10 most memorable found families in K-drama that prove blood isn’t the only bond that matters

Racket Boys | Image Via: SBS TV
Racket Boys | Image Via: SBS TV

In K-dramas, found families are often an intriguing trope. These shows offer the viewers heartwarming stories of individuals without any blood relationship forming some of the strongest bonds.

The beauty of these relationships lies in their organic development that is created through shared experiences and mutual respect. These bonds highlight the idea that family is not just about genetics. From housemates to colleagues, these confidants come in many forms in K-dramas. So, let’s dive right into it.


10 most memorable found families in K-drama that prove blood isn’t the only bond that matters

1) Hospital Playlist

Hospital Playlist | Image Via: tvN
Hospital Playlist | Image Via: tvN

It is not an uncommon thing to see people bond with other in such a manner that over time they become an indispensable part of their lives. In Hospital Playlist, the group of friends that we see navigating through their hectic life in the hospital also adds to the similar trope.

In this K-drama, we get to see the high tension and stressful environment of a hospital. Though it has numerous humorous elements, the nuanced aspects do not go unnoticed by the viewers.

The way the five doctors eventually become a family in this drama is truly intriguing. Lee Ik-jun, Ahn Jeong-won, Kim Jun-wan, Yang Seok-hyeong, and Chae Song-hwa might be colleagues, but their bonds are way deeper than that. Their bond proves that blood is not the only bond that matters.


2) Reply 1988

Reply 1988 | Image Via: tvN
Reply 1988 | Image Via: tvN

The main aspect of this K-drama, which depicts that bond formed through time remains even though a blood relationship might not be present, can be seen right from the very start.

In the first episode, only the viewers get to witness the manner in which the five friends have become a family, and their families have also gotten closer. From the beginning, we see how the friends have to share food from house to house.

This is not done with any ulterior motives, but more about the manner in which they are interacting with one another, truly depicts the aspect that blood is not the only bond that can form connections. Connections can go beyond that. This drama is truly a perfect example of this aspect.


3) Mother

Mother | Image Via: tvN
Mother | Image Via: tvN

This show depicts that sometimes parents fail to take care of their own children. In this drama, we get to see the bond formed between Kang Soo-jin and Kim Yoon-bok.

Right when Kang Soo-jin saw that Kim Yoon-bok had been abused by her parents at her house, she started to care for her. Even though she knew it would be dangerous and difficult to protect the child, it did not stop her.

She faced numerous difficulties as she tried to protect Yoon-bok from all the dangers. From running from place to place to taking care of her, she did it all. This K-drama truly depicted Soo-jin’s emotions towards Yoon-bok.

Even though she was not her own child, she put hersself in harm's way to save the young child.


4) Hometown Cha Cha Cha

Hometown Cha Cha Cha | Image Via: tvN
Hometown Cha Cha Cha | Image Via: tvN

In Korean dramas, we often see found families are usually depicted in the form of friends that have slowly become like family; however, in this show, it is much broader than that.

In this drama, we get to see how a whole community comes together to become like a big family. These people come together to share all the happiness and the sadness in the same manner.

The way this show has depicted Hye-jin slowly becoming a core part of the small village is truly intriguing. It depicts the manner in which relationships fill voids and provide emotional stability.

The communal events and the countless acts of kindness that are not entailed with ulterior motives have been depicted in a nuanced manner in this K-drama.


5) Move To Heaven

Move To Heaven | Image Via: Netflix
Move To Heaven | Image Via: Netflix

This is yet another intriguing K-drama with such a unique premise. It leaves a lasting impact on the viewers, especially because of the way it has handled life and death.

Not only Sang-gu and Geu-ru’s bond, but the way in which each and every character has been depicted in this show is truly intriguing. This show has skillfully depicted the manner in which bonds often transcended traditional definitions of kinship.

It is a poignant reminder that love, support, and belonging can be found in the most unexpected places.


6) Racket Boys

Racket Boys | Image Via: SBS TV
Racket Boys | Image Via: SBS TV

This Korean drama also depicts the manner in which bonds can form even in the most difficult situations. Yoon Huyn-jong’s life takes a turn when he takes up a job as a coach in a new town.

Though he was initially hopeful about his new job, he slowly understood the situation he was in. The team of badminton players is on the verge of extinction. However, slowly, he, along with his son, builds the team back.

The three members of the team, along with Hyun-jon’s son, start to form a unique connection. This drama depicts that when people choose to care for each other, they uplift one another and stand by each other’s side.

The show is a heartwarming reminder that the greatest connections that we find are often not blood-related.


7) Dear My Friends

Dear My Friends | Image Via: tvN
Dear My Friends | Image Via: tvN

This K-drama depicts a group of older friends as they navigate life with the bonds they formed through their lives. This K-drama is a beautiful depiction of the bonds that are formed through shared experiences, support, and deep affections.

These bonds are often not blood-related. The word family is not solely defined by the common lineage. It is so much more. This K-drama depicts the significance of consistent effort, presence, and empathy in order to build much deeper connections.

The manner in which this K-drama has shown that friends who stick by us through thick and thin are an invaluable gift is truly resonating.


8) Hello, My Twenties!

Hello, My Twenties! | Image Via: JTBC
Hello, My Twenties! | Image Via: JTBC

Hello, My Twenties! is yet another intriguing K-drama that proves to us that blood is not just the only bond that matters. This K-drama is about five young women sharing a house and living together.

Though they are strangers initially, they slowly start to become close. They navigate through the challenges life throws at them, and they do it with the help of one another.

This K-drama depicts the everyday acts of support that cement their bonds. This K-drama shows us that a home that is built on the foundation of a chosen family can be truly meaningful and impactful.


9) Crash Landing On You

Crash Landing On You | Image Via: tvN
Crash Landing On You | Image Via: tvN

This K-drama is not just a romantic story. It is so much more than that. One of the most intriguing aspects of this K-drama is the manner in which it depicts the formation of bonds even when people come together from two different countries.

Se-ri’s life completely changes when she falls into the DMZ region of North Korea. Once a successful businesswoman, she now has to live in a small hut without all the amenities that she is used to.

However, even though she is not living in the way she used to, with Ri Jeong-hyeok and his colleagues' support, she thrives. All of them protect Se-ri even with the threat that if they get caught, they would be in grave danger.

Though they are initially hostile towards Se-ri, they slowly warm up to her. The bond that is formed between them during the most unexpected circumstance truly resonates with the viewers.


10) Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class | Image Via: JTBC
Itaewon Class | Image Via: JTBC

This K-drama truly depicts that genuine connections can be formed with unwavering loyalty. These bonds are often stronger than biological ties. After facing immense injustice throughout his life, Sae-ro-yi decides to build his own empire.

He gathers around his own group of individuals who would be able to help him in his endeavour. Sae-ro-yi’s resilience and unwavering moral compass bring out his ability to see the best in people.

The group of close-knit people in this K-drama has the ability to overcome any situation and stick together through thick and thin. Together, they overcome obstacles and show us that such bonds are the ones that are connected with our hearts.


For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.

Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala