Our Unwritten Seoul

Maudlin, depressing, heartwarming and uplifting. Wait! That's just the trailer.

It took a bit of effort to start writing this because I'm in two minds about this drama.

I suppose we might as well start from the beginning. The FL played identical twins with different personalities. Both are in a bad place when the show starts. One is labelled a no-hoper just marking time in her hometown while the other is the breadwinner working in Seoul. The fact that she suffers every day at her coveted government job is kept a secret. An existential crisis caused the twins to switch identities.

I’m just going to declare outright that I’m a fan of PBY so two roles in one show is twice the goodness. Bring it on! :)

This series starts promisingly. The show literally doubled down on the fish out of water trope. We see their struggles and how their lives diverge as they grow up. For a single parent family in a country town, their struggle is real. This is also the ground zero of resentment and preconceptions.

As the drama progresses, we watch the twins discover each other's world. One twin would think that the other is living the best life. You can sense their initial resentment and growing confusion as they find out it was not all beer and skittles. There are moments of lightheartedness and small wins, but the daily grind is relentless. There is an unshakable sense of despondency and weariness.

I'm glad to report that PBY came through again. She delivered both roles adroitly. The young actress playing the teenage version also did well. The MLs and most of the support cast are solid actors. Some of the scenes involving the veteran actors are heart-rending. My issues is not with the acting nor production value, but with the pacing and how some of the narratives are handled.

While the first third of the show is engaging and set up the main theme well, the pacing for the middle third is languid and circumspect. Pot boilers are everywhere, and they are set to simmer.

They faced challenges in the workplace and in the friend zone. We are also treated to historical misunderstandings from different perspectives delivered via many flashbacks. I can understand if this is something horrid and unforgivable, but it was almost trivial once the truth came out. It was a life changing moment for our OTP but it feels overblown.

BTW, can someone please drop the Communication Breakdown trope down a deep hole, pretty please? Our twin sleeps next to each other and the ML is their next-door neighbour. A few choice words would have cleared everything up. It was not resolved for 10 YEARS! I get it as a story element but it is definitely head scratching. I suppose the show would be 6 eps instead of 12. (Laugh/cry/facepalm)

Speaking of EP’s, the length of each episode is LONG. We are talking telemovie length. In that sense, the total runtime is on par with a typical 16 eps run. It can be a challenge to sit through one of the bleaker ep. I won't be surprised if a casual viewer throws in the towel. That would be a mistake because the last third of the show is so much better.

The growth in the characters are rewarding and uplifting. It more than compensates for the nadirs. Not only is our OTP in a happy place but there are gains on many fronts. Lots of fan service and rewarding moments packed into the final hours. Huzzah!

Sadly, it is not all rainbows and unicorns. There's a tearjerker twist which signifies a conclusion, releases and new beginnings. Have tissues handy.

Lastly. we have the unresolved 2CP. Granted they look ready to launch but we are left dangling. Enough with the meaningful gazes! Is it too much to ask, dear writer-nim, to grant us one last "seal it with a kiss" scene? We beseech thee!

In the end, this is one show that the sum is greater than its parts. It helps if you FF some of the more draggy bits. Have faith, this show does deliver. I won’t rewatch the whole drama but the last third will be an easy binge for me.

Always remember, “Yesterday is over. Tomorrow is yet to come. Today is yet unknown.” Peace.

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Unassuming but unforgettable slice-of-life gem

In a time where everything feels the need to be loud and larger-than-life, this drama didn’t try to be something it isn’t just to leave an impact. Instead, it remained grounded in its message of healing—quiet, steady, and deliberate, moving at its own pace with a clear sense of direction.

The narrative didn’t lean too heavily in one direction. It struck a thoughtful balance between romance and the broader strokes of life, introducing each theme with just the right timing.

The central conflict stayed well within the premise, and the series never felt the need to chase grand twists or forced tension just to hit a dramatic peak.

I like how romance wasn’t shoehorned into every storyline, either—new beginnings unfolded differently for each character, reminding us that life doesn’t offer the same arc to everyone.

