They did a good job re-creating it but could have done better
Having watched Go Ahead (the Chinese original), I found it a fun and refreshing experience to revisit the same story through a Korean lens.
The plot remained largely faithful to the original, but this version felt less overwhelming emotionally—which I appreciated. The pacing was smoother, and the 16-episode format made it easier to digest without dragging out the trauma or family conflicts.
I think what pulled many of us in was twofold:
The fondness for the original Go Ahead—a deeply loved, emotionally rich story about found family.
The presence of Hwang In-youp, whose casting added curiosity and star power. He brought a quiet strength to his role and really grounded the emotional moments.
Overall, while it didn’t hit quite as deep as Go Ahead, “Family by Choice” still offered a heartfelt, comforting take on the same themes—with its own charm.
Overall it was a fun experience watching them both with different lenses
The plot remained largely faithful to the original, but this version felt less overwhelming emotionally—which I appreciated. The pacing was smoother, and the 16-episode format made it easier to digest without dragging out the trauma or family conflicts.
I think what pulled many of us in was twofold:
The fondness for the original Go Ahead—a deeply loved, emotionally rich story about found family.
The presence of Hwang In-youp, whose casting added curiosity and star power. He brought a quiet strength to his role and really grounded the emotional moments.
Overall, while it didn’t hit quite as deep as Go Ahead, “Family by Choice” still offered a heartfelt, comforting take on the same themes—with its own charm.
Overall it was a fun experience watching them both with different lenses
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