‘Our Unwritten Seoul’ becomes a breakout hit among young viewers
Mi-ji (played by Park Bo-young) lives with her mother in their hometown in the drama “Our Unwritten Seoul.” Courtesy of tvN
In the tvN's drama “Our Unwritten Seoul,” the character Mi-ji, played by Park Bo-young, clings to a simple mantra as she steps back into the world after years of isolation: “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is far away, and today is still unknown.”
That line has resonated deeply with young Koreans grappling with uncertainty, past wounds and fears about the future.
Once a promising high school athlete, Mi-ji retreats from the world after a career-ending injury, spending three years in isolation.
Haunted by past trauma and fearful of the future, she slowly reenters society, drawing strength from her grandmother’s words. Though life remains difficult, Mi-ji begins each morning by reciting the phrase and stepping out the door.
Since premiering last month, the drama has seen its viewership more than double, from 3.6 percent to 7.4 percent as of June 15, earning a passionate fanbase and being hailed by many as “drama of a lifetime.”
Mi-rae (also played by Park Bo-young) works at a public corporation in Seoul in the drama “Our Unwritten Seoul.” Courtesy of tvN
A twin-switch story that goes beyond the cliche
The series centers on twin sisters Mi-rae and Mi-ji (both portrayed by Park) who switch lives and slowly uncover the weight each has silently carried.
Mi-rae, an employee at a public company in Seoul, suffers from workplace bullying, while Mi-ji has been living quietly in their rural hometown. Through the switch, Mi-ji learns of her sister’s burden as the eldest breadwinner, while Mi-rae realizes that Mi-ji’s life has been no less difficult.
Drama critic Oh Soo-kyung said the setup allows viewers to see why today’s youth often cling to small rituals, like knitting, to survive the day. “Through the supporting characters, the show reminds us that everyone has a story, offering comfort in that understanding.”
Writer Lee Kang, who penned the series, said the idea came from a simple but profound question: “What if we’re all fighting our own battles, even if we don’t say so out loud?”
She added, “The way people lash out at themselves with thoughts they wouldn’t even say to others — that self-hate has been my longest battle too. I wrote this hoping the characters and the viewers could be a little more forgiving to themselves.”
Lee Ho-soo (played by Park Jin-young) is a hearing-impaired character and part of a non-biological family in “Our Unwritten Seoul.” Courtesy of tvN
Diverse characters, nuanced themes
The drama also breaks ground in its portrayal of disability, chosen families, and LGBTQ+ themes. Male lead Lee Ho-soo (Park Jin-young) is hearing-impaired, while his mentor Lee Choong-gu (Im Cheol-soo) uses both a wheelchair and a cane. Their lives unfold with realism, not pity.
Mi-rae and Mi-ji’s grandmother, who lives in a nursing home, plays a central role as their emotional anchor.
Culture columnist Cha Mi-kyung noted that elderly characters with disabilities are often portrayed as burdens. “But here, the grandmother is physically dependent yet emotionally vital, a fresh and dignified depiction.”
Though marketed as a youth drama, “Our Unwritten Seoul” thoughtfully portrays the adults as well. Characters like Kim Rosa (Won Mi-kyung), a restaurant owner who offers scholarships with no strings attached, and Choong-gu, who challenges young Ho-soo’s optimism, serve as moral compasses.
“They show us what kind of adults we should strive to be,” said drama critic Gong Hee-jung. “By focusing on emotional growth over romance, the show resonates across generations.”
In “Our Unwritten Seoul,” Mi-rae and Mi-ji’s grandmother (played by Cha Mi-kyung) serves as the family’s emotional anchor. Courtesy of tvN
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.