Chaeyeon: Why She Called Herself a 'Madwoman' to Stand Up Against School Bullying

The story follows a young girl who makes a bold choice to stand up against school bullying. Ju-won, the protagonist of the drama 'Family by Choice,' lost her mother early in life and lives in Haedong Village with her father, Jeong-je. As a single father, Jeong-je is a prominent figure in the village, while Ju-won's only wish is to have an older brother.

Just as Ju-won wished, a new family moves into the third floor, marking the beginning of new connections. Sana and her parents, Jeong-hui and Dae-woo, are the central figures. However, their move is steeped in profound grief. Following the death of their youngest daughter, So-jeong, Jeong-hui moved to Haedong to bury her memories of Seoul, unable to cope with the sorrow. In particular, Jeong-hui has closed her heart, blaming Sana for her daughter's death.

The Reality Faced by Wounded Children

Sana endures difficult times, eating nothing but instant noodles alone while being neglected by her mother, Jeong-hui. Ju-won notices Sana and approaches her, offering delicious food from her home. Jeong-je also shows warm interest by making yukjeon (pan-fried meat) for Sana. Despite this, Sana struggles to open up, as Jeong-hui's refusal to care for her or even look at her leaves the child feeling increasingly insecure.

Later, new relationships form as Seo-yeon and Hae-jun appear through Jeong-je's introduction. Contrary to her desire for an older brother, Ju-won shows resentment toward Hae-jun upon Seo-yeon's arrival. Expressing her complex emotions, Ju-won pushes Hae-jun away, maintaining the stance that she doesn't need a mother, only an older brother.

Ju-won's Courageous Stand Against Bullying

The conflict erupts at school. When classmates mock Ju-won and Sana's family situation, calling them "kids with no parents," Ju-won refuses to stay silent and fights back. She confronts the bullies, snapping, "My brother isn't the problem; you are," while asserting that they were the ones who initiated the mockery of their family lives.

Following the incident, Ju-won begins to close the distance with Sana by spending time together. Meanwhile, an unexpected turn occurs when Seo-yeon, who was supposed to go on a blind date, suddenly changes her phone number and disappears. Having decided that they were not meant to be, Seo-yeon's decision to cut off contact with those around her is expected to become a new variable in their future relationships.