“Blood is thicker than water” is the notion challenged by K-drama Family By Choice, released on October 9. Adapted from the smash-hit Chinese drama Go Ahead, the latest show features Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, and Bae Hyun-sung in lead roles. Besides a love triangle, the series explores sensitive topics like childhood trauma, abandonment issues, relationship struggles, and most importantly the meaning of a true family and their loyalties.
It is more than a heart-fluttering slice-of–life story and the message has been well-received by fans. But those who’ve watched ‘Go Ahead’ have certain complaints about the progress of its Korean adaptation. After the release of two episodes, Family By Choice has made it clear that it isn’t the exact copy of its Chinese predecessor. Hwang In-Youp-led story has elements of its own, even though the outline of the main plot remains the same, Family By Choice is moving on its own rhythm with new sensibilities. Which isn’t bad but a few ‘Go Ahead’ fans believe that the K-version feels a bit too “rushed.”
only those who watched #GoAhead know how this scene was missing in the haejoon character
a child who was taken away to perform manual labor and help support the family#FamilyByChoice #FamilyByChoiceEp1 pic.twitter.com/H21C39UgGP
— cami (@964gf) October 9, 2024
just rew go ahead and already cried again but this scene please their reaction after what she said(iykyk) were so funny and the way this scene just keep getting worse i’m still ctfu 😭😂#goahead #familybychoice pic.twitter.com/QoOmwr6zZy
— pri ♡̷̷̷ (@daminsiii) October 9, 2024
A user on X wrote, “I felt this was like a fast paced version of Go Ahead. Though a lot of things happened in the first two episodes I have not connected with kids characters that much except Kim San Ha.”
I felt this like a fast paced version of Go Ahead. Though lot of things happened in first two episodes I have not connected with kids characters that much except Kim San Ha..#familybychoice pic.twitter.com/TxWYfHOOKY
— Lee Yun (@LeeYunnes) October 10, 2024
Another explained, “‘Go Ahead’ is a healthy, healing, family CDrama; and what I liked the most is that each character had their good development. In the K version they put too much of the stupid love triangle theme when the C version doesn’t have it.”
Concuerdo con su opinión.
“Go Ahead” is a healthy, healing, family CDrama; and what I liked the most is that each character had their good development.
In the K version they put too much the stupid love triangle theme when the C version doesn’t have it#GoAhead #FamilyByChoice pic.twitter.com/rMQGQmx3ge
— StayWithMeS2 🤍💫 | #LoveNexDoor era 💛✨ (@lalisalvr22) October 10, 2024
#FamilyByChoice is a decent remake of #GoAhead , and I love how they adapted the story to fit Korean culture. But I’m not feeling the same chemistry between the trio, and the changes to the FL’s character are a bit disappointing 😕 Still, the actors are super cute! 💖 #Kdrama pic.twitter.com/MSlF7Q7Rty
— nyx (@nyx_099) October 10, 2024
But Family By Choice has its own merit and many have made it clear in their comparison. A user explained, “After Family By Choice Ep1, I think I can already say that I’m loving it. I was a bit afraid because Go Ahead is just too good, but I think they are doing an amazing job with the remake. I’m so happy to be able to relive this beautiful story once again.”
Just after #FamilyByChoiceEp1 I think I can already say that I’m loving it 🩷
I was a bit afraid cause #GoAhead is just too good, but I think they are doing an amazing job with the remake. I’m so happy to be able to relive this beautiful story once again ☺️🥰#FamilyByChoice pic.twitter.com/tOpgFl8T3a
— Sonia 🌊 (@drama_living) October 9, 2024
go ahead was slice of life excellence but i’d have loved the leads in a platonic relationship instead of a love triangle; curious to see if #FamilyByChoice will make changes & do it any better SEATED pic.twitter.com/cksppMaUvp
— ᴊ ᴏ ᴏ ɴ (@jooonyiie) September 25, 2024
Meanwhile, fans have also highlighted how some of the scenes in Family By Choice have evoked the same emotions from Go Ahead for them.
my precious families 🤍#GoAhead #FamilyByChoice pic.twitter.com/QDxC7QA6kj
— daisy han (@kdramadaisy) October 4, 2024
Still remember this scene like the original version 😭#FamilyByChoice #FamilyByChoiceep1pic.twitter.com/GO2gFYRe0e
— cartae 🤠 (@kth_foxglove13) October 9, 2024
I like how kdramas have just 16 episodes but just one episode for their childhood? It was so rushed. There were so few scenes of them together what will the actors think during the flashback scenes. (I am extremely biased but will still watch)#GoAhead #FamilyByChoice
— ًًً (@junhanzilla) October 10, 2024
it seems to me like go ahead may end up having the better family drama and dynamics (at least while it did) while family by choice may end up having the better romance and arcs for the supporting characters. #familybychoice #goahead
— until the next come & get it i suppose. (@BEOMSONS) October 10, 2024
What do you think?
ALSO READ| ‘Family By Choice’ premiere review: Hwang In-youp’s ‘Go Ahead’ remake is flawless and utterly irresistible