The healing journey is centered on the women of the Yoo family. Their life and struggles were gently unpacked, layer by layer, allowing for honest confrontation without ever feeling imposed. And as they slowly found their footing, we are also invited into the quiet, personal reckonings of other characters who are walking their own paths.

As mentioned, the drama didn’t force its message, but it gave each character space to breathe. It also underlined that not all healing journey wraps up neatly—some characters remained on uncertain paths, simply choosing to move forward.

My favorite scenes will always be the ones shared between Miji and her grandmother. The series used such a poignant visual metaphor to tell their story: while Miji was confined in her room for years, wrestling with her pain, it was her grandmother who continued to bring her back slowly, patiently. And when it was her grandmother’s turn to start her own journey, it was Miji who gently helped her into her shoes, ready to see her off as she went home.

The one thing that left me wanting more was how little screentime Sejin received. His arc could have beautifully complemented the story’s core, especially with the struggles he went through.

As a male character, he was honestly a breath of fresh air and, dare I say, more compelling than the male lead. His moments with Mirae were cautious and gentle, yet firm when needed. He respected her space and boundaries, acknowledged her without prying, and brought warmth that never overwhelmed. It’s a shame he wasn’t given more room to unfold.

Still, this series came to me at just the right time. It offered me quiet comfort and warmth when I found myself retreating into my own room like Miji. And like Miji's grandmother, it doesn’t barge in with answers. It simply finds you where you are and offers a soft, steady hand on your shoulder.

Whether you’re a slice-of-life fan or just someone in need of something worthwhile that is real yet kind, this one will reach out to you and carve out a quiet space in your heart.

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The only arrow that wounds you is the one you shoot yourself.

This drama has more to it than I expected and explores the themes of self-perception, connection and communication.

It brought to mind Hwasa’s (화사) video for her song LMM. (https://youtu.be/pkjEpDeDLOg?si=YAVEQARXTsiYHT70) The only arrow that actually wounds Hwasa, is the one that she shoots herself and this drama explores the misconceptions and perceptions that we have of who we are, and the necessary results that follow these so-called truths which often blight the world in which we live and trap us there with seemingly no way out.

The story follows a number of characters for whom change of self perception is the first step to connection with others and the help they must take to reach a better, more fulfilling life. The way others see us is often very different from how we think, and here these differences are explored to the full. We are shown everyone’s history and join them on their journey of self-enlightenment. In fact it’s almost an overload as everyone has a backstory to tell and resolve. In the end I felt this skewed the balance of focus somewhat, for instance, virtually the whole of Ep 10 was dedicated to one secondary character.

The swapping bodies trope is given a slightly different twist here, in that it is identical twins who swap lives. This is really just a mechanism for the sisters to reflect on themselves and the relationships around them. It brings with it some incredulous scenarios that one has to swallow whole, such as surviving in a job for which you have no skills. But if you focus on the theme rather than the mechanism to deliver it, then there is plenty of insight to be had.

The script explores the changes and personal realities in an obvious, up-front way. Sometimes the lines feel a little like you are in a session with a psychologist who is giving life skills advice. But the advantage of this style is that the message is very clear for the viewer, who can easily follow the internal workings of the character. With so many characters on the road to Damascus, this is helpful.

I enjoyed the directing in this drama. Often the melo is just too full on for me, but here I felt it struck a good balance of revealing distress without too much hand-wringing and wailing. There is plenty of time to focus on reaction shots and all the cast members step up to the plate and deliver a satisfying performance. Park Bo Young successfully manages to show the different characters of the twins, such that even without reference to the haircuts, it is obvious who is who. Kim Sun Young plays my favourite character with conviction, especially in the scene with her son in Ep 11. Only Ryu Kung Su as Han Se Jin fails to convince. I feel he was a little too vague and soft to have the necessary ruthlessness for his former profession.

There are some beautiful songs in the soundtrack, Elaine Kim singing 나의 시간 어딘가 in particular caught my ear with her husky vulnerability.

