Family by Choice- (Final) Episodes 15-16
A Heartfelt Finale with Love, Laughter, and a Few Tears
This week’s episode gave us all the warm and fuzzies in the conclusion of our beloved drama. While the series wraps up beautifully, some viewers may feel like the emotional payout didn’t quite match the tears shed along the way. But oh, what a journey it’s been! Let’s dive into the final chapter of San-ha, Joo-won, and their delightfully complicated families.
Love Wins... Eventually
After weeks of tension, Dad Kim is overjoyed about San-ha and Joo-won becoming a couple—but Dad Yoon? Not so much. It’s surprising, considering his usual rationality. You’d think he’d see that even if the relationship failed (as he fears), it wouldn’t destroy the family dynamic. Adding fuel to the fire, San-ha’s mum drops by Joo-won’s place to sow seeds of doubt, dismissing their love as a “delusion” and demanding Joo-won break things off. Her meddling sends Joo-won into a tailspin, but here’s the twist: this confrontation ends up strengthening the couple’s bond.
During her emotional low, Joo-won cracks through Dad Yoon’s frosty exterior, asking how he knew his late wife was his true love. His heartfelt explanation reassures Joo-won—it’s exactly how she feels about San-ha. Armed with this clarity, Joo-won confronts San-ha with renewed determination. Cue the magic words: “I love you.” The couple is unstoppable now, and even Dad Yoon is won over. As for San-ha’s mum? Her interference backfires spectacularly, smoothing the path for the lovebirds. Oh, sweet, sweet karma.
Loose Ends Tied with Love
San-ha’s mum has been a contentious figure throughout, but instead of a dramatic comeuppance, her story fizzles out quietly. After a final, tense conversation with San-ha, she decides to leave for the UK. No fireworks, just a plane ticket and a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, Hae-joon takes a heartwarming step toward his own happiness. After reconnecting with his mother, their bond is back to where it started—her cheering him on to pursue what he loves, basketball. It’s a full-circle moment that’s both tender and satisfying.
Dal’s Brave Confession (and Hae-joon’s Cluelessness)
Poor Dal finally bares her soul, only to be met with Hae-joon’s awkward deflection. Her ten-year wait to confess is brushed off as impulsive. Frustrated but determined, Dal dives into blind dating, with one date conveniently staged at Joo-won’s café. Sensing an opportunity, Joo-won and San-ha orchestrate a friendly basketball game, with San-ha intentionally playing poorly to make Hae-joon shine. Adorable!
When Hae-joon finally admits his feelings, it’s a subdued confession—he likes Dal, just not as much as she likes him yet.While it’s a relief they end up together, the payoff feels a bit underwhelming. Where’s the swoon-worthy romantic flourish we’ve been waiting for?
Family By Choice: A New Beginning
The meddling trio of Joo-won, San-ha, and Hae-joon rally around Dad Yoon and Hae-joon’s mum. Their long-buried feelings resurface, but Hae-joon’s mum hesitates, haunted by past tensions with Joo-won. In a touching moment, Joo-won apologizes for her childhood outburst and asks if she can call Hae-joon’s mum her own. It’s a tearjerker moment that highlights the series’ core theme: love and family are choices.
Inspired, Hae-joon’s mum lays her feelings bare to Dad Yoon, promising to be a good wife and mother. His stunned silence is almost comedic until he finally responds, “Let’s live laughing and crying together.” Their reunion is the cherry on top of this heartfelt finale.
While not every storyline landed with the emotional punch we hoped for, the finale brought closure, joy, and just the right amount of sentimentality. Love prevailed, families healed, and we leave these characters with smiles and hearts full. Here’s to laughter, tears, and choosing love every step of the way.
DramaZen's Opinion
Can we talk about the last few minutes of happiness they gave us to wrap up the show? I’m still fangirling over Joo-won and San-ha finally getting their happy ending—though not without Hae-joon giving them a classic earful (with Dal rolling her eyes in the background, of course). Dad Kim? ICONIC. He’s out here joining clubs (he’s in a singing club now?!) trying to find a girlfriend and absolutely stealing the spotlight by catching the bouquet at Dad Yoon and Hae-joon’s mum’s wedding. Adorable much?
Speaking of the wedding, my heart is so full. Seeing Dad Yoon and Hae-joon’s mum tie the knot after all these years was everything. It was sweet, it was wholesome, and it gave me all the feels. Watching them find their happiness together was like the perfect bow on this story.
I’m seriously going to miss these characters so much. I got so emotionally attached to everyone. The writing was top-tier, the acting was chef’s kiss, and somehow they made me empathize with literally every single character. The ending felt right, but honestly? I wanted more! There were some things that felt a little rushed, and I would’ve loved just a bit more time to savor it all.
All in all, though? This show has my whole heart. 🥰
