Dramatic Turns in ‘Family By Choice’: Episode 14 Review

Dive into the heart of Episode 14 of “Family By Choice,” where tensions and revelations threaten to reshape relationships forever. Now streaming on Viu in Australia and New Zealand, this episode promises to stir feelings and bring new depths to the characters we’ve come to cherish.

Episode Fourteen Unpacked

The episode opens with Hae-joon grappling with the unsettling news of San-ha and Joo-won’s budding relationship. Feeling increasingly left out, his frustration grows as he contemplates yet another bout of perceived abandonment. San-ha reaches out, eager to mend fences, but their conversation leaves her dispirited as Hae-joon refuses to believe he isn’t being cast aside.

In an effort to clear his head, Hae-joon takes to the streets for a jog, only to be trailed by Dal, who ends up in an unfortunate mishap landing her with a leg cast. Under the mistaken belief that Dal’s actions were orchestrated by Joo-won, Hae-joon is unaware that she independently decided to keep an eye on him.

Meanwhile, San-ha divulges a family secret to Joo-won: Hae-joon’s father has another child in the US. This revelation deepens Hae-joon’s feelings of isolation. Despite San-ha’s attempts to bring him home, he resists, further complicating matters. Instead, he focuses on helping Dal, escorting her back to safety.

Upon Hae-joon’s return, Joo-won adopts an amicable approach, keen to ease the tension. Soon after, San-ha’s father visits the hospital, sharing a meal with her and Hee-ju. Misdirected assumptions about Hee-ju’s connection to Joo-won lead to amusing exchanges, bringing a light-hearted moment to an otherwise intense episode.

San-ha picks up Joo-won, only to be confronted by Hae-joon’s comical list of dating rules. This leads to a laughable agreement, drawing San-ha to address Hae-joon as “hyung-nim,” paving the way for a tentative reconciliation.

The storyline pivots as Hae-joon stumbles upon his mother in conversation with her lawyer. Their chance meeting allows for heartfelt confessions, culminating in Hae-joon finally vocalising his buried feelings of abandonment. This breakthrough spreads ripples through their community; San-ha, seeking help, turns to Dal for insight.

Taking Dal’s advice, Hae-joon confronts his mother, unveiling truths about her past—an accident, imprisonment, and her decision to avoid disrupting his life. Jeong-jae’s timely appearance stages a cathartic moment for Hae-joon, who unleashes years of pent-up emotion. The gathering of family and newfound unity over a meal underscores the theme of belonging.

That night sees Hae-joon and his mother bonding in her home, while San-ha and Joo-won share an innocently awkward evening alone.

Finally, the episode wraps up with an unexpected visit to their parents, where San-ha and Joo-won boldly announce their relationship, providing a new twist for the families to digest.

Episode Reflections

As the series edges towards its conclusion, Episode 14 sets the stage for a promising reconciliation and realignment of relationships. The narrative elegantly navigates through Hae-joon’s emotional turbulence while offering hints of acceptance and unity. Despite some rushed backstories, notably his mother’s reasoning, the focus on Hae-joon, San-ha, and Joo-won’s journeys remains steady. With two episodes left, fans will be eagerly looking forward to a satisfying wrap-up to this moving family saga. Watch the latest episode on Viu Australia and New Zealand!