In this week’s drama review, we’re spotlighting a deeply moving and intimate story of two sisters, their shared past, and the lives they chose — and left behind. Let’s talk about the acclaimed production ‘Our Unwritten Seoul’.
A Story of Two Sisters
Written by Lee Kang and directed by Park Shin-woo, Our Unwritten Seoul centers around twin sisters Yoo Mi-ji and Yoo Mi-rae, both played masterfully by Park Bo-young, whose dual performance brings remarkable depth and distinction to each character.
Though identical in appearance, Mi-ji and Mi-rae have led drastically different lives. Mi-ji was once a promising athlete whose career was cut short by injury, leading her to a quieter life in their hometown, juggling part-time jobs and caring for their ailing grandmother. Meanwhile, Mi-rae pursued academic and professional success, landing a demanding corporate job in Seoul — but at a great emotional cost.
Childhood brought them close — even switching places at school for fun — but adulthood pushed them apart. Estranged and silently carrying their own burdens, the sisters are unknowingly walking parallel paths of emotional isolation and inner pain.
Trading Places to Find Each Other
When Mi-ji stops hearing back from her sister, she grows concerned and travels to Seoul — only to find Mi-rae on the verge of a breakdown, consumed by workplace bullying and battling depression. In a spontaneous act of love, Mi-ji proposes a swap: she will take over Mi-rae’s job in the city, while Mi-rae returns home and lives her sister’s life for a while.
As they switch lives, both begin to experience the unseen struggles of the other. Mi-ji, now navigating corporate chaos in Seoul, crosses paths with her childhood friend and first love, Lee Ho-su (Jin Young), who believes she is Mi-rae. Their connection rekindles emotions she thought she had buried long ago.
Meanwhile, Mi-rae gains insight into her sister’s quiet sacrifices — from financial hardship to emotional neglect from their mother — and slowly finds healing in the simplicity of her hometown life and time spent with their grandmother.
A Poignant Exploration of Womanhood & Expectations
‘Our Unwritten Seoul’ is more than just a tale of sisterhood. It’s a layered reflection on the pressures of adulthood, the invisibility of emotional labor, and the silent strength it takes to carry on when the world isn’t watching.
Park Bo-young delivers an extraordinary performance, effortlessly embodying two nuanced and emotionally rich characters. Her portrayal of both Mi-ji and Mi-rae is subtle yet powerful — you never forget who’s who, even when the characters are pretending to be each other. Jin Young also shines as Ho-su, bringing empathy, depth, and quiet warmth to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional.
If you’re in the mood for a drama that speaks to the heart — filled with raw emotion, beautiful acting, and a grounded, heartfelt script — ‘Our Unwritten Seoul’ is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the only way to understand someone is to walk a mile in their shoes — or in this case, live a chapter of their life.
‘Our Unwritten Seoul’ is available now on Netflix. You can watch the trailer below.