Overall this optimistic and ultimately upbeat drama is very enjoyable. It is well presented and structured with thought provoking characters, some of whom triggered some self reflection on my own part. My favourite line is “The promise of a tomorrow is not born from hope, but from resolve.” This one I totally understand.

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A slice of life of two twins

6.4 rating.

Pass your time with this kdrama.


Park bo young is acting 2 roles which i applaud her for except why when she is miji she acts babyish and has a kid voice even as adult. Guys why is it so clear when the ML were kpop idols i dont know but there is something that radiates of them that makes me go “this actor must’ve been a kpop idol”. The drama was like a slow burn in the middle part of the episodes then picked up its pace in the episodes 9-12 but still it was a drag which is so shocking for me cause i fell in love with park bo young in daily dose of sunshine it literally changed the trajectory of my life and how i view mental illness which is still stigmatised in so many parts of the world. This a slice of life kdrama and i get why the age group of people watching this drama is 20-30 👀 you cannot be recommending this to a teenager. I dont know how to feel about the mom not being able to differentiate between the twins… there must be something you know like personality; one is more bubbly and caring than the other but STILL. Mi-rae did not need a romantic interest whatsoever. The part where the coworker looks like their dad i had to pause the show because of that subtle plot twist although am i the only who always wonders about people falling in love with someone who looks like their parents it feels so icky to me. This must be a male thing lol.

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GOOD BUT SOME SAD ENDING WOULD HAVE MADE IT BETTER!!!

I love them the mothers so much, like seriously they were my absolute faves in the drama! The way they never judged each other and always had each other's backs? I ate that up. And taking their friendship all the way to in-laws? That was the cherry on top for me!

I still feel like they tried to sugarcoat HoSu’s situation just to avoid giving him a sad ending, especially with his ear condition. But even with all that, his character was still so beautiful and touching.

MiJi acted like a baby in some scenes, but regardless, seeing her go back to college was actually sweet! The actor really did a great job bringing her character to life.

I really loved MiRae and SeJin relationship, and I was so happy SeJin came back from America. But honestly, I never understood why they let him leave in the first place, his farm was doing so well!

MiRae quitting her job was honestly the best decision she made. Staying back in her hometown? Loved that too! What really hit for me was how her relationship wasn’t about romance, it was about healing. That’s exactly what she needed, cause sis had to rediscover herself from scratch.

That scene in episode 11 where HoSu’s mom gave him a reality check? Iconic! Like, why choose to be alone in this world when you can literally grab the girl and hold on tight? She really had to drag the sense back into him!

That scene were HoSu went to visit his mom in workplace, meant everything to HoSu’s mom, you could practically feel her heart pounding. Seeing her son show up at her workplace gave her so much comfort and hope. It was a moment she really needed.

I really feel like they watered down her situation too, just to make things look nicer. But honestly, that scene could give people with dyslexia a little more hope and I love that. The moment she found a family in HoSu and MiJi? That was the true heart of her story for me.

Overall, it was a really good drama and honestly, it had the potential to be the best! Episodes 1 to 8 were my absolute favorites, they just hit different. And shoutout to every actor each one did an amazing job breathing life into their character!

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Broken People, Beautiful Relationships

Slice-of-life healing dramas can be slow-paced at times which makes binge-watching challenging. Therefore, they can be a hit-or-miss for me. But with “Our Unwritten Seoul”, I did not encounter this problem at all. At first glance, there are really 12 episodes, pretty short for Korean standards, right? However, each episode is 1 hour and 20 mins long and the amazing thing is that, I kept on pressing “Next Episode”. I was not at all bored or found the pacing to be slow, not even in the middle of the drama. And because of this, “Our Written Seoul” deserves a high rating for me.

As I mentioned in the title of this review, this drama is full of broken people. Each character’s story breaks my heart, fills me with a sense of protection that I want them all magically healed to 100% by the end of the drama. Of course, it didn’t work that way, and it shouldn’t. Some characters, such as our main female leads (Mi Ji and Mi Rae), male lead (Ho Su) and restaurant owner (Kim Ro Sa), we got a deeper look into their struggles, challenges, and eventually being at peace, being loved, healing, learning and discovering a better life. Others we get a sense of their past, their present and their future.

