7 K-Dramas That Redefine Family Bonds & Kinship

K-dramas often explore the complexities of family relationships, showing that ties bound by blood may not always be stronger than those formed through choice.

Here are seven K-dramas that beautifully depict the dynamic between families tied by blood and those that aren’t:

Family by Choice (Viki): A heartwarming drama where children raised by two single fathers create a family stronger than those bound by blood. As adulthood brings challenges and the return of biological parents, the family dynamics shift.

Reply 1988 (Netflix): A heartwarming slice-of-life drama about a close-knit group of friends and their families, who share joys and struggles, strengthening their bond over time.

Father, I’ll Take Care of You (Prime Video): Han Hyung Sub’s children return home, causing familial complications, while a wealthy young man tries to manipulate the family.

Smile Again (Prime Video): Dong Hae, a short-track speed skating champion, struggles with love and career setbacks. Amid challenges, Bong Yi helps him and his mother, forming an unlikely family bond.

Marry Me Now (Prime Video): A widowed shoemaker and his four children deal with personal and professional challenges, highlighting themes of love, divorce, and companionship.

Once Again (Viki): Empty-nesters face the return of their adult children, each burdened with their own issues. The family comes together, offering support and healing, despite their differences.

My Unfamiliar Family (Viki): This drama portrays a fractured family with communication struggles, offering a relatable and honest exploration of how unspoken tensions affect relationships.