In these emotionally charged episodes of “Family by Choice,” we witness the heart-wrenching unraveling of the makeshift family as our teenage protagonists face life-altering decisions.

The episode opens with Hae-joon sharing devastating news with San-ha and Joo-won: his mother has repaid her debt to Dad Yoon but doesn’t want to see him. Despite his pain, Hae-joon maintains a brave face, showcasing his resilience. In a touching moment, San-ha and Joo-won offer him comfort food, emphasizing the familial bond they’ve formed.

A pivotal scene unfolds between Hae-joon and Dad Yoon. Hae-joon insists on using his mother’s money for tuition and paying Dad Yoon back later. Dad Yoon, visibly saddened, tells Hae-joon not to say things Joo-won wouldn’t say, highlighting the depth of their father-son relationship.

The plot thickens when Hae-joon’s biological father (Real Dad) enters the picture. After witnessing Hae-joon’s impressive performance in a basketball game, Real Dad confronts Dad Yoon, insisting Hae-joon should go to America for better opportunities. This conversation is humorously interrupted by Dad Kim, who chases Real Dad away by throwing salt at him.

Hae-joon overhears a conversation between Dad Yoon and Dad Kim about his potential future in America. Dad Yoon confesses his fears of disappointing Hae-joon and his inability to afford such an opportunity. This eavesdropping leads to a heartbreaking decision: Hae-joon tells Dad Yoon he’ll go to America with Real Dad, not wanting Dad Yoon to suffer on his behalf.

Meanwhile, San-ha faces his own crisis. Despite excelling in his CSAT, he’s reluctant to attend Seoul National University. His world is further shattered when he learns his mother has been in a severe car accident. At the hospital, San-ha encounters his uncle and sister So-hee. When his mother wakes up, she lashes out at San-ha, asking if he’s “happy now” about her condition. San-ha’s uncle pressures him to attend university in Seoul to care for his family, despite their strained relationship.

The episode culminates in an emotional confrontation between San-ha and Hae-joon. Both boys reveal their plans to leave - San-ha to care for his mother and sister, and Hae-joon to pursue basketball in America. Their conversation is overheard by Joo-won, who is devastated by the news.

Throughout these episodes, Joo-won serves as a nurturing presence, organizing a rooftop gathering after the CSAT and attempting to support her friends. Her innocence and care for the boys make the impending separation even more poignant.

The episodes end on a cliffhanger, with Joo-won asking, “You’ll both go to your real family?” This question sets the stage for the next phase of the story, as the show prepares to transition into the characters’ adult lives.

These episodes masterfully explore themes of family, sacrifice, and the pain of growing up. The performances