This wasn't bad at all...
The concept was really interesting and Park Bo Young played the dual role with honor. I liked how the past was gradually revealed in the episodes. Many topics were discussed: bullying at school and at work, sexual harassment, burnout after an accident, first loves, relationships between children and parents, stolen identities, dreams fulfilled... Some of the supporting characters were in my way at first, but over time they stopped being in my way and I started to root for them (I really enjoyed the final episodes - I applaud the director and the screenwriter!). If I had to characterize the series in one sentence, I would say that it is about the doors that people close in their life stories and then are afraid to open.Was this review helpful to you?
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Disappointed
This drama is a masterclass in hypocrisy. It takes a simple misunderstanding—something that would be spun as *romantic* in any other K-drama—and turns it into a full-blown sexual harassment case just because the man isn’t the male lead. The mental gymnastics are astounding.Let’s compare:
- **Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha**: Shin Min-ah drunkenly kisses Kim Seon-ho without his consent. They weren’t even in a relationship or flirting heavily before that. Yet it’s played off as a cute, tipsy mistake. No police report, no career ruined—just *romance*.
- **Melo Movie (park bo young last drama )**: Choi Woo-shik forcibly kisses the FL out of nowhere. They weren’t close, no buildup—yet it’s framed as passionate, not predatory. She accepts it later, so *no harm done*.
But in *The Unwritten*? A male coworker misreads her leaning into his personal space (after *she* initiated closeness for months) and *he’s* the villain? She never set boundaries, never clarified her feelings, yet he’s supposed to magically know she sees him as a father figure? Give me a break.
This isn’t empowerment—it’s **weaponizing false accusations**. The drama’s message seems to be: *If you’re the FL, forced kisses are romantic; if you’re a side character, a near-kiss is a crime.* How is this fair? How is this *progress*?
Worse, it promotes the dangerous idea that women can retroactively label any unwanted advance as harassment—even when *their own actions* contributed to the misunderstanding. Real harassment is serious, but this? This is **character assassination for drama points**.
in court, this kind of claim wouldn't hold because legally, sexual harassment requires either unwelcome physical advances, clear verbal conduct of a sexual nature, or a power imbalance being used specifically to obtain sexual favors. But in this case, she was the one who leaned in first (even if it was innocent), and there was no kiss, no touch, and no direct proposition.
His defense lawyer would absolutely tear that apart, probably arguing she initiated closeness, and everything else was just misinterpretation or office gossip. That doesn’t mean she wasn’t mistreated — but legally, sexual harassment is a very specific charge, and what happened doesn’t meet that threshold. He should be sued for office bullying, defamation, and abuse of power, not for a crime he didn't commit.
If the genders were reversed, people would riot. But because it’s a woman "taking a stand," the show gets a free pass. Disgusting double standards.
**Final Verdict**: 0/5. Not just bad writing—**toxic messaging**. A disgrace to actual victims of harassment.
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Solid Premise, Uneven Execution
(Watched 9 episodes then read episode summaries for episodes 10-12)-
Our Unwritten Soeul starts off incredibly well. The opening episodes are tightly written, emotionally engaging, and hook you right away. The identical twin-switch premise is handled with intrigue and care, setting up a compelling foundation for the story.
What truly elevates the drama is the acting. Park Bo Young plays both twins as adults, while Lee Jae In portrays both twins in their teenage years. Since the characters are identical twins, the show cleverly uses the same actors for both roles, which means both actresses are essentially acting opposite themselves in many scenes. Despite playing two people who look exactly alike, they bring out the unique personalities, emotional differences, and inner struggles of each twin. It’s a demanding challenge, but they pull it off with nuance and conviction, making each character feel distinct and authentic.
However, the drama starts to lose its momentum around the end of episode 6, right when Yoo Mi Ji and Lee Ho Su get together. That moment felt like a natural, satisfying conclusion, and if the twins had switched back at that point followed by the confession, it could have served as a powerful emotional peak. Instead, the show delays the switch, which weakens the payoff and drags out the tension unnecessarily.
