Family by Choice

Family by Choice
Promotional poster
Hangul
조립식 가족
Hanja
組立式 家族
Literal meaningA Prefabricated Family
Revised RomanizationJoripsing gajok
McCune–ReischauerChoripshing kajok
Genre
Written byHong Si-young
Directed byKim Seung-ho
Starring
Music byPark Sung-il[2]
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes10
Production
Running time60 ~ 70 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkJTBC
ReleaseOctober 9, 2024 (2024-10-09) –
present
Related
Go Ahead (2020)

Family by Choice (Korean조립식 가족) is an ongoing South Korean television series based on the Chinese drama Go Ahead by Shui Qianmo and Wang Xiongcheng, written by Hong Si-young, and directed by Kim Seung-ho. The series stars an ensemble cast including Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-sung, Choi Won-young, Choi Moo-sung, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Hye-eun, and Baek Eun-hye. It premiered on JTBC on October 9, 2024, and airs every Wednesday at 20:50 (KST). It is also available for streaming on TVING and Netflix in South Korea, on U-Next in Japan, and on Viu and Viki in selected regions.

Synopsis

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Family by Choice tells the heartfelt story of Kim San-ha, Yoon Ju-won, and Kang Hae-jun, three individuals who, the through unrelated by blood, forge an unbreakable bond during their teenage years. Raised under the devoted care of Ju-won’s father, Yoon Jeong-jae, who owns a Kalguksu restaurant, and San-ha’s father, Kim Dae-wook, they grow up together as family. Despite the absence of their mothers, the two fathers create a nurturing and joyful environment for the trio. However, circumstances pull San-ha and Hae-jun away from their close-knit family, forcing them to part ways. A decade later, the three reunite, uncovering long-buried memories and rekindling the profound connections that shaped their lives.

Cast

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Main

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He is the most popular boy at school, along with Kang Hae-jun. He may come off as cold and sometimes says hurtful things without meaning to, but deep down, he’s warm-hearted and always looks out for his “siblings.” Secretly, he has feelings for Ju-won.
Ju-won is the heart of her family, bringing positive energy and happiness to everyone around her. Her family is happiest when she’s happy, and her cheerful spirit is what holds them together.
He has a personality as clear and bright as the sunlight and is the most popular guy at school along with Kim San-ha. Goofy yet grounded, he brings lightness to those around him while carrying a quiet sense of responsibility. Grateful for the sacrifices made by Ju-won’s father, he wants to work hard to become someone capable of repaying that kindness, hoping to alleviate some of Jeong-jae’s burdens.
He’s Ju-won’s father. He owns a small noodle restaurant (Kalguksu) and always seems to understand the kids’ feelings without them saying a word. He works hard to make sure they have everything they need and especially cares for Hae-jun like his own son.
San-ha’s father. He’s a gentle but serious police officer. He’s always bright around the children and Jeong-jae. Though he finds it hard to comfort his son directly, his love shows in how he provides for him.

Supporting

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Yoon Joo-won's best friend, who has lived her entire life according to her mother's expectations. While she lives each day in a suffocating way, she falls in love with Kang Hae-joon.

Production

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Development

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The series was written by Hong Si-young, directed by Kim Seung-ho, and produced by Hi-Zium Studio, Base Story, and SLL.[8] It is based on the Chinese drama Go Ahead.[9]

Casting

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On December 13, 2023, JTBC announced that Hwang In-youp, Jung Chae-yeon, and Bae Hyun-sung have confirmed their appearances for the series.[8]

Filming

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The production team of Family by Choice, which finished all filming and entered post-production on July 14, 2024.[10]

Release

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Family by Choice was confirmed to broadcast on JTBC on October 9, 2024, and would be air every Wednesday at 20:50 (KST).[11] It is also available to stream on Viu, U-Next, Viki, TVING, and Netflix.[12][13]

Viewership

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Family by Choice : South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910111213141516
1434436N/AN/A500599567615551570TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[14]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)
Nationwide[14][15] Seoul[16]
1 October 9, 2024 2.079% (8th) 2.004% (6th)
2 2.242% (6th) 2.318% (4th)
3 October 16, 2024 2.017% (14th) N/A
4 2.147% (12th) 2.020% (6th)
5 October 23, 2024 2.491% (8th) 2.295% (6th)
6 2.647% (5th) 2.333% (4th)
7 October 30, 2024 2.987% (6th) 3.049% (2nd)
8 3.363% (2nd) 3.431% (1st)
9 November 6, 2024 2.894% (6th) 2.597% (6th)
10 3.155% (3rd) 2.870% (3rd)
11 November 13, 2024
12
13 November 20, 2024
14
15 November 27, 2024
16
Average
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • N/A denotes ratings that were not published.
  • This drama airs on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).