Aside from these characters' individual unique and touching stories, I love their relationships with each other, and I am not just talking about romance.
1) Mi Ji + Mi Rae - Twins sisterhood, their different personalities, lives and career paths, their experiences of each other’s struggles, and support for each other.
2) Mi Ji + Mom, Mi Rae + Mom - parent/child relationships and different expectations, different treatments and different ways of show love & affection, and disagreement
3) Mi Ji and Grandma - the beautiful loving bond and their support and trust
4) Ho Su + Lawyer Lee Chung Gu - mentor/mentee relationship, mutual admiration despite different philosophy and way of handling cases.
5) The Mothers - total opposites in everything you can imagine, yet an amazing bond between them with shared similar children experiences. One wears her heart on her sleeve and is quick to explode. While the other has a forever fake/forced smile and happy face.
6) Mi Ji + Ho Su + Restaurant owner - Love this trio so much, and really love how their friendship has evolved throughout the drama.
7) Mi Ji and BFF Gyeong Gu - BFF for life and they understand and support each other

Of course, I cannot not mention the romances. I really enjoy the story between Mi Ji and Ho Su. I like how their history was told via flashbacks by two talented young actors. It’s heartwarming to see how Mi Ji brought Ho Su out of his misery and was with him when he was in doubt and hurting as a teenager. Their shared internal and external brokenness and the road to healing and recovery are beautiful to watch. I also like their slow burn romance and do think Park Bo Young and Park Jin Young have good chemistry (and kisses!). I like their awkward transition from friends to lovers, and glad to see the drama focuses on some of the self-doubt and challenges of this new transition. If I have to nitpick, I would love to see a few fluffy scenes when they’re dating (just pure happiness for a little bit) before all the serious plot dampens it a little.

On the other hand, Mi Rae and Han Se Jin are such a cute and odd pair. This couple brought some fun and adorableness to the drama. Unfortunately, I agree with other reviewers that we don’t see enough of them as an individual and as a pair. They were not given the same amount of screen time, especially for Se Jin. He had a history that was not fully explored and also seemed to serve as the inspiration, mentor and maybe a minor love interest for Mi Rae. I want to know more of Han Se Jin as a person. Romance might not be in Mi Rae’s brain as she was going through so much, but it's undeniable that she likes Se Jin enough and maybe had a little interest. I just wanted a little bit more of this romance.

“Our Unwritten Seoul” also strikes a good balance between character-driven plot and business-driven plot. The finance company stories are enough to shed light on Mi Rae’s struggles and Mi Ji’s experiences without being too business. The legal cases are just deep enough to make us care about the characters, but didn’t bore us with legal proceedings.

Last but not the least, the acting is amazing. Park Bo Young is WOW. Two characters and she played them so well. You can tell when she’s Mi Ji and when she’s Mi Rae. Park Jin Young has quite a few emotional scenes, yet he also brings this calm to a character who has gone through so much but has evolved and worked hard to become such a good person. The actors who play the younger version of the leads did a great job as well. I would just nitpick on the young actress not looking like Park Bo Young at all and seem to be taller than her! The veterans are amazing, especially the mothers, grandma and restaurant owner. The side characters are not too annoying and provide just enough townsfolk friendliness and nosiness, or business evilness for comic relief or someone viewers can hate.

I had high expectations for this drama due to its glowing reviews and I was worried I would be disappointed. But I am happy that I like “Our Unwritten Seoul” as much as many of you. If you are in the mood for a slice-of-life healing drama with excellent acting, this is the one for you. This drama reminds me a little of the characters in “My Liberation Notes” (not the vibes but the characters). They are all going through some stuff and are so broken. In the end, viewers root for every single one of them and wish them a happy life.



Completed: 7/7/2025 - Review #598 (completed titles) #600 total reviews (include dropped)

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Our vulnerability

This drama wheeled me in and kept my attention so much that before I knew it, it was 1:am, 7 episodes had passed and I didn't really want to let go.... until those two last episodes came in and slightly lowered the score.