The subplot where Mi Ji lies about being Mi Rae when Ho Su runs into people from his university adds nothing meaningful to the story. It comes off as filler and does little to move the plot forward or deepen the characters.
When the switch finally does happen, it feels rushed, and the aftermath is surprisingly underwhelming. Practically everyone either finds out or is simply told by the twins that they had switched, which deflates the dramatic tension that had been carefully built in the first half of the show.
Park Sang Yeong’s sudden decision to tell the Director about the switch also feels out of place. Earlier in the same episode, he explicitly mentioned that he owed Mi Rae something and wanted to repay her by helping her in some way, which made his actions seem supportive and trustworthy. However, later on in that episode, he ends up revealing the truth, and from my standpoint, it felt inconsistent and unearned. I was skipping a little because the pacing was getting slower and slower, so I may have missed a few details, but the shift in his character didn’t feel properly built up or justified within the story.
The episode runtime, around 1 hour and 20 minutes each, becomes more of a burden as the drama progresses. While the longer format works in the beginning, the slower pacing in the second half makes each episode feel more drawn out than necessary.
In summary, this drama starts strong, with a gripping concept and stellar dual performances by Park Bo Young and Lee Jae In. Unfortunately, it loses momentum in the second half, with pacing issues and missed opportunities holding it back from being great. It’s still worth watching for the acting and early episodes, but don’t expect it to stick the landing.
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The Hype is True - you must try this!
Ahhhh this was so good. I wasn't going to try it - I think I've heard so much about it that just had the opposite effect on me. But I decided one day and thankfully I did. It's as many people say - SO good.Park Bo Young is incredible portraying these two characters like they are actually two individual people. Especially on the romance angle, this was so much more evident because somehow there isn't a chemistry with the male leads when they switch. This is like a masterclass in acting.
Park Jin Young as Ho Su - I loved Ho Su, what a loveable, gentle character. He was brought to life so well by Jin Young. I loved how supportive he was and how he truly loved Miji for who she is. Never looking at what she lacks which she herself tends to do.
Ryu Kyung Soo as Han Se Jin - probably my fave character - I saw a review that said he made the drama more grounded (?) and I agree. He's such an understated, down to earth and easy going character. Honestly I think it's Ryu Kyung Soo's portrayal that made the character so special. The little details, nuances all added up to make him a very memorable character. He gave off warm vibes and was exactly who Mirae needed at that time and vice versa.
I love how everything was resolved, it was satisfying. I cried a few times because it felt like you were being spoken to and watching the twins face their obstacles was comforting in some way and watching them overcome them was satisfying.
I love the bond that grew between the mums and although a lot were annoyed with the twins' mum, I can understand her perspective. I think it helped that I binge watched this, so there's no lingering on annoying scenes for too long. Ho Su's mum was amazing and she was portrayed amazingly by Kim Sun Young. Ok Hui was also a realistic portrayal of a single mum who just had to get on with losing her husband, raising the twins and her mum falling ill. It was a lot and she made a lot of mistakes but I just love the scene where she helped Miji view flats.
The romance was so satisfying - I love how they have developed Ho Su and Mi Ji's relationship, seeing them together was comforting because these were two people who just gets each other and are finally together. I LOVE LOVE the scene where they were signing to each other! It was such a short scene but so symbolic, like they are in it for life, no matter what it brings them. That was comforting.
Mirae and Sejin - where we saw Ho Su and Mi Ji's relationship evolved fully, these two had a more understated, read between the lines development. Rightfully so but because the chemistry was also amazing, I just wish we could see them more somehow. I wanted more in that final scene. I'd love to see them do mundane things, like just walking around in Seoul, being back in their farm and talking. And finally be an actual couple. I think this is why I'm hung up on them 😭 I need to see the development on screen lol.
Plus that grandma dream scene where she asks Mi Ji if she wants her to stay longer. That hurts because of course it's a yes, but she's suffered for too long. I wished the grandma got better somehow 😭
And Gyeong Gu is the best friend for real ❤️
OVERALL, yes there's a lot of hype but it is there for a reason. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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A drama that stays with you: Why you should watch our unwritten Seoul!
