Original subtitles

(Family By Choice)

(The following program contains themes, language and imitative behavior)

(that are not suitable for viewers under 15.)

(Viewer discretion is advised.)

(This program contains product placements and virtual advertising.)

(All characters, locations, organizations, and incidents)

(depicted in this drama are entirely fictitious.)

No. Give me that.

You can't drive to Seoul in this state.

Get in the back.

I'll drive them to the train station.

- You guys go to sleep. - Okay.

Fasten your seatbelt.

Text me when you get there.

Okay.

Everything will be okay, right?

I hope so.

(Hanguk Medical Center)

(Operating Room)

(Surgery Waiting Room)

Dae Wook.

How did you get here so fast from Japan?

There was a flight that left this morning.

I just got here too.

I haven't told my mother yet.

Her heart is still weak.

I didn't know how the surgery would end.

Right.

That was a good call.

Uncle.

Hey. It's been ten years since we met.

But you look just the same.

So Hee is still at home with the housekeeper.

I told them to come in the morning.

But I might have to tell them not to come.

(Operating Room)

(Patient Name, Kwon J Hee, Female 44, Orthopaedics)

(Surgery Status: Complete)

The surgery went well.

We'll have to observe her,

but she's out of the woods for now.

You guys have school tomorrow.

Go inside and get some sleep.

The surgery is over. She'll be fine.

My gosh. What a relief.

That's good news.

See? I told you she was going to be fine.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

(Intensive Care Unit)

I'm glad you're okay.

(Episode 8)

I'll go to my brother-in-law's...

I mean, I'll go to So Hee's father's funeral.

Please call me if anything happens in the meantime.

Don't worry. Go ahead.

San Ha!

Uncle, this is my brother.

San Ha. Why did you come to Seoul?

Why are you guys together?

Uncle, you've never seen him before, right?

San Ha, you too. Right?

You've never met him before, right?

So Hee, did you know Mom is sick right now?

Yes. Dad is sick too.

But I heard they would get better in a few days.

Well, I didn't know what was going on.

What is it?

So Hee. Do you want to stay with her for a few days?

Once your mom and dad get better,

I'll come and get you. Okay?

No!

- No! - Come here.

Let's go home together.

- Let's go home. - No.

- Let's go. - No. I want to see Mom.

I want to see Mom and Dad.

I don't want to be alone.

Mom and Dad aren't home.

I don't want to be alone.

So Hee.

Then should I...

stay with you in place of Mom?

What? Really?

I'll stay with So Hee for the time being.

What do you mean?

Uncle can't be at the hospital and watch So Hee...

all by himself.

Right.

Then could you stay with her for a while?

Well, I'd be happy if you can.

You should go back without me.

I'll come back after a few days.

Come here.

You can't. How can you look after a child?

- It's only for a few days. - What about school?

I'll be fine until I have to submit my application.

You saw her earlier too.

Her injury is serious.

So Hee can't see Mom right now.

Even I was shocked.

She should see Mom...

after Mom recovers a bit in a few days.

So Hee is only a child.

She needs someone to stay with her.

Why does that have to be you?

Then who else does she have?

Gosh.

Once Mom wakes up, she'll want to see So Hee first.

When she does, I'll make sure they’re both okay...

and come home right away.

Goodness.

- Hey. Did you just get back? - Yes.

My gosh.

Goodness.

Did you eat?

Have some jujube tea.

So how long will San Ha stay with her?

Probably just a day or two at most.

Goodness.

Why couldn't she have a good life after leaving us?

Why did she get hurt and make San Ha go through this?

Seoul? In the hospital?

Don't worry. The surgery went well.

What about school then?

He still has time to submit his application,

so he'll come back in a few days.

He skips meals when he's alone.

I bet he skipped breakfast.

He's not alone.

Well, I know that his mother is in the hospital.

But he's got his uncle and sister, So Hee.

Do you think they know San Ha has no appetite in the morning?

They don't.

(Hanguk Medical Center)

Something could have gone wrong.

Can't you run more tests? Doctor.

Uncle. What's going on?

I don't know.

Your mom hasn't woken up yet.

They said the time it took...

for the anaesthesia to wear off varies.

But things don't look good.

They won't let you stay for long, but you should go in and see her.

Wait.

