“Family Matters,” Coupang Play’s latest series, explored the idea of family in a fresh and unconventional way. This six-episode series, directed by Kim Gok and Kim Sun, revolved around five individuals who came together to form a chosen family. The story was led by Young-soo, played by Bae Doo-na, a character with the rare ability to “brain hack.” This unique skill allowed her to alter memories, and with her newfound family, she targeted the city’s villains in a dark yet humorous fight for justice.
“Family Matters,” Coupang Play’s latest original series, wasn’t just about family—it redefined what it meant to be one in modern Korean society. Before watching, you might have asked: Was this just another found-family K-drama? The answer: not quite. This one leaned more into psychological sci-fi and noir satire. That rare mix set it apart in a sea of melodramas, making it a sleeper hit worth tracking.
Joining her were 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 created a family dynamic that was far from traditional but deeply connected.
If you’ve ever questioned your place in your own family, this show hit harder than expected. The characters’ motivations didn’t stem from ideals—they came from deeply human fears, like abandonment, regret, or the need to belong. It was messy, raw, and unexpectedly personal. Mini Bonus for Readers: This series might have especially resonated with fans of shows like Move to Heaven or My Mister, where emotional impact grew beneath the surface.
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 protected their families. It wasn’t about justice or big ideals—it was personal,” Bae explained. She found it fascinating that their actions stemmed from fear of losing loved ones, not heroism.
Ryoo Seung-bum, who played 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 & son, Ryoo saw the show as a reminder to appreciate the ordinary moments we often take for granted.
Fans of Ryoo might recall his erratic film choices and long pauses from public life. What many didn’t know was that during his four-year break, Ryoo lived mostly offline in Europe, pursuing photography and parenting full-time. That experience, he said, directly influenced how he portrayed Cheol-hee—someone constantly torn between peace and chaos.
Hot Tip: If you were watching for Ryoo’s comeback alone, episode 3 was where his character really broke out.
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.
The series also marked a turning point for Ryoo, who had 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 was what I love doing,” Ryoo said. His return has been well-received, with fans eager to see his career pick up momentum once more.
Is ‘Family Matters’ Worth Watching? Here’s What You’ll Get
Still on the fence? Here’s a quick viewer checklist:
- Emotional, found-family narrative (with moral grey zones)
- Sci-fi twists without overwhelming jargon
- Moments of absurd dark humor that remind you of Parasite
- Short episode count (only 6!) for easy weekend bingeing
Where to Watch: The show airs on Coupang Play, but international viewers may need to use a VPN or wait for a licensed global platform. (Check back—we’ll update when it’s available worldwide.)
What to Expect
“Family Matters” was not a typical family drama. It blended dark humor, action, and emotion, making it a standout series. The characters’ journeys reflected their struggles, vulnerabilities, and the lengths they would go to for those they considered family. With all the episodes released each week, viewers could follow this gripping story throughout all Friday.
The mix of intense drama, unique abilities, and heartfelt moments made “Family Matters” a fresh addition to the streaming world. For fans of compelling narratives with emotional depth, this series offered something new—an unconventional take on family and the ties that bound us together. Who in the cast stood out the most for you? Drop a comment—or tell us what you’d do if you could brain-hack someone’s memories.
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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.
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