"Our Unwritten Seoul" defies simple categorization; it's a blend of a warm hug, a reality check, and a dive into adulthood's complexities. The drama masterfully portrays twin sisters with contrasting personalities who swap lives, but it transcends the typical twin switch trope. Instead, it fearlessly tackles significant, relatable themes: family dynamics, the bonds of friendship, the scars of trauma, the importance of mental health, workplace bullying, the challenges of adulthood, the grip of depression, and the impact of disabilities. The storytelling is exceptional, handling each topic with a delicate balance of sensitivity and depth, brought to life through the characters' diverse experiences. This is where the emotional rollercoaster begins because you'll find yourself connecting with at least one, if not several, of the characters on a deeply personal level.
The characters in this drama are so human, so relatable. They're flawed, they make mistakes, and it's this very complexity that draws you in. You'll question their actions, sure, but you'll also find yourself trying to understand their different perspectives. Unlike other shows, this one makes a real effort to give each character their own story, their own experiences, and their own point of view.
For me, this drama really explores the idea of empathy, of putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Through the twin switch, you see two sisters, each with preconceived notions about the other, learn about each other and understand each other on a deeper level. What better way to truly understand someone than to walk a mile in their shoes?
Each character is an intriguing mix of strengths and weaknesses, perfectly imperfect.
At the heart of this already beautiful show is the brilliant acting. I have to give a special shout-out to Park Bo-young. She doesn't just play the two twin characters; she breathes life into them. It's truly applaud-worthy because I can actually forget they're played by the same person. They look alike, yes, but the body language, the personalities – everything is different.
But it's not just her. Park Jin-young, Ryu Kyung-soo, and many more of the actors and actresses are also doing a phenomenal job. Without great acting, how could you sell the stories and emotions of these characters? Thankfully, each character is brought to life with skill and nuance.
The dialogue is, without a doubt, my favorite part of this show. You can tell the writer put a lot of thought into every line. Quotes like, "I couldn't do anything about the pain, but I could choose not to cry," and "No matter how pathetic it seems, anything you do to survive is brave," really hit home. It felt like the writer took a peek into my mind and wrote down everything I was feeling. The words resonate on a deeper level because you can feel each and every one. That's how impactful the dialogue is. I'll be sure to include more examples in this review.
"Our Unwritten Seoul" is a drama that offers warmth but also tears you apart. It's painfully beautiful, impactful, relatable, healing, and deeply emotional. I truly hope more people give it a chance. It definitely came at a time when I needed to watch it the most.
AS PROMISED..THESE ARE MY FAVOURITE LINES FROM OUR UNWRITTEN SEOUL.
No matter how pathetic it looks.. anything you do to survive is brave
Thinking about the past only brings regret and thinking about the future only brings anxiety.
Yesterday is over, tomorrow is yet to come, Today is yet unknown.
Am I living like this because of the way Iam? Or IAM I like this because of the way I live.
Why do I end up attacking myself in moments I most need to protect myself?
You only truly understand something's after getting them wrong.
Being unemployed is a fight between your own mind and the clock..
It's been a while since I put my effort into something..
I shouldn't have expected to do well
But i really wanted to do a good job
If you don't know the full story..it's better to keep quiet sometimes.
People who get swayed by gossip..don't care about the truth
No one really sees me for who IAM..so I just go along with what people want to see.
It doesn't matter where go..Iam still me.
Every one assumed id do well
As if it were a given..
I was afraid of not meeting expectations and of disappointing my self.
The fact that nothing was certain made me anxious
And I was scared I'd live that way forever.
There is no point proving something that isn't true..if the people by your side know the truth then that's enough...
If you don't let go..you can't grab onto something else..so let's grab onto any happiness, goodness and joy we can find.
I couldn't do anything about the pain..but I could choose not to cry.
Feeling alone within a family is lonelier than being alone anywhere else.
As long as I pretended that I was fine..I'd seem whole on the outside.
Something's are better seen in the dark.
There's is no such things as perfect timing..nothing in this world is perfect.
There's is no such things as perfect timing..nothing in this world is perfect
Giving birth doesn't automatically make you a mom.
