The concept of “family by choice” is a compelling theme in many KDramas, and this particular series delves into it right from the formative years of its main characters. We are introduced to three teenagers, each from different family backgrounds, who find themselves living together under one roof, forging bonds that blur the lines of traditional family structures.
The narrative centers around two boys, Kim San-ha and Kang Hae-jun, and a girl, Yoon Ju-won. It’s the fathers of San-ha and Ju-won who make the unconventional decision to raise them together. The initial episodes of the series beautifully portray their high school years, giving viewers a glimpse into their evolving dynamics. It becomes quickly apparent that San-ha harbors a secret crush on Ju-won, although he chooses to keep his feelings to himself.
During this period, their relationship is largely perceived as sibling-like, especially from Ju-won’s perspective. This established dynamic makes her eventual sense of betrayal even more impactful when she confronts the reality that their shared living arrangement and presumed familial ties are not permanent or legally binding. The teenage years depict a seemingly idyllic time where San-ha and Hae-jun enjoy popularity, and Ju-won feels secure having them as her “brothers.” However, this comfortable existence is disrupted as changes begin to loom on the horizon. The pacing during these high school scenes felt somewhat drawn out, and a narrative structure starting in adulthood with flashbacks might have provided a more immediate hook.
The arrival of Hae-jun’s father, marked by a flashy car and an offer to move to the United States, acts as a catalyst. Coupled with an unspecified incident in San-ha’s family, the carefully constructed household begins to fracture. Following a conversation with Ju-won’s father, Hae-jun concludes that relocating to the United States is his best course of action. Simultaneously, San-ha decides to leave their town for Seoul. This pivotal decision proves beneficial for San-ha, who, after a time jump, is shown to have become a successful doctor. As anticipated in KDramas centered around intertwined lives, a reunion becomes inevitable in the latter part of the series, despite the unresolved tensions simmering beneath the surface.
Years later, Ju-won carries the weight of resentment, stemming from the feeling of abandonment when San-ha and Hae-jun left without her full knowledge or participation in the decision. She has established herself as a successful café owner. When the two boys re-enter her life, forgiveness doesn’t come easily. Her adult persona is shaped by this past, and the reunion is fraught with the complexities of their shared history and individual paths.
A romantic subplot emerges between San-ha and Ju-won, which feels somewhat incongruous with the overall narrative. While San-ha’s long-standing affection for Ju-won is evident, her reciprocal feelings seem to develop rather abruptly. Despite her initial lack of romantic interest, she quickly becomes enamored once the topic of feelings is openly discussed. This romantic development feels less compelling than the exploration of their platonic bonds and the chosen family dynamic at the heart of the KDrama. Focusing solely on the intricacies of found family and platonic relationships might have resonated more deeply.
