Showdown of Hearts: Hwang In Youp and Bae Hyeon Seong Take on Lee Jong Hyuk in 'Family By Choice'

Oh, the drama of familial connections! Just when you think everything’s perfectly wrapped with a bow, enter Yang Dong Gu (played by Lee Jong Hyuk), a man with all the charm of a rogue and the temperament of a thunderstorm, claiming to be the real father of our dear Hae Jun. Can you feel the tension? It’s palpable! Hae Jun, the neighborhood's certified poster boy for emotional outbursts, known for his illustrious title as the official crybaby of Haedong, suddenly decides to put on a brave face. You have to admire his spirit. After all, a resolute expression in front of a potential long-lost father? That’s courage—or perhaps just denial.

As Hae Jun stands there, all stoic and polished, our curiosity piques; what exactly are these two discussing? One can only imagine the laundry list of confusion and resentment brewing in that moment. Meanwhile, in the backdrop are our beloved trio from their teenage escapades, Kim San Ha (Hwang In Yeop), the reliable rock; Yoon Ju Won (Jung Chae Yeon), the easygoing companion; and of course, Kang Hae Jun (Bae Hyeon Seong), who has been valiantly raised by two well-meaning, but somewhat overwhelmed fathers—Kim Dae Wook (Choi Moo Sung) and Yoon Jung Jae (Choi Won Young). Talk about a sitcom waiting to happen!

Adding to the delightful mess, our dependable eldest brother, Kim San Ha, decides it’s his duty to accompany Hae Jun on this father-daughter (oh wait, son!) quest. Picture it: two boys, glaring daggers at Yang Dong Gu, who, surprisingly, appears unfazed and utterly unbothered. The irony here is rich; while they contemplate the legitimacy of Yang Dong Gu's claim, he’s probably wondering if he should order a pizza or just offer them a fatherly hug. Ah, the confusion and the layers, much like a wedding cake that no one quite knows how to cut.

Each moment spent trying to decipher this family drama is a masterclass in human relations and the complexities that come with love, rejection, and what truly makes a family. But remember, life is always better when there's a sprinkle of irony and a dash of humor, much like a perfect recipe for a cozy evening. As the saga unfolds, let’s keep our tissues handy—who knows when the emotions will spill out in a flood, rivaling Hae Jun's past performances!