Written On: December 3, 2024
Last Updated: December 5, 2024
“Family Matters,” Coupang Play’s latest series, explores the idea of family in a fresh and unconventional way. This six-episode series, directed by Kim Gok and Kim Sun, revolves around five individuals who come together to form a chosen family. The story is led by Young-soo, played by Bae Doo-na, a character with the rare ability to “brain hack.” This unique skill allows her to alter memories, and with her newfound family, she targets the city’s villains in a dark yet humorous fight for justice.
Joining her are Ryoo Seung-bum as father figure Cheol-hee, Baek Yoon-sik as the wise grandfather Kang-sung, and rising stars Lomon and Lee Soo-hyun as Ji-hoon and Ji-woo. Together, they create a family dynamic that is far from traditional but deeply connected.
Why This Story Resonates
Bae Doo-na shared her reasons for joining the series. She was drawn to its focus on relationships not bound by blood but by the desire for connection. For her, this concept was both touching and thought-provoking.
“What stood out to me was how these flawed individuals fiercely protect their families. It’s not about justice or big ideals—it’s personal,” Bae explained. She found it fascinating that their actions stemmed from fear of losing loved ones, not heroism.
Ryoo Seung-bum, who plays Cheol-hee, echoed similar sentiments. The idea of people choosing to create their own families made him reflect on the blessings of his own life. Married with a daughter, Ryoo saw the show as a reminder to appreciate the ordinary moments we often take for granted.
A Fresh Challenge for the Actors
For Bae, portraying Young-soo required more than emotional depth—it involved an unexpected amount of preparation. Despite playing a character with a simple, motherly appearance, her makeup process took over an hour daily to achieve a natural, lived-in look. This was a surprising contrast to her previous roles in projects like “Rebel Moon” and “Kingdom.”
Ryoo, on the other hand, approached his role as an opportunity to balance the show’s darker tone. He felt some discomfort with the violent scenes and worked to infuse his character with moments of lightness. This balance added a relatable and human element to the otherwise intense story.
A Fresh Start for Ryoo Seung-bum
The series also marks a turning point for Ryoo, who has re-entered the spotlight after a four-year break. Known for roles in films like “Tazza: One Eyed Jack,” he spent years questioning his path before deciding to fully embrace acting again.
“I realized this is what I love doing,” Ryoo said. His return has been well-received, with fans eager to see his career pick up momentum once more.
What to Expect
“Family Matters” is not a typical family drama. It blends dark humor, action, and emotion, making it a standout series. The characters’ journeys reflect their struggles, vulnerabilities, and the lengths they will go to for those they consider family.
With two episodes released each week, viewers can follow this gripping story over three Fridays. The mix of intense drama, unique abilities, and heartfelt moments makes “Family Matters” a fresh addition to the streaming world.
For fans of compelling narratives with emotional depth, this series offers something new—an unconventional take on family and the ties that bind us together.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
