Episode 1 of "Family By Choice" unfolds in the year 2003, where we find Ju-won, an innocent primary school student, eagerly awaiting her father's arrival after school. As they walk home, the children's playful taunts echo, calling Jung-jae, Ju-won's doting father, a "widower," a term that piques Ju-won's curiosity. Upon inquiry, Jung-jae discovers that their neighbor, Madam, had inadvertently imparted this knowledge to the young girl.
During their stroll, Ju-won's longing for companionship surfaces, beseeching her father for an "oppa" (elder brother figure) to play with, given Jung-jae's perpetual preoccupation with work. Just then, fate introduces a new family into their neighborhood's tapestry—a trio that includes the charming San-ha, a child Ju-won instantly recognizes as a potential playmate and friend. Jung-jae, in a moment of levity, jokes about the family's residence on the third floor, unaware that his words would strike a chord of sensitivity with San-ha's mother, Jung-hee.
That evening, the tranquility of the night is shattered by a domestic dispute within the Dae-wook household. Jung-hee confronts her husband, Dae-wook, over Jung-jae's seemingly harmless jest, accusing him of mocking their family's sorrow. Their quarrel escalates, drawing the attention of the neighbors, who ultimately summon the police. However, upon arrival, the officers are stunned to recognize Sergeant Dae-wook, their superior, and their hearts soften as they grasp the gravity of the family's struggles, exacerbated by the recent loss of So-hee, San-ha's beloved sister.
As the dust settles, San-ha ventures outside, where he finds Ju-won and Jung-jae inviting him to join them for a TV night. With a gentle decline, San-ha explains that he must return home. Inside, Dae-wook comforts his son, assuring him that his mother's emotions stem not from anger towards him but from the profound grief that cloaks their hearts. This poignant scene sets the stage for the intricate relationships and emotional journeys that will unfold in the series "Family By Choice."
The following day, Jung-jae finds himself in the company of Madam, who divulges a heavy truth: When San-ha's sister passed away, he was the sole occupant of their home, and his mother's heartache has manifested in a cruel blame upon him. Jung-jae's heart goes out to the young boy.
As San-ha trudges home from school, he diligently clears away the scattered beer bottles left by his mother's melancholic solace. His thoughts, however, are drawn to a darker memory as he prepares to make a hasty meal of instant noodles. Seated on the stairs, he mindlessly nibbles on the uncooked noodles, his sorrow etched on every bite.
Ju-won, observing this poignant scene, extends a warm invitation to San-ha's home, only to be met with a resolute refusal. Inside, she relays to Jung-jae the heartbreaking sight, prompting him to whip up a nourishing meal for the boy. He tasks Ju-won with coaxing San-ha inside, but her efforts fall short as the boy remains steadfast in his solitude.
Dawn breaks, ushering in a new day and an unexpected visitor: Seo-hyun, accompanied by her young son, Hae-joon, arrives to introduce themselves to Madam. In a mishap, Jung-jae inadvertently drenches both Seo-hyun and Hae-joon with water, sparking an awkward moment.
Within the confines of Jung-jae's home, Madam confides in Ju-won her plans to unite her father with Seo-hyun. The revelation does little to endear Ju-won to the idea of a potential stepmother. Instead, she rebukes Madam for meddling in her life, voicing her longing for an older sibling, not a replacement mother. Hae-joon, caught in the crossfire, becomes the unwitting target of Ju-won's frustration, and she withdraws into silence.
Elsewhere, a bond forms between Jung-jae and Seo-hyun amidst Ju-won's chance encounter with San-ha, returning from school burdened by the whispers of his peers. Witnessing San-ha's classmates' cruel taunts, Ju-won springs into action, pushing back against their bullying. Hae-joon, unafraid, steps forward to defend Ju-won and San-ha, who joins the fray, united in their righteous indignation.
The trio, victorious yet battered, is escorted back to the neighborhood. Jung-jae, seeking to restore order, urges Ju-won to apologize to the instigator. Ju-won, unyielding, argues that the boy deserved punishment for his cruel treatment of San-ha. In turn, Jung-jae addresses the woman, requesting that she encourage her son to offer a sincere apology to San-ha for the emotional wounds inflicted.
