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This review may contain spoilers
The Good, The Bad, and The Infuriating
I went through so many emotions—laughing, crying, getting absolutely frustrated, and then crying again. But let’s break this down: what I loved vs. what drove me absolutely crazy.
What I Loved ❤️
- Mr. Yoon is the best dad ever. Like seriously, where do I sign up for a Mr. Yoon in my life? His love for these kids was so pure, and every time he cried, I cried. His relationship with Haejun? Ugh, so heartwarming.
- Dal and Haejun’s relationship. Now THIS is how you do romance! It felt so organic, so real, and their chemistry was undeniable. Their banter, their support for each other—perfect.
- Juwon’s unwavering love for her ‘oppa’. From the start, she was a ride-or-die for Sanha, even when he was being difficult. And her interactions with the nosy old lady neighbour? Hilarious.
- The small but refreshing moments. The found-family theme, and those wholesome sibling moments.
What Drove Me Crazy 😤
- Sanha’s mom is the actual worst. She’s not just a bad mother—she’s a whole toxic disaster. The emotional manipulation, the blaming, the audacity! I could not stand her.
- Sanha’s unnecessary coldness. Why did he always have to act so distant? I didn't like him for the most part of this drama. My opinion. You don't have to like it.
- Juwon and Sanha’s relationship. I’m sorry, but this felt so forced. No buildup, no chemistry, nothing.
- Haejun’s birth dad. The nerve of this man! He abandoned his kid, then popped up only because he needed an heir for his fortune.
- Sanha going back to his mom. WHY? She was poison. Every time he gave her another chance, I wanted to scream. And she never changed. Ever.
Overall, Family by Choice had some amazing emotional beats and strong character arcs, but it also had frustrating moments that made me want to throw my screen. The found-family theme was beautifully done, but the romance (especially between Juwon and Sanha) felt awkward and unconvincing. This could’ve been a near-perfect drama.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a disclaimer: be prepared to love the dads, adore Haejun and Dal, and hate the worst parents in K-drama history.
Rating? A 7/10—just for Mr. Yoon, Haejun, and all the tears they made me shed.
What I Loved ❤️
- Mr. Yoon is the best dad ever. Like seriously, where do I sign up for a Mr. Yoon in my life? His love for these kids was so pure, and every time he cried, I cried. His relationship with Haejun? Ugh, so heartwarming.
- Dal and Haejun’s relationship. Now THIS is how you do romance! It felt so organic, so real, and their chemistry was undeniable. Their banter, their support for each other—perfect.
- Juwon’s unwavering love for her ‘oppa’. From the start, she was a ride-or-die for Sanha, even when he was being difficult. And her interactions with the nosy old lady neighbour? Hilarious.
- The small but refreshing moments. The found-family theme, and those wholesome sibling moments.
What Drove Me Crazy 😤
- Sanha’s mom is the actual worst. She’s not just a bad mother—she’s a whole toxic disaster. The emotional manipulation, the blaming, the audacity! I could not stand her.
- Sanha’s unnecessary coldness. Why did he always have to act so distant? I didn't like him for the most part of this drama. My opinion. You don't have to like it.
- Juwon and Sanha’s relationship. I’m sorry, but this felt so forced. No buildup, no chemistry, nothing.
- Haejun’s birth dad. The nerve of this man! He abandoned his kid, then popped up only because he needed an heir for his fortune.
- Sanha going back to his mom. WHY? She was poison. Every time he gave her another chance, I wanted to scream. And she never changed. Ever.
Overall, Family by Choice had some amazing emotional beats and strong character arcs, but it also had frustrating moments that made me want to throw my screen. The found-family theme was beautifully done, but the romance (especially between Juwon and Sanha) felt awkward and unconvincing. This could’ve been a near-perfect drama.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a disclaimer: be prepared to love the dads, adore Haejun and Dal, and hate the worst parents in K-drama history.
Rating? A 7/10—just for Mr. Yoon, Haejun, and all the tears they made me shed.
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