If you're here to see your family, you can go in one at a time.

You only have 30 minutes.

They said the time it took...

for the anaesthesia to wear off varies.

But things don't look good.

Why would I get it back?

I'll get punished for not welcoming my mom who abandoned her own son?

When other people see us,

we're exactly the same.

We're just some kids, abandoned by our moms!

Why do you keep calling me?

Leave me alone when I'm not picking up.

I guess you won't see me unless I'm bedridden and dying.

(Hanguk Medical Center)

(Yoon Ju Won)

What are you doing?

Did you eat?

What did you eat?

Make sure to have dinner.

(Yoon Ju Won)

You answered it. You're not busy?

No.

I just left the hospital.

I was writing back to you.

I'm on my way home. My dad asked me to buy tofu.

When will you come back?

Is there anything you want to eat when you come back?

I'll ask my dad to cook it.

Nothing comes to mind yet.

I'll think about it.

How are things over there?

How are things here? Well, it's the same.

Oh, right. We're having stir-fried squid for dinner.

Mr. Kim grumbled that the dish was meant for drinking.

Then they bickered a bit.

They're like a married couple now.

Oh, right. I went to the cafeteria with Dal during lunch today.

Then I ran into Hae Jun.

Hae Jun did something he never did before.

He gave me his precious beer-mug-shaped lollipop.

Gosh, what a surprise. Right?

- Are you listening? - Yes.

Anything else?

What?

Nothing?

It's only been a day since you went to Seoul.

But there's so much I have to tell you.

Has it really been only a day?

Yes.

But why does it feel like it's been longer than that?

So when will you come back?

Soon.

Dad.

Here's the tofu.

Why are you in a bad mood?

- Dad. - My gosh.

I told you to buy a softer one for the stew.

But you bought a firm one again.

Let's...

go to Seoul for once.

Seoul?

What's the point of going all the way to Seoul?

San Ha is all alone in that big city.

Aren't you guys even worried?

Aren't you worried, Jung Jae?

Yes, I'm worried.

What do you say? Should I close the restaurant for a day?

Gosh, you lose so much money...

when you close your business for a day.

I took a day off yesterday, so I have to be on duty for a while.

Right.

- Just the two of us? - Yes.

Even if we go, where are we going to sleep?

Then what about a day trip?

A day trip to Seoul? That will be stressful.

San Ha is stressed out all alone.

- Should we go, then? - Yes.

It'll be stressful for you guys, and it'll stress him out even more.

He already has to look after his sister and visit the hospital.

He won't have time to look after you guys too.

We'll take care of him.

You? As if.

San Ha will be back in 2 to 3 days.

Even so...

Fine. I'll go alone, then.

You'll go alone?

How? You don't even know your way around Seoul.

There must be signs at the subway stations and stuff.

You see, this tofu.

The type for stews and the one meant for stir-frying...

are all clearly marked.

You'll go to Seoul alone...

when you can't buy the correct type of tofu?

That was...

It only happened because I was distracted.

Seoul Station is bigger than you think.

It's possible you'll never find your way out of that place, Ju Won.

That is possible.

Look who's talking.

You've never been to Seoul Station either.

Okay, fine.

I'll just hang out with Dal tomorrow, then.

Tell them we're hanging out today.

(Number one in pre-college education)

I really am a terrible liar.

That's okay. They probably won't call you.

But just in case. If they do call you,

tell them I'm in the bathroom and just call me.

I would tag along if I didn't have to be at the academy today.

Hey, are you really going to be okay alone?

Have you taken the subway before?

Isn't everything written in Korean?

I should go the other way.

(Information)

(Hanguk Medical Center)

(Intensive Care Unit, Nursing Department)

Today, I'll just go and see her alone.

Why can't I see Mom?

So Hee, you can see Mom when her condition improves a bit.

You may be able to see her tomorrow.

But yesterday, you said I'd be able to see her today.

Does Mom...

not want to see me?

Why would Mom say that?

No, that is not the case.

Is it because Mom is badly hurt?

I overheard Uncle and the lady talking on the phone.

She said...

Mom might not wake up.

Of course, Mom will wake up.

After surgery,

it's common to sleep for many hours to speed up the recovery process.

Really?

Yes, really.

Are you at the hospital again?

Yes, I'm about to go in and see her now.