Hae-joon's admiration for Jung-jae is palpable, a sentiment that doesn't escape Seo-hyun's keen observation. She promptly arranges for a lunch gathering, inviting San-ha to join them, where the trio indulges in a delightful meal, laughter and camaraderie filling the air.
Afterward, Jung-jae dutifully sees Seo-hyun and Hae-joon off, entrusting San-ha with a special task—to keep Ju-won company. The two children forge an instant connection as they frolic in the park, their bond growing stronger with every giggle and game. Jung-hee, observing from afar, watches with warmth as San-ha shares in Ju-won's joy.
As the sun sets, Ju-won confides in San-ha, sharing heartfelt memories of her deceased mother, inadvertently touching upon the loss of San-ha's sister. The bus ride home finds Hae-joon bubbling with excitement over the abundant food box Jung-jae had generously gifted them, while Seo-hyun's mood is abruptly clouded by a distressing phone call, leaving her visibly tense.
Back at his modest abode, San-ha engages in his routine of tidying up before sitting at his desk, where a cherished family photo, capturing happier times with his sister, serves as a poignant reminder. Meanwhile, Jung-jae gently tucks Ju-won into bed, her plea for him not to marry echoing softly in his heart.
The following day, Madam wonders aloud about the seemingly aborted date, perplexed by Seo-hyun's silence towards Jung-jae. In a bid to secure her future in Seoul, Seo-hyun entrusts Hae-joon to her sister's care, a decision fraught with emotion.
Unexpectedly, Dae-wook and his subordinate arrive at Jung-jae's restaurant, where Ju-won, unbeknownst to them, extends a heartwarming invitation for San-ha to dine at their home, stunning Dae-wook with the revelation that San-ha has already been a guest in their midst.
That afternoon, San-ha's excitement knows no bounds as he savors a bowl of Jung-jae's handcrafted noodles, each bite a testament to the warmth and hospitality he's found in this unlikely family. Amidst the meal, Jung-jae receives a call from Seo-hyun, her voice laced with urgency as she requests a loan, her words revealing the temporary arrangement she's made for Hae-joon. The intricate tapestry of their lives continues to unravel, each thread weaving a story of resilience, love, and the unexpected bonds that forge through adversity.
Jung-jae's heart sank as he stepped into Hae-joon's abode, stunned by the deplorable state of the house. With a heavy heart, he intervened, preventing Hae-joon from making a meager packet of noodles his evening meal, instead offering him a heartwarming plate of dumplings. He extended an invitation, offering to take Hae-joon under his wing, vowing to care for him till Seo-hyun's return.
Elsewhere, San-ha and Ju-won trudged home from school, San-ha's words tinged with sorrow as he shared the weight of his mother's grief. Unbeknownst to them, Jung-hee's intrusion into San-ha's sanctuary unearthed a family portrait, setting the stage for a stormy confrontation.
Dae-wook's arrival from work was met with a chaotic scene; Jung-hee, tears streaming down her face, had shattered the photo, her eyes glazed with alcohol's haze. Their quarrel escalated, shattering the silence of the home, and San-ha, eavesdropping on the tumult, realized his mother's intention to leave. He rushed in, contrite for his past entanglements, pleading with her to stay, swearing never to revisit Ju-won's abode.
Ju-won's world spun out of control as Jung-jae ushered Hae-joon into their lives. Hae-joon's innocent query about calling Jung-jae 'dad' ignited a fiery reaction in Ju-won, who lashed out in jealousy during their shared meal. The next dawn brought a solemn promise from San-ha—a vow to forsake his former home and a plea for his mother's stay.
As Jung-hee packed her bags, San-ha watched, helpless, as she vanished from his life. Ju-won's offer of a new home, a chance to be her brother, echoed in the silence. Jung-hee, her heart heavy but resigned, granted her wish, and departed.
Time flew by, seasons changing as Ju-won, San-ha, and Hae-joon grew into teenagers, their bond forging stronger with each passing day. Hae-joon's morning jogs and breakfast invitations, shared with Dae-wook and San-ha, prepared by Jung-jae, painted a picture of a makeshift family's harmony.
Ju-won's suggestion of an adoption agreement, a tangible symbol of their unity, sparked laughter among them, with San-ha jesting about becoming her 'uncle.' As the episode drew to a close, Ju-won's determination to unite them under one surname echoed, a testament to the indomitable spirit of love and family that had transcended all obstacles.
