Hwang In Youp has completed his journey in the drama Family By Choice with extraordinary chemistry and heartfelt performances that have solidified his place as a beloved star.
Family By Choice, which concluded on November 27, captured the bittersweet yet joyous story of Kim San-ha (Hwang In Youp), Yoon Joo-won (Jung Chaeyeon), Kang Hae-joon (Bae Hyun Sung), Yoon Jung-jae (Choi Won-yeong), and Kim Dae-wook (Choi Moo-seong) as they navigated life’s challenges to finally come together as a family. The finale delivered smiles and tears, presenting a deeply satisfying ending to the story.
K-DRAMA REVIEW: “Family By Choice” Threads Heartwarming Stories about Family and Love
The drama’s viewership ratings reflected its success, with Episode 15 climbing to 3.8% in the metropolitan area and 3.4% nationwide, while Episode 16 reached a new high of 3.9% in the metropolitan area and 3.7% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. The emotional resonance and exceptional performances helped Family By Choice end on a high note, achieving its highest ratings.
Hwang In Youp’s on-screen chemistry with co-stars Jung Chaeyeon and Bae Hyun Sng was instrumental in the drama’s appeal. Together, they created a realistic and heartwarming portrayal of a “prefabricated family,” showcasing moments of laughter, love, and emotional depth. Their camaraderie extended off-screen, adding authenticity to their performances. Thanks to their efforts, the drama topped the drama cast topic rankings for the third week of January, according to Good Data Corporation.
Reflecting on the project, Hwang In Youp shared his thoughts in an interview shortly after the finale aired. “The chemistry between the three of us was so incredible that it made me genuinely happy. Watching the last episode with the cast and production team, I felt so satisfied. We worked so joyfully together, and I’m glad viewers could feel that.”
The final episode was particularly emotional for Hwang. “It was heartbreaking because the story spanned everything from childhood memories to a beautiful panorama. I couldn’t help but hug everyone and cry. It felt like the series ended too soon. We even joked about the possibility of a second season because we didn’t want it to end,” he said.
When asked who cried the most on set, Hwang admitted, “It was me. I cried first even though I shouldn’t have. Chaeyeon and Hyun-sung also cried a lot. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but we promised to keep in touch and even discussed where we’d meet up for a reunion.”
Hwang also spoke about the challenges and joys of portraying Kim San-ha, a character with deep emotional wounds. “I focused on expressing emotions through my eyes without relying too much on words. Actions always come before dialogue, and I wanted viewers to feel San-ha’s pain and growth just by looking at him. I’m truly grateful that people noticed and appreciated this effort.”
Discussing his co-stars, Hwang shared warm memories of their time on set. “The three of us are naturally shy, but we also respect and consider each other deeply. To break the ice, I took the first step to approach them, which isn’t something I normally do. That opened the door for us to joke and tease each other, which made us feel like a real family.”
The bond was evident even during challenging scenes, such as the much-discussed romantic moments with Jung Chaeyeon. “We laughed at first because we were so close, but when it came time to film, we focused on creating the right atmosphere. Synergy is so important in those scenes, and our natural connection made it easier to convey the emotions convincingly,” he explained with a laugh.
As for his plans moving forward, Hwang expressed excitement for new projects and a fan meeting. “It’s time for me to give back to my fans. I plan to sing, dance, and show a new side of myself. I want to continue growing as an actor and inspire others through meaningful roles. Every project I take on is precious to me, and I approach each one with care.”
Hwang’s upcoming special appearance in Dear X marks another exciting chapter in his career. “This role will showcase a different side of me—one with more depth and complexity. I’ve always admired director Lee Eung-bok’s work, so collaborating with him is a dream come true.”
With over 20 million followers on social media, Hwang also spoke about his relationship with fans. “It amazes me that so many people support me. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve this much love, but it motivates me to work even harder. I’m planning to communicate more actively and show fans more of my true self,” he said.
Wrapping up, Hwang reflected on his gratitude and ambitions. “This journey has been incredible, and I’m so thankful for all the love and support. I hope to continue challenging myself and bringing joy to my fans. I want to become an actor who inspires and leaves a lasting impact.”
All episodes of Family By Choice are streaming on Viu.