Shall I call you in the evening?

I want water.

You have your water.

Get me some juice, then.

All right.

I'll be right back. Wait here, okay?

(Intensive Care Unit)

(Hanguk Medical Center)

"Hanguk Medical Center."

Is Ms. Kwon Jung Hee's family... Is Ms. Kwon's son here?

- Ms. Kwon's son... - Are you looking for my brother?

(Floor Directory)

Intensive Care Unit...

(Endoscopy Unit, ECG Room)

Intensive Care Unit.

The Intensive Care Unit...

Just as I expected, Kim San Ha.

- San... - San Ha!

I told you to wait there.

Mom woke up. I can see her now!

The length of time doesn't matter. They're family!

San Ha!

San Ha!

We aren't a family.

Why should we have the same surname when we don't share a drop of blood?

I'm Kim San Ha, and you're Yoon Ju Won.

(Hanguk Medical Center)

My mom woke up.

(Yum Burger Haedong Location, Part-timers wanted)

What is it? Are you looking for a part-time job?

Then what am I going to do all through my winter break?

You should've just listened to the coaches from Seoul...

and joined the winter training program.

Why drive your luck away?

It's in the past now, so don't bring it up again.

I just think it's such a shame!

Hey, I have to go.

Check out the basketball shoes with the others.

Hey!

My gosh!

You just came out of this building.

Ju Won left the house in the morning to hang out with you.

What are you doing at the academy?

Ju Won went to the restroom.

Ju Won came to the academy with you?

This little...

Yoon Ju Won!

How did you find me here?

I ran into Dal downtown.

Really?

What do you mean, really?

Have you lost your mind?

What were you thinking, going to Seoul alone?

I debated going to Seoul to find you.

And why didn't you answer your phone?

The battery died.

You didn't even take a charger when you were going to Seoul?

I think they were all worried because...

she didn't wake up from anaesthesia after her surgery,

but she's okay now.

Yes, I saw that too.

My battery must've died after that.

- What's the matter? - What?

I'm talking about this. Why are you pouting like that?

What? So?

You just turned around and came back?

Well...

I was just about to call him,

but right at that moment,

So Hee showed up with a nurse and told him that his mom woke up.

He seemed busy, so...

You went all the way to Seoul but just came back...

without even saying hi to him because he seemed busy?

You carried this all the way there and back?

Are you a fool?

Give it back. I'll carry it.

You little...

I should at least do this before I go.

Just leave it and go home.

Let me just finish this.

Hello.

Oh, sorry. We're closed.

Oh, hello.

It'll take about ten minutes. Will that be all right?

Sure. Two servings of kalguksu, please.

- Sure. Sit wherever you like. - Okay.

Don't tell anyone that I went to Seoul today.

Why not?

Can't you just do it for me?

Are those the eyes of someone asking for a favour?

Hurry home...

before they find out you were in Seoul today.

You won't tell Dad, right?

Come on. I'd never tell on you.

Go and put San Ha's stuff where it belongs.

(Open until 10pm today)

What, 10pm?

Is he possessed by a money-hungry ghost or something?

My gosh, you scared me.

Why are you standing here? Go on in.

I was about to go inside, but you came out.

Doesn't he normally close at 7pm?

I have no idea what has gotten into him.

You should ask him.

My goodness.

It feels rock-hard here.

My, that feels nice.

That's nice.

She was wondering why you suddenly decided to open late.

I kept telling her to just go home.

I've actually wanted to stay open until 10pm for a while.

Cold weather in the winter months drives up soup sales, you know.

I'll start earning money soon so you can retire early.

Even just hearing that puts a smile on my face.

But even if I retire now, it won't be considered "early."

Besides, what am I going to do if I don't work?

San Ha's dad and I will just drink all day every day.

My, that's nice.

- Thank you. - Have a good evening.

You too.

Dad.

Yes.

They've moved her to a general ward. I'm on my way now.

The doctor says she's on her way to recovery.

Yes, Uncle.

She went to pick up So Hee.

I'm fine.

I guess I'll leave tomorrow...

or the day after.

Okay.

What happened, Mom? Are you all right?

Get off me!

Sit on your bed. I'll call the doctor.

You'll call the doctor?

Why bother?

I'll just die now.

