Exploring “Family by Choice”: A New Korean Drama Making Waves

“Family by Choice,” a compelling Korean coming-of-age drama adapted from the popular Chinese series “Go Ahead,” premiered on JTBC on October 9, 2024. The series, penned by the talented Hong Si-young and directed by Kim Seung-ho, features a remarkable cast that includes Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-sung, Seo Ji-hye, and Choi Won-young, among others. New episodes air weekly on Wednesdays, captivating audiences with their heartwarming narratives.

Plot Overview

The narrative of “Family by Choice” revolves around three childhood friends who, despite lacking blood relations, share an enduring familial bond. Their lives take a turn as they reunite after a decade apart, leading them to reflect on their shared past and the memories that shaped their connection.

Streaming Availability

Viewers in South Korea can catch “Family by Choice” on popular streaming platforms such as TVING and Netflix. Additionally, services like Viu and Viki offer accessibility to international audiences, expanding the show’s reach beyond its home country.

Recap of Episodes 9 and 10

Ju-won’s Birthday Celebrations Take a Twist

In the ninth episode, tensions rise as Ju-won and Jeong-jae learns that San-ha and Hae-jun are preparing to move out. San-ha’s decision to leave for Seoul creates a rift, leading Ju-won to feel betrayed and withdraw emotionally. As the departure day approaches, her sense of abandonment grows.

San-ha discovers that Ju-won ventured to Seoul to see Hae-jun and hurriedly sets off to find her. Their paths intertwine in a cozy café where promises are exchanged about returning to one another’s lives. However, when the farewell arrives, Ju-won chooses not to say goodbye, indicating her struggle with the changes.

As Ju-won matures, her communication with San-ha and Hae-jun becomes scarce. By her 26th birthday, she has opened a bakery, while her childhood friends have ventured down different paths. A call from Jeong-jae invites her to a family meal, reminding her of their bond.

The plot thickens when a mysterious figure, later revealed to be Hae-jun, creates an unexpected altercation at her bakery, prompting a visit from Jeong-jae and Dae-wook to the police station. During their confrontation, Hae-jun reveals his challenges since returning from military service, including a disrupted basketball career and unfinished education.

Despite the emotional upheaval, Ju-won is hesitant to fully reintegrate herself into their lives. At dinner, as feelings of discomfort circulate, San-ha and Hae-jun express their intentions of staying, promising not to leave again.

Unresolved Feelings and Future Plans

In the tenth episode, Jeong-jae expresses his wish for Ju-won to celebrate her birthday joyously. Despite their enthusiasm, Ju-won remains adamant that San-ha and Hae-jun are not her family, signaling her internal conflict. Despite this, she learns that the two boys have rented an apartment next door, escalating fears of an emotional drain.

Amidst worries about Hae-jun’s jobless status, supportive friends encourage Dae-wook to collaborate on a restaurant venture with him. Meanwhile, San-ha waits outside Ju-won’s bakery, illustrating his unwavering dedication.

As they prepare to reunite over seaweed soup, Ju-won’s reluctance fades, leading her to finally share a meal and a birthday cake with them. She initiates a conversation about Hae-jun’s recent absence from her life, revealing the depth of their ongoing emotional struggles.

Flashbacks tantalizingly depict San-ha’s past inhibitions and how they may have impacted their current dynamics. The episode concludes with San-ha confronting Ju-won about his feelings while speculations arise regarding her romantic interests.

Anticipation builds for the upcoming episode, set to be released on November 13, promising more heartfelt moments and emotional revelations in “Family by Choice.”

For more insights and updates, explore the complete recap on Sportskeeda.