A Prefabricated Family

"Family by Choice" has its moments, but it doesn't quite hit the mark overall. The show's chaotic energy between the three main characters is what stands out, keeping things lively and unpredictable. The dynamic between them is definitely entertaining, and it's easy to get hooked on their wild, offbeat interactions. On top of that, the romance between the lead couple had me squealing - their chemistry is undeniable, and the heartfelt moments are sweet.

However, despite these fun elements, the show still feels a bit lacking in some areas. The pacing can drag at times, and while there are bright spots, the overall storyline doesn't fully captivate. It's a decent watch, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it could've been more engaging. The potential is there, but the execution left me wanting a bit more. At a solid 6/10, it's worth checking out if you're into romance and a touch of chaos.

I'm usually the type to binge series, especially those short ones and I still enjoy them regardless but this one, this one gave us so much content among those 12 episodes I sat down and enjoyed each one. I'm a sucker for good family/friend dynamics and this one portrayed them great. All the relationships are so deep and meaningful I cherished each one. I loved how I saw their lives unfold during these episodes, from children to teenagers and teenagers to adults. I loved how they showed us how important family is despite blood relations and I loved every character because they all had such great and different stories. What I wasn't that fond of was the main couple, who I thought were a bit uncomfortable and unnecessary -because they ruined a great family dynamic- but throughout the episodes they grew on me and I understood their story. This series broke me and then put my pieces back together. Incredible, easy to watch, beautiful and playful. I recommend it and easily give it a 10/10.

Family by Choice is a heartwarming drama that beautifully explores the theme of chosen family. The story revolves around three individuals who come together, each carrying their own past wounds, and through their shared journey, they begin to heal. As an adaptation of the popular Chinese drama 'Go Ahead,' Family by Choice adds its own charm to the narrative, making it a unique experience.

The storytelling is light and relaxing, yet it tugs at your heartstrings with serious topics like abandonment, depression, trauma, and loss. The pacing is fast enough to keep you engaged without feeling rushed, allowing you to enjoy each character's journey step by step while avoiding any drag. The acting is undoubtedly good, and the dialogue is well thought out, relatable, and, of course, heartwarming and emotional.

Overall, Family by Choice is a great drama.

I do get that k-dramas, even when they are boring are somewhat comforting! You cannot simply relate to any other drama industry that way, but it happens naturally with k-dramas. The story, characters, actors, everything was good, however I skipped a lot of scenes. They should have wrapped up the story in 10 episodes instead of 16. A lot of scenes seemed stretched. It would have turned out better that way. A lot of people watched this drama because of Inyoup but if we do a comparison, True Beauty had a far better storyline. Inyoup, as expected pulled his character really well and so did the other actors. But the episodes after episode 6 were very much skippable and I couldn't keep watching the whole episode. Given the rating I expected more, but was somewhat disappointed. There are a lot of other kdramas with a much better story and the fact they have lower ratings is very upsetting. Also there was next to none chemistry between the main leads... It seemed rushed and forced.

I started Family by Choice for Hwang In Youp, and I fell for him all over again! His portrayal of Kim San Ha was absolutely breathtaking-his emotions, depth, and presence made me love him even more. Every scene he was in felt real, and I couldn't take my eyes off him!

But beyond In Youp, this drama had everything. The story was an emotional rollercoaster-heartwarming, heartbreaking, and funny in all the right moments. The bond between San Ha, Hae Joon (Bae Hyun Sung was AMAZING), and Joo Won was so touching. It proved that family isn't just about blood, but love, loyalty, and unwavering support.

From powerful performances to stunning cinematography, Family by Choice is hands down one of the best K-dramas of 2024. If you love heartfelt, emotional, and realistic storytelling, this is a must-watch! You won't regret it!