After losing my child...

and getting a divorce,

I finally met a decent man,

so I thought I could be happy at last.

What is this?

What is this? Who lives like this?

What a cursed life!

Mom!

It was a big accident.

The doctor said it was a miracle that you survived.

"Miracle?"

Look at this!

Does this look like a miracle to you?

I can't walk for the rest of my life.

You call this a miracle?

Let go! I bet you think this serves me right.

You must think I got what I deserved...

for abandoning you.

How...

How am I going to live like this?

I'd rather die! I want to die.

I'd much rather die.

Don't be like this, please. Mom!

How is it so easy for you to say that you want to die?

You don't want to live?

So if you die, that's it?

What about me? What about So Hee?

How could you be so selfish, even now?

What do you even know?

Are you the one with the injuries?

I'm the one who's hurting!

Let's go.

San Ha!

Where's Mom?

Mom is fine now.

But what do I do?

I think she'll be able to meet you when she gets a little bit better.

Again?

No.

You said I could meet Mom!

I heard she had come around.

I want to see her right now!

I'm sorry.

So Hee, let's meet her later.

- Let's go. - No!

- So Hee, let's go. - I want to see her.

I want to see Mom.

(Hanguk Medical Center)

Forget about what she said.

People say things they don't mean...

when they're sick.

Yes. I know.

It'll get worse from now on.

She's in the general ward.

So a caregiver must be with her 24 hours a day now.

Speaking of which,

how about you go to a college in Seoul?

Sorry?

I should be going back to work now.

I've been thinking about many ways,

but you're the only one who can do it.

Can't you come to Seoul...

to stay with my sister and So Hee?

I'm sorry.

I stayed because I thought it would be only a few days.

- You know that. - I know.

But she's saying she wants to die and making a fuss even now.

I'm afraid she won't be able to hold out when no one's with her.

Your mother isn't strong enough to undergo rehabilitation...

while being cared for by a stranger.

I can't guarantee that she'll be able to walk again or not.

We'll do our best,

but a patient's determination is key when it comes to rehabilitation.

(Ju Won: Don't skip dinner. Are you staying there today?)

(Yes. I'm going to see her now. Can I call you in the evening?)

(Yoon Ju Won)

(Yoon Ju Won)

The phone is turned off.

Did you wake up already?

It's not time to go to kindergarten yet.

San Ha. I'm sorry I threw a tantrum and cried in the hospital.

Did you not eat it?

This too.

This is a leftover candle from my birthday.

I'll let you make a wish with this.

Make a wish.

- I did. - You should say it out loud.

You should say it out loud to make it heard and granted.

Who is going to listen?

I don't know. But you should say it out loud.

That's what they said in the kindergarten.

On my birthday, I said,

"I want to have a Secret Doll."

And I really got one.

I guess someone listened to your wish.

There isn't anyone...

to listen to mine.

Why?

It's been always like that.

Dad.

Dad!

Dad! San Ha is coming tomorrow.

- Tomorrow? He's coming tomorrow? - Yes.

Why isn't he picking up?

He should be coming after making dough.

Where did he go without locking the door?

Did he go to the bathroom?

- Dad! - Dad.

Yes. I'm fine.

I was just...

dizzy for a moment.

Dad, what's the matter?

Oh, my. I'm fine.

I said I'm all right.

I'm okay.

Dad!

Dad, are you okay? Do you recognize me?

What's this? Am I in a hospital?

It's okay.

The doctor said it was just fatigue,

so there was no need to be hospitalized.

You can just rest at home once you're done with the IV drip.

Oh, gosh. What fatigue? I didn't do anything.

You've been closing the restaurant at late hours.

What about your school?

Is school important now?

You can't skip school.

Once you start skipping it, it becomes a habit.

You should go to school. I'll stay here.

No. I want to stay too.

I'll text you on my way home after he's done with the IV drip.

You should go.

What's the point of you staying here?

Mr. Kim said he would be here soon.

Dad needs to lie down in the car. There's no space for you.

You go then.

I only have academic counselling sessions, so I don't need to go.

You should go. Okay?

You should receive an award for perfect attendance.

You must rest at home then.

I'll go right after school.

See you.

Please go faster. Customers are coming for lunch soon.

How can you say that now?

It's because more people are coming for lunch these days.

