Exclusive: Hwang In Youp, Jung Chaeyeon, And Bae Hyeon Seong Of "Family By Choice" Dish On Their Group Chat, Chemistry With Real Siblings, And More

Oct 10, 2024

Hwang In Youp, Jung Chaeyeon, and Bae Hyeon Seong have joined forces for a heartwarming new drama!

A Korean remake of the C-drama “Go Ahead,” “Family by Choice” is a drama about Kim San Ha (Hwang In Youp), Yoon Ju Won (Jung Chaeyeon), and Kang Hae Jun (Bae Hyeon Seong) who are not related by blood but grew up together like siblings. After spending their entire childhood together, they are separated for 10 years only to be reunited again.

Ahead of the drama’s recent premiere, the main cast members Hwang In Youp, Jung Chaeyeon, and Bae Hyeon Seong talked to Soompi to share some behind-the-scenes insight about “Family by Choice” and also reveal some fun facts about themselves.

Read the full interview below!

What were your first impressions of the “Family by Choice” script?

Hwang In Youp: After watching the original drama “Go Ahead,” I felt that this is a great project. The story of three youths each with different narratives becoming one family, healing each other’s wounds and maturing, resonated with me.

Jung Chaeyeon: When I first read the script, I related with the characters and their stories so much to the point that I read it all the way to the end at once. It was a great script that made me think that I want to participate in this production for sure, and I expressed my desire to join right away.

Bae Hyeon Seong: When I first saw the title of this drama, I thought that it would be a warm story because it contains the word “family.” Then when I read the script, the story truly was very warm, and each of the characters healing their pain and growing really touched me. I had fun all throughout reading the script, and I think I got immersed without even realizing.

What is a memorable moment from filming that you can share?

Hwang In Youp: As revealed in a still image, there is a scene where we run through the rain. It was very cold when filming this scene because we filmed it through actual rain in the winter. But I remember laughing and talking about this scene with the other actors because it actually turned out to look warm and beautiful on screen.

Jung Chaeyeon: It is difficult to choose one because there are so many, but the scene from episode 2 where we bicker over the cotton scent is memorable to me. It is a scene we filmed when San Ha, Ju Won, and Hae Jun had gotten quite close, so it is a fun memory because we filmed while holding in a lot of laughter. Besides that, the rooftop scene and seaside scene are very memorable to me. Although filming has ended, it feels like we filmed many of the scenes just yesterday, and just thinking about them makes me smile.

Bae Hyeon Seong: Towards the beginning, there is a scene where Ju Won and Hae Jun go to San Ha’s room to comfort him. They run around and goof off more on purpose to make San Ha feel better, and we also had a lot of fun filming. The scene is more memorable to me because it especially shows the distinct characteristics of each character and their considerate feelings for each other.

Who would you choose as the “moodmaker” on set?

Hwang In Youp: With no need to choose one, I think it is the three of us (Jung Chaeyeon and Bae Hyeon Seong). We have become so close to the point that we know how the others are feeling just by making eye contact, so we rely on each other a lot and give each other joy and energy. I think we have developed a very close-knit relationship.

Jung Chaeyeon: Hwang In Youp. I think Hwang In Youp lifts the atmosphere as he jokes around a lot and is someone you can rely on. The atmosphere on set becomes very calm when everyone is focused, so he was very considerate in making the other actors feel comfortable.

Bae Hyeon Seong: Chaeyeon. She is always bright and filled with laughter on set, so she gives energy to those around her. Her character Ju Won also has the same bright vibes, so she always created a positive atmosphere. Filming was more enjoyable thanks to her, and I was always thankful.

Who talks the most in the group chat?

Hwang In Youp: I think I talk the most. Because I am the eldest, I think I usually try to lead the conversation. Sometimes Chaeyeon and Hyeon Seong tease me with trendy slang that I don’t understand. I think I am following along with recent trends well thanks to them.

Jung Chaeyeon: It’s me. (laughs) I joke around a lot and chat a lot, but I think honestly everyone is talkative in our group chat. Once we start talking, 100 messages pile up quickly.

Bae Hyeon Seong: In Youp. He takes care of the little things regularly, often sending messages like, “How was it?” “Are you doing fine?” Seeing how he always keeps an eye on those around him, I think there is a lot to learn from him, and I am thankful to have worked together with him.

What is your personal way of getting close with the cast members when beginning a new project?

Hwang In Youp: I think I try to get more comfortable and close with the director and actors, meeting up with them on my own time and chatting about the production, sometimes having a few drinks.