Just because you like something doesn't mean that you can do it.
People don't need alot of reasons to hate some one.
I spent days in silence, keeping to myself so no one would see how vulnerable I was..inside the layers of bark I had built up in my wish to become a tree..there are fragile feelings trapped within..unable to grow.
If you stay quiet and out of sight.. people don't believe you.
They all started from the bottom, so even if they hit rock bottom again..they believe they can climb back up.
You have to be loved..to know how to love.
Why does life always take something away.. whenever it gives you something?
Life is like poetry..from a distance it looks like an indecipherable code..but if you look closely with a heart willing to understand..only then will you see the meaning within.
It might take a while..but one day..you will meet people who read you for who you really are.
You told me that my weaknesses makes me stronger and special..and yet you have no intention of showing your weakness..maybe thats your weakness.
When I take a test..their is nothing worse than picking..what seems like the write answer..over what I actually felt was right..and then getting the question wrong,it makes me feel like I got it wrong because I didn't trust myself.
Love isn't about winning or losing,it's about remaining on the same team..untill the very end even if you lose..love is about staying together..even if you lose a hundred or a thousand times.
The promise of tomorrow,is not born from hope but from resolve.
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A really well told story about the complexity of being human and human interactions.
This is so beautifully written. A poignant story. The writer(s) and director(s) did so much work to tell this simple yet complex story. The story starts in the present but tells a 360 story of the past, the present and the future. I can't believe they got all this in just 12 episodes. They did a good job keeping the story moving forward so that this slice of life drama did not stagnate. I love the growth of all the characters. At the beginning they were some characters I found annoying but in the end I understood all the characters for who they were. Appreciating the nuances of their strengths and flaws. The characters all started one dimensional and ended 3 dimensional. It is a beautiful story. A really well told story about the complexity of being human and human interactions.This show really highlights the things Korean dramas do better than most other entertainment industries. Telling a story, not with action and complicated plot devices, but telling by trying to get the audience to feel with the characters. Laughing with them, crying with them, waiting with them. I wonder if there is a technical term for this? Empathetical story telling.
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We all have our own unwritten souls within us that connects each one of us.
❝𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔.❞It's a story of twins who try to find each other in the form of switching places, lives and identities. Unlike any other melodramas, it churns and squeezes those deepest, untouched and skillfully hidden emotions out of me. This is a drama that came to me when I needed it the most. I've watched numerous dramas but never connected myself to the characters like I did in this one. I found myself in their happiness, in despair, in frustration. There's far more depth in each one of us, including the drama characters, than it shows. Reading between the lines is where we find ourselves. Perspective is subjective, but internal turmoil is universal.
‣ Characters:
☛ Mirae & Miji: They're our flawed protagonist, one who believes in her gut and other does everything from her heart without thinking twice. This is the first time that watching Miji & Mirae feels like looking myself in the mirror. Our situations might not be the same, but to the extent I understand them, it's just too overwhelming for me.
☛ Hosu: A vigilant, devoted, blunt lawyer who doesn't compromise with truth. He's one of the clearest characters, yet he's so complicated. He's that loyal friend who has got your back whenever you need him. But he'll never open up to you because he swallows his sorrow so he doesn't become a burden to anyone. He dealt with his own demons while fighting for others.
☛The Mothers: All three of the moms have their own struggles. They are also flawed and have their own shortcomings as parents, but they try their best to provide for their children even if they have to sacrifice themselves. The precious bond between the children and the moms was heartwarming. And also, as friends, they got each other's back.
In the end, even if other people look well off, happy and fortunate to have what we don't, it's just the outer shell. We don't know what that person is going through inside, what struggles he/she is facing. They showed us that being flawed doesn't mean you're weak, but trusting yourself and believing in your potential, you can face any hurdles in life.
Overall, it's a heavy, heartwarming saga of daily struggles, triumphs and achieving peace within oneself that has properties to break and heal inside out. It's a highly recommended, must-watch drama if you are a melo sucker like me.