I also have customers from the construction site nearby.

I don't want to waste their time.

Why have you been overworking these days?

If you count the early morning dough preparation,

you're working almost 20 hours a day at the restaurant, aren't you?

I told you.

Even he's saying it.

There's a break in the middle.

Then let's stop by the restaurant.

I should put up a sign saying we're closing just for today...

so customers know they can come tomorrow.

I'll go and take care of it by myself.

You don't have to. I'll just stop by and...

Mr. Kim. Please stop here.

- I can just run from here. - Sure.

Is he possessed by a money-hungry ghost or something?

He must have money.

Oh, my.

Why are you pushing yourself so hard these days?

You know the schools in the pamphlet?

They seemed good.

Is that why you extended your business hours and made a fuss?

Did you even ask him if he wants to go to the US?

No way. How can I send him to the US?

It's impossible even if I close the restaurant at midnight.

Yes. That's why I couldn't ask if he wanted to go to the US.

I couldn't ask because I couldn't afford it.

If you can't send him to the US anyway,

stop working overtime.

What are you doing? You're hurting yourself.

Don't overreact.

The doctor said it was just simple fatigue.

Just stop when I tell you to stop.

The medicine will cost even more.

My gosh. I'm not deaf.

I just came back from the hospital. Don't yell at me.

My goodness.

That's why I want to get my act together...

and save every penny I can before it's too late.

If you're going to do that, just send him to his parents.

How are you going to face him every day?

"I wish I could send him to the US." Do you think...

you can face him every day while regretting it?

What are you doing here? Where's Dad?

What?

Oh, yes.

Why? Did he collapse again?

No. Go home.

Take this.

I'm going out for a moment.

Where?

Seok Hun wanted to see me.

Who is Seok Hun?

His best friend on the basketball team.

It seems they have something to say.

Are you feeling better?

You have healing hands.

I told you. I'm completely fine. It's all good.

My goodness.

So you're saying your father will regret...

not sending you to the US...

every time he sees you if you don't go.

When did I say it like that?

That's what you just said.

I just summarized it.

Darn it.

Oh, yes? Kick me.

Kick me and go to the US.

I wasn't going to say this,

but if you stay here, you'll be spending his money anyway.

Tell your biological father to pay for it.

He hasn't spent a single penny on you.

You can ask him to pay.

Take his money. Study and succeed...

and come back to Korea to take care of him.

It's like killing 2 birds with 1 stone.

I can't do math.

Is this math?

"One plus one." It's just simple arithmetic.

I know it too.

I know.

I know I'm a burden.

I still don't want to go.

I want to stay here.

I want to stay here.

Are you crying?

I'm not.

If you want to cry, do it in the US.

You won't make money or go to a prestigious college here.

There's nothing you can do properly.

There's nothing you can do here.

We're turning 20 next year. Okay?

Playing basketball and going to the cafeteria every day?

That's all we do.

You should leave the countryside when you can.

But you're going to stay in the countryside.

I'm a country bumpkin through and through.

I love the countryside.

- You little... - What?

Gosh.

This is good.

Oh, my. Look at this.

- It looks good. - Enjoy your meal.

Thanks.

Let me do it.

There's nothing you can do here.

(Yoon's Kalguksu)

Tell your birth dad to support you.

Study hard, become successful,

then come back and make it up to him.

I'll finish up. Go and rest.

- Your hands will get dirty. - Let me.

Goodness.

Talk to Dad for me.

I told him to rest, but he insisted on opening for dinner.

Not anymore.

Not anymore?

I'll stay. You go home.

Shall we go?

(Yoon's Kalguksu)

What's wrong?

Why is my son...

so ticked off today?

I'll follow the guy to the US.

What?

That guy.

My birth dad. I'll go with him.

What are you on about?

Why would you go with him?

Did he come to see you to say something?

He came to see you too.

About taking me to the US to play basketball.

You told me that day that you'd heard the neighbours talk.

You mentioned the US.

Did you see him that day?

I didn't say that...

to mean you should go with him.

You don't have to.

If you end up going,

I was going to foot the bill.

You said you couldn't.

It's impossible even if I close the restaurant at midnight.

Yes. That's why I couldn't ask if he wanted to go to the US.

I couldn't ask because I couldn't afford it.

I meant...

So...