Jung Chaeyeon: My way is to approach the other actors slowly. If I engage in conversation while showing interest in the other to a point that is not burdensome, I find myself having become close to them. More than anything, working hard together on set sometimes brings us together to the point that we feel like family.

Bae Hyeon Seong: I try to spend a lot of time meeting up with the director and actors. If it is difficult to meet up due to our schedules, I at least try to keep in contact often. I think acting together is much more comfortable if we get closer before filming begins.

How much do you think you have changed from 10 years ago?

Hwang In Youp: 10 years ago, I was timid and someone who had so much difficulty talking about my dreams. I was in my 20s filled with uncertainty, blindly wondering, “Can I become the person I dream of being?” But looking back now, I think that I was at an age full of passion. If it is possible to go back to that time, I wonder how it would have been to live with a bit more ease in my heart.

Jung Chaeyeon: I think I have changed a lot since my 18-year-old self 10 years ago. My mental attitude and personality have especially changed a lot. Just 10 years ago, it was so difficult for me to present and act in front of my classmates that I always covered my face with paper. I also dreamed of becoming a singer and actor back then, but I think I also often thought, “Can I do it?” There are still moments when I feel shy or embarrassed, but I have overcome it a lot and have found my own way of doing so.

Bae Hyeon Seong: I think I have changed a lot on both the outside and inside. On the outside, my height and body both got a little bigger. (laughs) My introversion has faded a lot since 10 years ago, and I used to have difficulty with strangers, but now I work to approach people first.

How is your relationship with your siblings in real life?

Hwang In Youp: I have a brother who is three years younger, and we are like the closest friends in the world. Sometimes we talk about our future goals or extremely personal worries and secrets that we can’t share with anyone else, and we encourage each other to move forward again. He is my best friend, and we give strength to each other.

Jung Chaeyeon: I have a sister who is two years older. We fought and quarreled a lot when we were young, but after becoming adults, she has become a valuable person to me who I can always open up to or rely on. Once in the past, there was a time when I had to be hospitalized because I got injured badly, and having to be in the hospital with a caretaker past midnight, the person that came to my mind was my sister.

Bae Hyeon Seong: I have a younger sister. I think our relationship is not extremely good or bad but somewhere in the middle. We are not loving siblings, but I don’t think we have a bad relationship either. I probably need to hear my sister’s opinion though, right? (laughs)

What have you enjoyed watching on YouTube recently?

Hwang In Youp: I am working out a lot to try bulking up these days, so I watch workout videos or listen to energetic music playlists a lot.

Jung Chaeyeon: I tend to watch a lot of Shorts, variety show clips, and vlogs, but recently I watched the 2024 Paris Olympics a lot.

Bae Hyeon Seong: I watched videos of the 2024 Paris Olympics a lot recently. The national athletes are so amazing. I cheered on our national athletes a lot, but all of the athletes who participated were so impressive, and it made me think a lot about all the time they must have spent pouring in effort.

What do you usually drink at cafes?

Hwang In Youp: Americano. I think I always enjoy drinking Americano. I drink a cup when I’m tired, and I feel reenergized when I drink a sip when the weather is hot, so I enjoy drinking it.

Jung Chaeyeon: I usually drink an iced Americano or iced latte. I get so happy when I discover a cafe with good coffee. I try to reduce my caffeine intake when filming, so I drank iced chamomile tea a lot.

Bae Hyeon Seong: I usually drink an iced Americano, but if I get tired while filming, I drink an iced vanilla latte once in a while also.

Is there any random TMI about yourself that you can share?

Hwang In Youp: I woke up at 8:40 a.m. this morning, drank a sip of water, and listened to NewJeans’ “Attention,” which is the song I enjoy listening to the most. Actually this is the song I use to wake up in the morning.

Jung Chaeyeon: I’m trying to do cardio workouts a lot, so I have been doing an hour of cardio every day. I don’t want to try the stair climber yet, so I have been walking up the stairs to my home after working out.

Bae Hyeon Seong: I went to the hair salon today and got a slight haircut!

Please share a word for international fans who are looking forward to “Family by Choice”!

Hwang In Youp: To the fans who have been waiting for our drama, we are coming to greet you now. I sincerely hope that it will become an enjoyable and happy story for you. I wish for happiness and health to always be with you. I love you.

Jung Chaeyeon: Hello, this is Jung Chaeyeon who plays Yoon Ju Won. I hope the fun and energy we had on set will also be relayed to fans. Now that the extreme heat has gone and it is getting a little chilly, we will greet you with a warm story. Please tune in❤️

Bae Hyeon Seong: “Family by Choice” is filled with many warm and fun stories, so please look forward to it, and I hope you will join us until the end. Please also give Hae Jun lots of love. Thank you!