What truly defines a family? This is the central question explored in “Family By Choice,” the Korean adaptation of the widely acclaimed Chinese drama Go Ahead. Through a heartwarming narrative, this series delves into the complexities of forging familial ties beyond biological connections. At the forefront of this exploration is Joo-won, portrayed by Jung Chae-yeon, who is determined to solidify her family as a “family on paper.” This ambition becomes a recurring dialogue at the table, often met with amused resistance from those around her.
Korean dramas have long been known for dedicating initial episodes to portraying the childhoods of their protagonists, and “Family By Choice” is no exception. The series skillfully recounts the story of how Joo-won’s unconventional family initially comes together, relying on a stellar lineup of child actors who embody the younger versions of the main characters. This choice proves to be a masterstroke, as these young actors deliver performances so genuine and captivating that viewers are left wishing to see more of them on screen—a rarity in portrayals involving children, which often veer toward the overly cutesy or annoyingly precocious.
At the onset, we witness Joo-won and her father Jeong-jae, played by Choi Woon-young, as they encounter San-ha, a new neighbor within their building who is grappling with the aftermath of a recent family tragedy. Jeong-jae’s status as a widower and single parent becomes fertile ground for neighborhood gossip, leading him to an unexpected blind date with a single mother. Her subsequent vanishing act leaves Jeong-jae to care for her son, Jae-hoon. Over time, these individual units — San-ha and his father Dae Wook (Choi Moo-Sung), Jeong-Jae, Joo-won, and Jae Hoon — merge as a cohesive family, cohabiting across two apartments.
The show’s narrative foundation is built upon a trio of talented actors: Hwang In-yeop, Jung Chae-yeon, and Bae Hyun-sung, all representing the older versions of San-ha, Joo-won, and Jae-hoon respectively. Together, they carry the story through their characters’ adolescence, navigating the tumultuous waters of high school life.
. In this phase of their journey, they grapple with typical teenage challenges, including romantic interests, career aspirations, friendship dynamics, as well as profound revelations about their parents that provoke difficult choices capable of threatening their family’s stability.
Despite the narrative’s complexity, “Family By Choice” succeeds in grounding itself within the feel-good, slice-of-life genre. The series elegantly balances light-hearted, everyday moments with the weightier issues confronted by its characters. Particularly poignant is the candid portrayal of how the trio faces scrutiny and judgment from both their peers and neighbors regarding their non-traditional family setup. The resilience and unwavering support they demonstrate for one another underline the show’s emphasis on loyalty, offering viewers a heartening depiction of chosen family bonds.
Visually, the series captivates through its presentation of the serene coastal town where the storyline unfolds. Each scene is imbued with a warmth that further enhances the show’s charm and appeal.
Adapting such a well-loved original 40-episode Chinese drama into a condensed 16-episode Korean version presents its own set of challenges. However, based on the first several episodes, “Family By Choice” handles this task with deftness and sensitivity. By distilling the essence of the original while introducing fresh, engaging elements through its adaptation, the series manages to breathe new life into an already beloved narrative.
As the series progresses, “Family By Choice” holds the promise of continuing to deliver a narrative rich in emotion and depth, supported by a delightful cast and thoughtful storytelling. Fans and newcomers alike can anticipate a viewing experience filled with warmth and charm, solidifying the show’s place as a compelling exploration of what it means to be a family.
Currently streaming on Viki, “Family By Choice” releases new episodes every Wednesday, inviting audiences worldwide to immerse themselves in this touching journey of familial bonds and growth.