I can go on my own.

No, Hae Jun.

I'm always whining to San Ha's dad.

That was just one of those things.

I complain all the time because he lets me.

Don't mind it.

Once I'm gone,

don't work too hard.

I don't want you to struggle.

Say you won't overdo it...

so I won't have to worry in the US.

Let's go.

Ju Won will scold us for being late.

Dad, you're up early.

Let's just order jajangmyeon.

He hasn't been home in a while.

I must cook him something.

Then tell me what you need. I'll get it.

No. I have to pick out the best ingredients myself.

Don't tell San Ha that I was admitted.

He'll only worry.

Dad. There are no secrets in this house.

You're right.

Go back to bed.

Where are you at?

(Kim San Ha)

Daejeon.

That's so far away.

- You said you were passing Daejeon. - I lied.

Why would you lie?

So you'd be pleased to see me sooner.

- Are you doing well? - I'm just fine.

Everyone else was fine,

but Dad fainted yesterday and went to the ER.

How is he now? Is he okay?

Yes. He just needs to rest.

He got up early to get groceries to cook for you.

He shouldn't have.

What?

It's nice to see you after a while.

It's only been a few days.

- Let's go upstairs. - Okay.

Let's just eat what you have and dried laver.

There are no secrets.

It won't take long. I'm not cooking much.

Hang on.

Can someone go get some eggs?

Okay.

Play or you lose...

- Wake up. - What?

Rock-paper-scissors.

I always lose. See you later.

Dad, will 30 eggs do?

Hey.

What is it?

Is it about your birth dad?

- You're a mind-reader. - What else could it be?

What is it?

I have something to say too, so speak up.

You do? What is it?

You go first.

- Well... - What?

He wants you to follow him to the US?

Did you become a psychic while you were away?

You don't have to be a psychic to see through you.

Keep saying you won't go.

Even if he sues, you become an adult next year.

You don't have to go.

I decided to go.

Does Mr. Yoon know?

You can't go.

I'll be back soon.

- I'll visit before you graduate... - I'm leaving too.

What?

We can't both leave.

- Dad, the eggs. - Good.

- Break lots of them in here. - Okay.

Mr. Kim can't come by before dinner?

He has to work.

My taste buds aren't working.

- How is it? - What do you think?

It's delicious.

Is it?

It's almost done. Tell the boys to come over.

Okay. It tastes so good.

I can't stay.

Whenever he sees me, he'll feel bad...

that he couldn't send me.

I can't do that to him. I have to go.

Are you confident?

Can you do well in a country where you don't know a single soul?

Why couldn't I?

Do you think you'll do well away from home?

Yes.

I'll eat and sleep well over there.

Anyone would say you're the one who should stay.

Mr. Yoon will feel bad?

So what?

Make it up to him, then.

- You can't do that? - Darn you!

Think of what he did for you.

He took in a complete stranger and raised him to adulthood...

and now you want to go off with your birth dad?

- Are you even human? - That's not why I'm going!

That's how it looks!

Can you...

deny it?

To be honest, when you first saw the guy,

did you never think once that you could benefit...

from having a rich dad?

Say that again.

You could benefit...

from having a rich dad.

Then should we both go?

Why are you fighting?

What was that about?

Where are you both going?

You...

When did you get here?

When you talked about eating and sleeping well.

And you going with your birth dad.

Am I mistaken?

No.

You heard correctly.

Hey!

I'm moving to Seoul...

and Hae Jun will go to the US with his birth dad.

I was going to tell everyone today.

Why do you put it like that?

Why lie when she's bound to find out soon enough?

Did I tell you to lie?

Just don't word it that way!

If not this way, what way should I word it?

Does that change anything?

Will you stay instead of going abroad?

So...

you both...

are going to leave home?

So...

you both are going to go off...

with your real families?

(Family By Choice)

Absence makes the mind grow fonder.

When I come back, I won't leave ever again.

Don't try too hard.

When you think you've done enough, come back whenever you want.

Who came to this...

backward countryside with a college badge?

I heard a weirdo was lurking around your store.

They look shady, so be careful.

Yoon Ju Won.

Are you okay? Were you hurt?

How could he act like nothing happened?

She said she'd never date a bakery customer.

What if Ju Won ends up seeing the guy?

Can we talk?

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