If you are looking for a heartfelt drama that is refreshing, Family By Choice is your pick. The show reimagines the meaning of family that often transcends blood ties.
Adapted from the popular Chinese series, Go Ahead, the show is written by Hong Si-young and directed by Kim Seung-ho, who craft a heartwarming narrative that feels both fresh and universally relatable.
Alongside its main cast of Hwang In-youp, Bae Hyeon-seong, and Jung Chae-yeon, the series also features powerful performances by Choi Won-young and Choi Moo-sung.
Family By Choice centres around three individuals — Kim San-ha (Hwang In-youp), Kang Hae-joon (Bae Hyeon-seong), and Yoon Ju-won (Jung Chae-yeon) — who, despite being unrelated by blood, find deep bonds in each other’s company whilst enduring personal hardships.
Each of them comes from a fractured past: San-ha struggles with abandonment, Hae-joon bears the scars of neglect, and Ju-won faces the loneliness of losing her mother. Together, they form an unconventional family, navigating the complexities of life, love, and healing with unwavering support for one another.
One of the biggest strengths of Family By Choice, is that despite being a remake, the Korean version retains the emotional depth of the original while customising the story to suit its cultural context.
The writing of Family By Choice is also worth talking about. The narrative is subtle, never going over-the-top melodramatic, yet it brims with emotional depth.
The show handles sensitive themes such as trauma, mental health, and forgiveness with grace. The dialogue is raw and heartfelt, capturing the unspoken nuances of human relationships, while the pacing allows the characters’ growth to feel organic and believable.
However, it is the performances that are the soul of the series. Hwang In-youp delivers a standout portrayal as San-ha, bringing vulnerability and quiet strength to the character. Bae Hyeon-seong shines as the endearing and optimistic Hae-joon, while Jung Chae-yeon’s layered performance as the resilient Ju-won adds depth to the trio. Their chemistry is palpable, making their shared journey feel authentic.
The warm-toned cinematography and use of soft lighting and intimate framing further accentuates the characters’ emotional journeys.
Family by Choice is not just a drama; it is a celebration of chosen families, resilience, and unconditional love. With its layered storytelling, stellar performances, and heartfelt message, the series is a must-watch.
It can be streamed on Viki.