The story shows fear. loneliness, depression, vulnerability, family, guilt tucked in with social issues, power, and love a drama that shows people with disabilities as actual humans and not just a the disability. And the idea of motherhood and the human behind the title as imperfect and flawed without being a bad mother for that.

There is are so many emotions in this it could have been overwhelming but it is packeted well with raw honesty, suspense, humour. parallels and just enough twists to keep it interesting without making it to complicated. It also shows a different way to being an actual human than many other dramas that portray disabilities. life in general and motherhood.

The balance of holding back, regret, and taking initiative, for who's sake is portrayed really beautifully in this. Not to mention what wearing someone else's haircut will do to set perspective and make you understand things about not only them but yourself as well.

The acting is spot on, the chemistry is definitely there between all the cast and the pacing was good untill they made.a few meeh turns, my pet peeve of past end present in the same frame, cringe and predictable jokes in the last two episodes. this may be one of few dramas with a healing theme to them that I actually enjoyed without rolling my eyes....

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A Relatable Comfort Drama

It's from the director of IOTNBO. It's an another healing deama. Slow paced age of coming and slice of life genre. Park boyoung nailed this role.
It feels like a breath of fresh air.
Some may be bored as there's a lot of stories going on. But it's so worth to see through the end.
There's an emphasis on women friendships and relationships with others as mothers, daughters, friends, lover. I hugely appreciate it. This drama also actually talks about mental health without exaggerating as some idiots say.I was shocked to people not knowing about how mental health disorders manifest in different ways. Burnout is real. Feeling lost is common .Anyway if you're in need of a comfort drama this is for you. Whoever watching this drama in need of comfort, I truly wish you the best and happiness. Let's live a little.

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Sometimes, it takes living someone else’s life to understand your own.

At first glance, this drama might seem like just another healing slice of life series. But it slowly reveals itself to be a deeply poignant exploration of survival, self worth and the invisible scars people carry. The themes it carries arent loud but they leave a lasting impact.

The heart of this story revolves around identical twin sisters, Mi Ji and Mi Rae, two souls alike in origin but vastly different in how they navigate the world. Mi Rae, the more reserved of the two, lives in seoul and works in an office where she finds herself silently battling a harsh and unforgiving corporate world. After becoming a whistleblower, she is socially ostracized and things spiral further when she is sexually assaulted by a colleague. Even then, she chooses silence, hiding her pain from her family in the countryside.

Mi Ji, on the other hand, was once an energetic athlete, a stark contrast to her introverted twin. But one small accident shattered her dreams and she spiraled into years of isolation and depression. Even as she slowly begins to heal, the echoes of that darkness never fully leave her. The drama shows this kind of internal battle so well, how even getting through the day can feel like climbing a mountain alone.

When Mi Rae reaches her breaking point and tries to end her life, its Mi Ji who steps in. And in that moment, the story takes a new turn, the twins decide to switch lives. Mi Rae finds peace in the countryside, pretending to be Mi Ji, while Mi Ji takes over her sister’s role in the city. Its not just a simple swap. Through living each others lives, they begin to understand one another on a deeper level and also slowly heal parts of themselves.

The character work in this drama is beautifully done.

Ho Su, the ML, is a kind hearted lawyer with a disability from a childhood accident that also took his father’s life. Raised by a stepmother he struggles to fully accept, Ho Su lives with guilt, pain and a feeling of being a burden. But he is honest, thoughtful and deeply loyal especially to Mi Ji, whom he has loved since they were younger. When he realizes she is now living as Mi Rae, he chooses not to confront her. Instead, he waits patiently until she is ready to tell him herself. Their relationship grows slowly and meaningfully, full of trust, warmth and understanding.

Whereas in the village, Mi Rae (posing as Mi Ji) meets Se Jin, a former city man who left corporate life after his grandfather's death to tend the family farm. Grounded, kind and also lively guy, Se Jin is drawn to her gentleness and vulnerability. Their bond grows in quiet companionship, rooted in the comfort of second chances and simpler living.

