Explore our spoiler-free review of the hit Korean rom-com drama ‘Family By Choice’.  Get general series information, plot summary, and my personal thoughts and rating, all 100% spoiler-free!  If you have already seen this drama and are interested in a more full review, including character analysis, highlights, and ending explanation,  please click on the link below.

This romantic drama originally appeared on jTBC . It was directed by Kim Seung Ho, who also directed other popular dramas such as the 202s romantic drama ‘Twenty-Five Twenty One’ and the 2019 historical drama ‘The Nokdu Flower’.  

Air Date: October 9 – November 27, 2024

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Romantic Family Drama

Starring: Hwang In Youp, Jung Chae Yeon and Bae Hyeon Seong

Three children who share the bond of having lost their mothers in some way, find themselves living together in a 2-story apartment house.  They are raised by two father’s who pool their efforts and resources to give the children the best family environment they can create.  The children grow and flourish in this loving family.  But at the time of the boys’ graduation, they are both called to leave behind their home and family, including their younger sister and dads.

Ten years later, the boys return home, thrilled to be back with their close-knit family.  But ten years is a long time and everyone has grown up in the time they have been gone.  And as each of the three of them share the journeys they have been on and the struggles they have experienced, they will try to rebuild the bond they have always shared.  

‘Family By Choice’ is a sweet romantic drama about love, friendship, and the bond of family.  Let me start by saying that I did not see the original Chinese version of this drama, which many fans seemed to prefer.  But I really loved this drama a lot.  It was funny, heart-warming, and well-told.  The chemistry with all of the cast was great, and while the romances were sweet, I loved it that all the other relationships were given equal screen time and weight.  

This drama does take its time, focusing more on character development and emotional depth than action.  Some complained that it felt too slow.  This is not a breezy light rom-com.  The topics of parental neglect and deep emotional scars are central to the characters and their personal growth.  And you may find yourself crying right along with them.  But I loved these characters and the precious relationships they developed.   I give “Family By Choice’ a 9 out of 10 ramen.

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Bae Hyeon Seong is a model and actor who debuted with a guest role in the romantic drama ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim’.  His first starring role was in the 2022 Netflix drama ‘Our Blues’.  Other popular dramas he has appeared in include the Netflix medical series  ‘Hospital Playlist’ and the 2022 rom-com ‘Gaus Electronics’.