Recap of Family by Choice Episodes 5 & 6: Hae-jun’s Mother Makes a Surprising Visit

The highly anticipated K-drama “Family by Choice,”directed by Kim Seung-ho, made its debut on October 9, 2024. This 16-episode series features a talented cast including Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-sung, and Choi Won-young, and is available for audiences to stream on Rakuten Viki.

Drawing inspiration from the 2020 Chinese drama “Go Ahead,””Family by Choice”tells the story of three friends from childhood. The characters San-ha, played by Hwang In-youp; Ju-won, portrayed by Jung Chae-yeon; and Hae-jun, played by Bae Hyun-sung, form a supportive, chosen family bond that transcends their lack of blood relations.

In episodes 5 and 6, tensions rise as San-ha grapples with his mother’s accusations while navigating his growing feelings for Ju-won. At the same time, Hae-jun’s mother secretly visits Jeong-jae, withholding this from him.

Summary of Episodes 5 & 6: Ju-won’s Efforts to Mend the Rift

In episode 5, following an altercation between San-ha and Hae-jun, the atmosphere at home turns tense, and Ju-won finds herself caught in the middle. Desperate to restore peace, she invites them both to enjoy a new ride at the amusement park, but the outing fails to resolve their conflict, leading to further arguments. Frustrated by the situation, Ju-won departs to meet Park Dal, who has been skipping his classes.

As Park Dal searches for Ju-won, he encounters some classmates who attempt to persuade him to join them. Just then, Ju-won arrives but nearly faints due to illness, prompting a misunderstanding that leads the other students to confront Park Dal, mistakenly believing he harmed her.

In the aftermath, Dae-wook is summoned to the police station. During their ride back after addressing the issue, Ju-won drifts off to sleep. Meanwhile, San-ha and Hae-jun agree to feign reconciliation to keep Ju-won in good spirits.

At school the following day, Hae-jun is pressured by Hui-ju to claim he’s not interested in anyone, disheartening Park Dal, who refutes any dating rumors surrounding them. As Hae-jun’s birthday approaches, Ju-won and San-ha shop for a gift, eventually selecting sneakers—San-ha even purchases a pair for Ju-won.

While at the mall, So-hui, who is present with Jeong-hui, chases after San-ha but falls and injures her knee. Jeong-hui rushes to help, blaming San-ha for the accident. Ju-won stands up for San-ha, leading them both to leave the mall together.

On Hae-jun’s special day, his pregnant aunt pays him a visit to discuss repaying Jeong-jae, a conversation overheard by Jeong-jae himself. At dinner, Hae-jun becomes inebriated, and when the topic resurfaces, he expresses his gratitude for having Hae-jun in his life, asserting that no debts exist between them.

Still from Family by Choice Episode 6 (Image via @jtbcdrama/Instagram)

After dinner, Hae-jun is escorted to his room by Ju-won and San-ha, who reassure her that Hae-jun is part of their family and free from any obligations. When Hae-jun drives his aunt to the bus stand, she apologizes before departing.

The following day, Hae-jun’s mother, Seo-hyeon, meets with Jeong-jae, marking the conclusion of this episode of “Family by Choice.”

In episode 6, Seo-hyeon hands Jeong-jae an envelope containing cash, repaying his loan and adding extra funds for raising Hae-jun. However, Jeong-jae declines the additional amount and encourages her to reconnect with Hae-jun, but she opts to leave.

San-ha then receives a call from his mother inquiring about So-hui. They all rush to find her, only to discover she took a cab herself to meet San-ha, thanks to Dae-wook, who brings her back to the restaurant. When Jeong-hui arrives, she lashes out at San-ha, holding him responsible for So-jeong’s death, stirring up past wounds.

Dae-wook intervenes, speaking to Jeong-hui about understanding San-ha’s struggles and stopping the blame.

Back at home, San-ha begins skipping breakfast, leading Ju-won and Hae-jun to deliver meals at school daily. Hae-jun attempts to persuade San-ha to eat properly. One rainy day, Ju-won searches for him with an umbrella, urging him to take care of himself. San-ha eventually eats dinner at home but falls ill, prompting the family to care for him.

Once he recovers, Dae-wook takes him to So-jeong’s altar, affirming that her passing was not his fault and there’s no need for him to distance himself from So-hui.

Park Dal’s mother invites Ju-won, San-ha, and Hae-jun for a meal, seeking San-ha’s help with Park Dal’s studies. During dinner, her condescending remarks about Park Dal become apparent, which the trio notices. They later head to the beach to lift her spirits, where San-ha offers comfort, and Hae-jun speculates that Park Dal may have feelings for San-ha.

After receiving news of his aunt’s successful delivery, Hae-jun rushes to the hospital with Park Dal. There, he learns of his mother’s prior visit, during which she left money for Jeong-jae to settle his debt. Overwhelmed upon seeing Jeong-jae discussing the finances, he is visibly shaken.

Frustrations arise as Ju-won scolds Hae-jun for being oblivious to Park Dal’s affections. In a heated exchange, San-ha retorts that Ju-won is also at fault. The episode concludes with a moment of unintentional intimacy as Ju-won falls onto San-ha.

Fans can look forward to the next episode of “Family by Choice,”set to air on October 30, 2024.

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