Can Park Bo-young Break Her K-Drama Slump with Our Unwritten Seoul?

After a string of ratings struggles, Korean cable channel tvN is looking to bounce back with its upcoming weekend drama Our Unwritten Seoul, set to premiere on May 24 at 9:20 PM KST.

The new series comes on the heels of Resident Playbook (언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의 생활), which recently helped tvN break free from a long-running 1% viewership trap, peaking at a personal-best 6% in its final weeks.

Penned by Lee Kang, the acclaimed writer behind Youth of May, Our Unwritten Seoul is her first project in four years. The drama tells the story of twin sisters who switch lives, only to begin a journey of rediscovery and self-acceptance. With a blend of romance, identity drama, and character-driven growth, the show aims to strike a deep emotional chord with viewers.

🔹 A Story Rooted in Real Emotion

According to the writer, Our Unwritten Seoul was written like a diary—born from the question:

“What if my twin could live my life instead? Would it be better?”

She explained that the drama reflects the hidden exhaustion many people carry behind outwardly functional lives. It also explores self-loathing, a deeply personal theme for Lee Kang:

“I’ve lived with those feelings myself. I hope this drama helps viewers be a little more kind to themselves.”

🔹 Setting and Symbolism: Seoul vs. Duson-ri

The twin sisters, Yoo Mi-ji and Yoo Mi-rae, represent opposing life paths. Mi-ji is a once-promising track athlete now living freely and impulsively, while Mi-rae is a perfectionist public servant who’s always followed the rules. The drama’s setting alternates between urban Seoul and Duson-ri, a rural town—mirroring the sisters’ emotional contrasts.

Lee Kang emphasized that both locations will be portrayed with dual perspectives, depending on which sister is present, bringing a deeper narrative texture to the environments.

🔹 A 4-in-1 Performance: Park Bo-young's Boldest Role Yet

Perhaps the biggest buzz around Our Unwritten Seoul is actress Park Bo-young’s jaw-dropping challenge: playing four distinct characters. She not only portrays the twin sisters but also two additional roles that add complexity to the narrative.

Joining her are Park Jin-young and Ryu Kyung-soo, completing a fresh and compelling cast lineup. Park Jin-young plays Lee Ho-soo, a top corporate lawyer with charm and confidence, hiding deep insecurities about leading a “normal life.”

Ryu Kyung-soo takes on the role of Han Se-jin, a former city dweller who’s now a humble farm owner in the countryside. The show's creative team praised the actors' chemistry, stating: “Their interpretation of the characters was even more vivid than what was on the page.” Lee Kang added, “Their understanding of the emotional contrasts will give viewers a lot of joy.”

🔹 Can Our Unwritten Seoul Cement tvN’s Comeback?

Following the disappointing performance of previous tvN dramas like Potato Lab and When the Stars Gossip, all eyes are on Our Unwritten Seoul to continue the recovery sparked by Resident Playbook. Given its bold premise, acclaimed screenwriter, and ambitious casting, many believe this new drama might be the one to seal the deal.

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