until Hae-joon’s father suddenly appears in her life, wanting her to travel with him to the United States, and San-ha decides to move to Seoul to take care of her. Stay attached at the hip at all times. His mother with whom he has a strained relationship. All three feel that their happy life is in danger and slowly they are drifting apart. Daily messages on their chat group soon give way to formal greetings reserved only for birthdays and special occasions, before all communication ceases.

Jeong Jae and Dae Wook, fathers of ‘Family by Choice’

Much of the show focuses on Joo-won, Hae-joon, and San-ha when they reunite after nearly a decade. As they discover, a lot has changed, but thankfully the show doesn’t dwell too long on the initial anger and resentment, especially on Joo-won’s part. Teenage attractions have given way to strong emotions and there is a lot of romance in the air as well.

The father may be the core of this family unit, but family by choice It centers on the relationships of its two male protagonists, San-ha and Hae-joon, with their mothers. The two actors writing these – Hwang In-yeop and Bae Hyun-sung – are in fine form and it’s refreshing to see well-written male characters who wear their vulnerabilities on their sleeves. Hyun-sung in particular is completely heartfelt – often wide-eyed, happy and emotionally vulnerable. You will definitely cry several times during the show, and most of it will probably be because of him.

Bae Hyun-sung and Seo Ji-hye as Kang Hae-joon and Park Dal

Although it feels like the mothers are overly villainized, at least in the beginning, the writing thankfully gives San-ha and Hae-joon room to develop and reflect on their relationships. In all this, Joo-won’s role seems simple, but Jang Chae-yeon imbues her character with a sweet, extremely likable charm. Her loyal and steadfast friend Park Dal (a lovely Seo Ji-hye), brightens the proceedings with her presence and quiet intelligence.

Sun-filled frames, with spectacular views of the ocean from the terrace of their home, unique restaurants and a central flight of stairs painted with flowers, family by choice It makes for a visually stunning show, as warm and bright as the people who inhabit this world. With the increasing shift towards thrillers and action, slice-of-life shows seem to be few and far between. but sometimes like a show family by choice Comes along, which is light, emotional and full of heart. It doesn’t matter if the show is a remake of a Chinese drama go ahead), given how the story and actors hold their own in the Korean version. Sometimes, smiles and tears in equal amounts are what you need.

All episodes of Family By Choice are streaming on Viki