Family by Choice Recap: Episode 7-8 Highlights and San-ha’s Mother’s Accident

The much-anticipated K-drama, Family by Choice, based on the Chinese television series Go Ahead, debuted on JTBC on October 9, 2024, and it continues to air weekly on Wednesdays.

This heartwarming tale centers around three childhood friends who, though not related by blood, have developed a profound bond resembling that of a family. Ten years after going their separate ways, they come together once again, reflecting on their shared history and rekindled relationships. Fans in South Korea can watch Family by Choice on TVING and Netflix, with availability on Viu and Viki in certain regions.

In episodes 7 and 8, viewers witness San-ha and Hae-jun confronting significant challenges. San-ha finds himself taking on So-hui’s responsibilities, while Hae-jun grapples with an important decision regarding his future studies in the U.S.

Recap of Family by Choice Episodes 7-8: Hae-jun’s Momentous Decision

In episode 7, as San-ha and Ju-won make their way home, they encounter Hae-jun, who shares news of his mother’s impending visit. Once at home, he confides in Jeong-jae about his father’s efforts to persuade him to join him in the U.S. Meanwhile, San-ha’s mother, Jeong-hui, prepares to leave for Seoul.

As the date for their CSAT exams approaches, San-ha, who has developed feelings for Ju-won, distances himself under the pretense of studying. Ju-won, Dae-wook, and Jeong-jae come together to wish San-ha and Hae-jun good luck, with Ju-won organizing a celebration for afterward.

Post-exams, Ju-won and Park Dal host a small gathering on the rooftop to welcome San-ha and Hae-jun. An accident occurs when Ju-won injures herself, prompting San-ha to help her tend to the wound. In a heartfelt moment, Hae-jun opens up about his mother to Park Dal, bringing her to tears, and he notes her feelings for San-ha, which causes tension between them.

Afterwards, San-ha drops Park Dal at the bus station, only to receive a distressing phone call from So-hui via Jeong-hui’s device. Jeong-hui requests that he comes to Seoul for his higher education, but he declines. In class, both boys feel pressured by their teachers to attend prestigious universities, which they resist.

In a game against a Seoul team, Hae-jun’s basketball crew faces tough competition but manages to secure a victory. San-ha spots his father in the audience and shares the news with him. Hae-jun’s father subsequently brings university brochures to Jeong-jae, pressuring him to convince Hae-jun to leave for the U.S. However, Dae-wook intimidates him into retreating.

On his way home, Hae-jun runs into his biological father leaving Jeong-jae’s restaurant. He attempts to sway Hae-jun into attending university in Seoul, even resorting to threats about Jeong-jae’s business. Jeong-jae expresses his worries about Hae-jun’s future and encourages him to consider schools in the U.S.

Just as Hae-jun shares this revelation with Ju-won and San-ha, San-ha receives tragic news: his mother has been involved in an accident that has claimed her husband’s life.

In episode 8, San-ha and Dae-wook hurry to Seoul. San-ha, despite Dae-wook’s objections, decides to stay to support So-hui as her uncle is occupied at the hospital with Jeong-hui currently in the ICU.

Worried about San-ha’s well-being, Ju-won secretly travels to Seoul, informing only Park Dal of her plans. Upon her arrival at the hospital, she almost calls out to San-ha, but So-hui’s shout interrupts her, and they learn that Jeong-hui has regained consciousness.

Recalling San-ha’s assertion that their connection isn’t one of true family, Ju-won decides it’s best to return home. Hae-jun learns from Park Dal about Ju-won’s trip to Seoul and waits for her at the station, vowing to keep her visit a secret from Jeong-jae.

Upon entering the hospital room, San-ha finds Jeong-hui distraught and crying on the floor. She laments the loss of both her daughter and husband, and he has to prevent So-hui from visiting her. So-hui’s uncle suggests that attending a university in Seoul could be an option to support So-hui, given Jeong-hui’s inability to cope with solitude.

In this gripping episode, Jeong-jae collapses at his restaurant from sheer exhaustion as he works tirelessly to fund Hae-jun’s college expenses. Ju-won and Hae-jun rush him to the hospital, while Dae-wook helps bring him back. Hae-jun goes to close the restaurant and pick up medication. Outside the door, he overhears a conversation between Jeong-jae and Dae-wook.

They discuss Jeong-jae’s financial struggles, revealing that he cannot afford to send Hae-jun to the U.S., which leaves him feeling guilty. Frustrated, Hae-jun turns to his friend Seok-hun for guidance. Seok-hun advises him to accept his biological father’s financial assistance to study in the U.S., promising he can repay Jeong-jae after achieving success.

By the end of the day after helping Jeong-jae at the restaurant, Hae-jun shares his decision to go to the U.S. with him. The following day, San-ha returns home and talks with Hae-jun on the terrace, acknowledging their mutual aims to leave. San-ha, feeling angered that Hae-jun is also planning to go, confronts him, leading to a heated discussion. Ju-won overhears their argument, prompting her to interject and ask what is happening. This marks the conclusion of episode 8 of Family by Choice.

The next segment of Family by Choice is anticipated to air on November 4.

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