Family by Choice | How Is It Different from the Original Go Ahead (以家人之名)?

A Story of Three Siblings Becoming a Real Family

Family by Choice is a Korean remake of the Chinese drama Go Ahead, which tells the heartfelt story of three children who are not related by blood but become a true family by relying on one another. Each carrying their own emotional wounds, the three children—Li Jianjian, Ling Xiao, and He Ziqiu—grow up under the care of two fathers and form deep, unbreakable bonds. As they laugh, cry, and grow together, their story delivers warm emotional resonance, and the original version enjoyed massive popularity in China when it aired.

Family by Choice reinterprets the story in a uniquely Korean way, centering around three siblings: Yoon Juwon, Kim Sanha, and Kang Haejun. Like the original, it follows their lives as they lean on each other, but it also infuses Korean sentiments and a distinct communal atmosphere that feels familiar and genuine to Korean viewers.

What’s Different Between the Original and the Remake?

46 Episodes vs. 16 Episodes

Go Ahead spans a total of 46 episodes, allowing for a slow and steady narrative that covers the characters' lives from childhood to adulthood. It weaves in a variety of subplots including their workplace struggles and evolving personal relationships, offering a broad emotional landscape.

In contrast, Family by Choice is a concise 16-episode mini-series that focuses more tightly on the main storyline. This results in a cleaner and more streamlined narrative. However, some viewers have noted that the emotional depth and certain character developments feel less convincing compared to the original, likely due to the shorter runtime.

Character Dynamics

Both dramas center around the idea of "siblings not by blood but by upbringing," but they portray the characters with subtle differences.

In the original Go Ahead, the main characters are Li Jianjian, the cheerful and mischievous younger sister; Ling Xiao, the quiet but warm-hearted older brother; and He Ziqiu, the affectionate and energetic middle sibling. Two fathers—Li Jianjian’s biological father and Ling Xiao’s father—play significant supporting roles in raising them.

Meanwhile, Family by Choice differs notably in how it handles romantic subplots. The original presents a subtle love triangle involving the sister and both of her older brothers, adding emotional tension. However, the Korean remake downplays this aspect. Instead, it features a more understated romance between Kim Sanha and Yoon Juwon, while Kang Haejun’s storyline focuses on his personal growth. For instance, he has a subplot involving his school friend Park Dal, introducing a one-sided crush that adds emotional depth. The sibling bond remains central, emphasizing a sense of true familial affection.

Different Emotional Arcs and Endings

Both versions conclude with a message of warm family love, but the emotional journey and intensity differ significantly.

In Go Ahead, the reappearance of the characters’ biological parents in the latter half brings deep emotional conflict. The children, who were abandoned in their youth, must face the pain, misunderstandings, and process of forgiveness as adults. These moments are depicted with realism and emotional depth, often moving viewers to tears. Early episodes received praise, with some calling it "the Chinese version of Reply 1988," but the later shift towards melodrama led to mixed reactions. Initial ratings were in the 8-point range, but dropped slightly due to criticisms of the love triangle and heightened conflict.

On the other hand, Family by Choice maintains a calm and warm tone from start to finish. The intensity of conflict and emotional expression is toned down compared to the original, allowing viewers to focus more on familial warmth and bonding. Even the biological mothers—who are depicted harshly in Go Ahead—are portrayed in a gentler, more understanding light in the Korean version. The series ends without major conflict or tragedy, offering a peaceful and comforting resolution where all characters come to understand and accept one another.

Recommended For

If You Love Healing Dramas

If you're someone who enjoys warm family stories and coming-of-age narratives, Family by Choice will be an enjoyable watch. With just 16 episodes, it's a lighter commitment than the original, making it ideal for a weekend binge.

If You're Looking for a Blend of Family and Romance

This show is perfect for viewers who prefer stories that intertwine family bonds with romantic elements. While the premise of romance between people who grew up as siblings might feel unusual, the series blends familial comfort and first-love butterflies in a way that feels unique and heartfelt. The emotional arc deepens in the latter half, making it more compelling.

Personal Ratings

Go Ahead ⭐ 8/10
This drama presents an excellent narrative structure and emotional depth as a family-themed series. The performances are strong, especially from the lead actor Song Weilong, known for his striking visuals. While some may find the latter half polarizing, it’s a must-watch for those seeking a touching portrayal of chosen family. Though the 46-episode length may seem daunting, it’s well-received in Korea and often recommended as a good entry point into Chinese dramas.

Family by Choice ⭐ 5/10
Considering how difficult it is to successfully remake a beloved drama, this Korean adaptation is well-executed. However, it lacks some of the emotional depth and narrative punch of the original. The romance is relatively conflict-free and straightforward, which may feel underwhelming to viewers expecting dramatic twists. This may explain why the series didn’t gain significant traction domestically. That said, the youthful charm and chemistry of actors Hwang Inyeop, Jung Chaeyeon, and Bae Hyunseong are delightful, and each character is well-developed in their own right.