References

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  1. ^ a b Eun-jae, Ahn (December 13, 2023). "'조립식 가족' 황인엽·정채연·배현성 뭉친다...청춘 로코 완성" ['A Prefabricated Family' Hwang In-youp, Jeong Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-seong unite... Youth romantic comedy completed]. m.news1.kr (in Korean).
  2. ^ @studio_curiosity (October 8, 2024). Jtbc 드라마 <조립식 가족> [Jtbc drama <Family by choice"] (in Korean). Retrieved October 8, 2024 – via Instagram.
  3. ^ a b c Hye-young, Kim (December 13, 2023). "황인엽-정채연-배현성, 피 한 방울 안 섞인 가족 된다...'조립식 가족' 출연 확정" [Hwang In-yeop, Jeong Chae-yeon, and Bae Hyun-seong become a family without even a drop of blood...Confirmed to appear in 'A Prefabricated Family']. enews.imbc.com (in Korean).
  4. ^ Ji-yoon, Ryu (December 13, 2023). "황인엽, JTBC '조립식 가족' 출연" [Hwang In-yeop appears in JTBC's 'A Prefabricated Family']. m.dailian.co.kr (in Korean).
  5. ^ Ho-young, Lee (April 19, 2023). "[단독] 황인엽X정채연, 드라마 '조립식 가족' 주연 발탁". enews.imbc.com (in Korean).
  6. ^ a b Mun-young, Moon (May 14, 2024). "'조립식 가족' 최원영·최무성, 세 아이 아빠 된다" ['A Prefabricated Family' Choi Won-young and Choi Moo-sung become fathers of three children]. The Fact (in Korean). Retrieved May 14, 2024 – via Naver.
  7. ^ Seung-rok, Lee (December 20, 2023). "서지혜, 짝사랑 연기 보여준다...JTBC 새 드라마 '조립식 가족' 캐스팅" [Seo Ji-hye shows unrequited love acting...Casting for JTBC's new drama 'A Prefabricated Family']. Nate (in Korean).
  8. ^ a b Hyun-wook, Kim (December 13, 2023). "황인엽, 정채연·배현성과 청춘 로맨스로 호흡...'조립식 가족' 2024년 방송(공식)" [Hwang In-yeop, Jung Chae-yeon, and Bae Hyun-seong to breathe youthful romance...'A Prefabricated Family' to air in 2024 (official)]. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved December 13, 2023 – via Naver.
  9. ^ Ho-young, Lee (April 19, 2023). "[단독] 황인엽X정채연, 드라마 '조립식 가족' 주연 발탁" [[Exclusive] Hwang In-yeop X Jung Chae-yeon, selected as lead actors for drama 'A Prefabricated Family'] (in Korean). Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Naver.
  10. ^ Seo-jeong, Kang (July 16, 2024). "황인엽・정채연・배현성, '조립식 가족' 촬영 종료..기대되는 쓰리샷 비주얼" [Hwang In-yeop, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-seong, 'A Fabricated Family' filming finished..Anticipated three-shot visual] (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved July 16, 2024 – via Naver.
  11. ^ Jo, Ji-young (August 28, 2024). [공식] 엄태구가 살린 JTBC 수목, 황인엽X정채연X배현성 잇는다..'조립식 가족' 10월 9일 첫방송 [[Official] JTBC's Wednesday-Thursday drama saved by Uhm Tae-goo, Hwang In-yeop X Jung Chae-yeon X Bae Hyun-sung to follow...'A Prefabricated Family' to premiere on October 9]. Sports Chosun. Retrieved August 28, 2024 – via Naver.
  12. ^ Choi, Hee-jae (September 10, 2024). '조립식 가족' 황인엽·정채연·배현성, 청춘 로맨스 '기대 UP' ['A Prefabricated Family' Hwang In-yeop, Jung Chae-yeon, Bae Hyun-sung, Youth Romance 'Expectations UP'] (in Korean). Edaily. Retrieved October 20, 2024 – via Naver.
  13. ^ Lee, Soo-hyun (October 8, 2024). 황인엽X정채연X배현성 '조립식 가족', 9일 첫 방송…인물관계도→OTT 관심 [Hwang In-yeop X Jung Chae-yeon X Bae Hyun-sung 'Fabricated Family', first broadcast on the 9th... Character relationship chart → OTT interest] (in Korean). Top Star News. Retrieved October 20, 2024 – via Nate.
  14. ^ a b Nielsen Korea ratings (Nationwide):
    • "Ep. 1–2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
    • "Ep. 5–6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). October 23, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
    • "Ep. 7–8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). October 30, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
    • "Ep. 9–10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  15. ^ 조립식 가족 시청률 [Family by Choice ratings] (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. Retrieved October 20, 2024 – via Daum.
  16. ^ Nielsen Korea ratings (Seoul):
    • "Ep. 1–2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
    • "Ep. 4". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
    • "Ep. 5–6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). October 23, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
    • "Ep. 7–8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). October 30, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
    • "Ep. 9–10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
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