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Two twins who switch roles
The "city student" (Mi Rae) and the "country girl" (Mi Ji). The "country girl" goes to Seoul and works in the office, while her sister and the other go to the countryside and have to take care of their grandmother and work to grow strawberries.Apparently similar but very different in their approach to life, each one tries to do her best and discover new things about each other.
What can we see in this series?
Mobbing at work. A beautiful relationship between granddaughter and grandmother, a difficult and different relationship between daughters and mother... A stepmother who takes care of her deceased husband's son and gives up her relationship with her own family for him.
The suffering of this good hearted boy who always thinks he is a burden and does not want to be pitied. Sacrifice, when he discovers he is losing his hearing and he breaks up with the person he loves for her own well.
The sad story of this old woman who helps her childhood friend and lives a lonely life full of memories.
Full of emotions. I cried like a waterfall.
I like Park Jin Young as a member of GOT7, but also as an actor. His characters are usually those of a thoughtful person, who works hard and is always a little lonely, sad and unlucky. I like his calmness.
The female lead, Park Bo Young, is also a talented girl. She played two different roles, which is even more complicated.
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Some dramas entertain you, but this one stays with you — long after it ends.
Some dramas entertain you, but this one stays with you — long after it ends.This was truly a powerful series that didn’t leave room for criticism. No matter how hard I try, I can’t fully put into words how good it was — and I’m sure I’m still forgetting a few things.
It was full of messages, lessons, and dialogues — each one as deep and meaningful as an entire book.
The details, whether in the characters’ behavior, their words, or even the set design, were all impactful.
The flashbacks were not boring at all — on the contrary, they played a very important role in the storytelling.
The flow of the story was so subtle and precise that if you skipped even 30 seconds, you could easily miss something important.
It was, in every sense of the word, a complete masterpiece — and at the same time, a simple portrayal of life, of people’s thoughts, struggles, and perspectives.
It reflected how everyone tries, gets tired, and how our words and behavior affect those around us.
And there are still a thousand more points and feelings that words could never fully express — no explanation could ever do this drama justice.
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TRULY MASTERPIECE
This is definitely the best Kdrama of 2025 so far, the characters were extremely captivating, the script was engaging, the plot made me want to follow even the smallest details of this drama, easily a 10/10, Kim Ho-Sa backstory made me cry so much 🥲 she definitely deserved a happy ending with her friend so badd 😭😭.Was this review helpful to you?
A Poetic Masterpiece That Quietly Redefines Life Unwritten Seoul
Unwritten Seoul is not just a drama.. it’s a deeply emotional journey that holds a mirror to life itself. From the very first episode, it gently pulls you in with its sincerity, raw emotions, and thoughtful storytelling. Every character is written with purpose, and their arcs unfold in such a real, human way.The acting is top tier, especially from Park Bo young, who completely nailed her performance in the dual role. Her portrayal of the twins was nothing short of breathtaking.. she cried her heart out across the entire show, and you could feel every bit of it. It's rare to see such emotional depth delivered so effortlessly.
What stood out to me most is the character development. Each of them grows, breaks, heals, and transforms in ways that feel deeply relatable. It teaches you about grief, love, letting go, and holding on. It’s one of those dramas that stays with you, long after it ends.
If you’re looking for something soft yet powerful, this is the one. Don’t miss it.
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One of the best 'twin' acting ever!
The only thing you think after watching the whole show is that PBY is a phenomenonal actress! I already liked her in Strong woman DBS but felt her acting was a little too much in some scenes in that but here she shows how much she has improved as an actress! This surely is one of the most convincing twin act I have seen!Rest of the story is not very convincing tbh, it certainly has many loopholes but you kinda ignore it because of PBY and the emotional growth they show for all the main characters. Both the runner FL and the lawyer ML have great chemistry and nicely developed character arcs and even their mom's story development was very satisfying to watch.
But the city FL and the strawberry farmer ML story seemed like an afterthought. They did not have any chemistry and I did not like that ML's character nor the actor's acting. That part was a bit of a letdown for me.
Overall it is a nice emotional story about dealing with your inner demons with the help of people who care for you. Would rate it about 8.3/10.
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