Park Boyoung is truly unforgettable in this. She plays both Mi Ji and Mi Rae so effortlessly that you never once question who is who. The way she captures their differences, not just in how they speak or move but in the weight they carry is so real and moving & Jinyoung quietly steals your heart as Ho Su. He doesnt need big emotional scenes to make an impact, there is so much feeling in his silences, his small gestures. He plays a complicated role with such honesty that it stays with you long after.

What sets this drama apart is how naturally it handles serious topics, mental health, trauma, workplace injustice, disability, societal pressure, even queerness without being preachy. Everything is shown through real life moments, like struggling to get out of bed, dealing with shame or just trying to pass time without breaking down. The idea that people often hide parts of themselves to survive whether its by staying silent, isolating or pretending to be someone else, is presented with so much empathy.

Sometimes, the drama reminds us that thinking too much about the past only brings regret and worrying about the future only brings anxiety. And yet, the answer isnt always grand or life changing. It can be something simple, focusing on small tasks, doing one thing at a time, holding on for just another day. These moments of just getting through are treated with quiet respect.

The supporting characters add even more heart to the story, Ho Su’s stepmother who keeps loving him even when he pushes her away, the twins grandmother, who has such warm soul and even their estranged mother who carries guilt and slowly begins to reconnect with her daughters.

In the end, this is not a story about big twists or dramatic endings. Its about people who are broken in different ways, learning how to keep living. Its about survival in all its forms whether it looks brave, messy or quiet. And sometimes, thats the most inspiring story of all.

Edit: I would also like to give a special mention to Kim Ro Sa/Sang Wol grandmaa's character. Her arc was so beautiful and heartwarming, tragically beautiful, in fact and her bond with both our leads, Miji and Hosu, was just so touching.

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Something simple like the water but deep like an ocean

Story:
This was a very well written story for me. From the beginning we are hooked to the journey of our twins. It's definitely life, the twists and turns of life. Everyone of us has that moment when we wish to run away from everything and want to live as someone else. For our miji and mirae it was possible practically because they are twins. The story told us about the dark corners of a person who may seem bright from outside. It really took us on a journey of healing.
Those unsaid words of hosu's dad held that much meaning. The story told us what it means to stay by someone's side in life. Love was defined in a new perspective.
The romance was so pure and real. Not just romance the love for family, most importantly the bond of the twins. Every single mother in this story made us feel that love. Everyone loves differently but it's mom. It felt so good.
It was real no exaggerations , just life but it felt deep.

Acting:
I am already aware of the good acting of fl so I was not surprised. I came for her and it was definitely worth it. Playing two different characters while showing the difference in character is so hard but she did it very well. Mirae and miji was distinguishable even without the haircuts. I was pleasantly surprised by the acting of ml. He was so good at portraying those emotions. When his eyes starts to water, I felt myself that sorrow and pain. The actors who played both mothers, the grandmother and the shop grandmother did so good that I could feel their emotions through the screen. Both the mothers were so different in their way of loving but ultimately their love was same. The trauma was definitely shown well, it felt real. The senior lawyer guy was very different and real, he was not evil or good. He was real.

Ending:
It was satisfying. It was happy. Every character got what the deserved. It was satisfying to see people pay for their actions. Our leads carved out their own paths.
Re-watch:
Re-watching a drama is not my thing even if it's my favourite so... But I may go back to some episodes if I want that comfort again.

Final verdict:
Definitely a drama worthy of every single minute. It's just 12 episodes so definitely give it a try. It's pure , it may cure something hidden deep inside you. It may teach you to love and how to accept love. 😇

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Great drama on mental health

This will be considered as one of the greatest dramas on mental health. I am sure director writer and FL bo young will get critic choice award for this.i know sometimes it gets draggy and boring but its the exact thing happens to our life when you go in depression. It also throws light in koreas bullying job culture problems. Though you skip some moments its a must watch drama.only one thing i didn't like abt this drama that actress who played adolescent PBY didn't match PBY at all in terms of visuals. Actress acted very well, but i couldn't digest her as younger version of PBY.PBY did very good job in portraying twins.i never thought that same actress is playing 2 different roll s.

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