Family by Choice 2024: A Tale of Unbreakable Bonds
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| Family by Choice 2024: A Tale of Unbreakable Bonds |
In the realm of family dramas, the 2020 Chinese series Go Ahead stood out, not just for its heart-warming moments but for its unique narrative of family beyond blood. In 2024, the Korean remake of this cherished drama, titled Family by Choice, has sparked heated discussions. As fans dissect its differences and similarities with the Chinese original, let's dive into the plot, character dynamics, and what netizens have had to say about the first two episodes.
Plot Overview: Family Beyond Blood
Family by Choice tells the story of three individuals, Kim San Ha, Yun Ju Won, and Kang Hae Jun, who are raised as siblings despite not sharing any blood relation. Their bond was forged in their adolescence when Ju Won’s father, Jeong Jae, and San Ha’s father, Dae Uk, took on the roles of their caregivers. Having grown up healing from their own personal traumas, these three forged an unbreakable connection that became their lifeline.
As the trio transitioned into adulthood, things took a sudden turn. San Ha and Hae Jun decided to seek out their biological families, leaving Ju Won behind with his fathers. The separation left scars, with Ju Won feeling a sense of abandonment.
A decade later, the five-member chosen family reunites, but the emotional landscape has drastically changed. Ju Won is resentful, still grappling with the pain of being left behind by the two people he considered his closest siblings. On the other hand, San Ha and Hae Jun struggle with their own dilemmas—dealing with their renewed romantic feelings for Ju Won and untangling the complex relationships they’ve formed with their biological families.
As they face their unresolved issues, both familial and romantic, the central question remains: Will these siblings at heart manage to rebuild their bond, and will the burgeoning romance between them complicate things further?
What Netizens Are Saying About the First Two Episodes
With the release of the Korean adaptation, viewers flocked to share their thoughts on how it stacks up against the Chinese original. Here’s what netizens had to say:
1. "Not to be that type of person, but it's my first time not liking the FL's acting. She's pretty, but I feel like she can't portray the carefree and bubbly nature that I hoped for. The writers also made her character less bubbly when she grew up, which is kind of sad. So far, the only highlight for me is Hwang In Yeop's acting. As for the two dads, they’re alright, but I hope they build the same strong bond we saw in Go Ahead. I’m also not a fan of how Kang Hae Jun's character is being sidelined, especially in that scene where he asked her to apologize—it felt like they were turning him into the third wheel from the start."
2. "The casting is spot on! From the dads to the moms to the younger version of the leads, everyone fits their role so perfectly. I can already feel the emotional depth building, especially with how the fathers interact with the kids."
While there’s some critique, others were full of praise, especially when it came to the first episode's emotional weight.
3. "I keep rewatching episode one. It’s probably one of the best first episodes of a Korean drama I’ve seen in a long time. The scene where San Ha’s mom leaves him? Heartbreaking. The child actors were phenomenal—Eun-Seo, who plays Ju Won, nailed the innocence of her character, while Seo-Woo (young San Ha) made me tear up when his mom abandoned him. You could feel the heartbreak. And San Ha’s mom? Her hatred towards her own son was so palpable, it made me despise her character with every fiber of my being!"
4. "I loved Go Ahead, the Chinese version. I cried when it ended, so I was both excited and nervous about the Korean remake. So far, though, it’s holding up well! The pacing is a bit faster, but I’m enjoying it."
Despite the excitement, not all viewers were entirely on board with the changes.
5. "I don’t mean to sound harsh, but the Chinese version was just better. It had more time to flesh out the characters and show how the family came together. Plus, the female lead in the Chinese version was much feistier, which I loved. The Korean adaptation softened her character too much for my liking."
6. "I don’t have any major complaints about the story or the pace. I wasn’t expecting it to be just like the original, and that’s fine. But, for some reason, the female lead isn’t doing it for me. I’m not saying she’s bad, just not to my taste. I’ll probably drop it since I already know how the story unfolds, but I adore the dads and the child actors. They’re wholesome and keep the heart of the story intact."
Of course, not everyone felt the need to compare the two versions.
7. "Whatever you guys say, I’m loving it! Go Ahead and Family by Choice are their own things. The first two episodes hooked me from the start, especially the scenes with the kids! Can’t wait for more!"
8. "What I appreciated more about the Chinese version was the longer screen time spent building up the family dynamic. You could see the bonds forming, which made the later emotional moments hit harder. On the other hand, what I like about the Korean version is that it doesn’t shy away from establishing early on that San Ha doesn’t view Ju Won as a sister. It avoids the uncomfortable sibling-to-romance transition that Go Ahead struggled with. Also, Hwang In Yeop is miles better as the male lead compared to the Chinese actor. And can we talk about the second male lead? He’s an adorable cutie who gives me Park Bo Gum vibes."
9. "One thing that remains constant in both versions is the fathers' relationship. I love how they’re portrayed almost like a couple, but with that strong, platonic bond of two men raising kids together. It’s hilarious and heartwarming!"
Comparing the Two Versions
As with any remake, fans of the original Go Ahead couldn’t help but draw comparisons. The Chinese version's slower pace gave the narrative more time to explore the siblings' bond, whereas the Korean adaptation has been quick to highlight the romantic elements, particularly the love triangle.
The Original: Go Ahead focused on emotional depth, devoting plenty of time to how the characters’ traumas affected their relationships and the healing process. The family dynamic was at the forefront, with plenty of tender moments between the two fathers and the children. This slow buildup allowed the audience to become fully invested in the characters' growth, which made the later romantic developments feel more organic.
The Remake: In contrast, Family by Choice dives into the complicated feelings right from the start, signaling that the romance will play a more central role. For some viewers, this shift has been a welcome change, providing a clear direction for the relationships. However, others miss the more extensive family-bonding sequences that the original had, which made the romantic undertones feel less rushed.
Final Thoughts: A New Spin on a Beloved Story
As Family by Choice progresses, fans will undoubtedly continue comparing it to its Chinese predecessor. Still, it’s clear that this adaptation has its own merits. With stellar performances from the cast, especially the child actors and Hwang In Yeop, it promises to deliver emotional highs as the family grapples with past scars and newfound feelings.
What remains to be seen is how well the series will balance its themes of family and romance as the narrative unfolds. Will it win over die-hard fans of Go Ahead, or will it carve out a place of its own in the hearts of viewers?
If you’re a fan of dramas centered around found families, be sure to give Family by Choice a watch! And if you’ve already seen it, let us know your thoughts in the comments belo
Did the Korean remake live up to your expectations, or do you still prefer the original?
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