Exploring Complex Relationships in 'Our Unwritten Seoul': A Deep Dive into Friendship and Family Bonds

The intricate relationships in 'Our Unwritten Seoul' are capturing viewers' attention.

tvN's weekend drama 'Our Unwritten Seoul' (written by Lee Kang, directed by Park Shin-woo and Nam Geon, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Monster Union and High Ground) is drawing viewers into its complex web of relationships, from the friendship and maternal bonds between Kim Ok-hee (played by Jang Young-nam) and Yeom Boon-hong (played by Kim Sun-young) to the poignant stories of Hyun Sang-wol (played by Won Mi-kyung) and Kim Rosa (played by Park Hwan-hee).

High school friends Kim Ok-hee and Yeom Boon-hong, despite their vastly different personalities and backgrounds, share a deep friendship that often brings tears to viewers' eyes. Yeom Boon-hong, while worrying about her mother Kang Wol-soon (played by Cha Mi-kyung), takes care of her meals on behalf of her emotionally reserved daughter Kim Ok-hee. This touching gesture comforts Kim Ok-hee, who regrets not being a more affectionate daughter after witnessing her once-strong mother's vulnerable side. Yeom Boon-hong's gentle encouragement to express love first adds warmth to their relationship.

While Yeom Boon-hong listens to Kim Ok-hee's awkward sincerity, Kim Ok-hee tends to Yeom Boon-hong's wounds with her rough hands. Even when Yeom Boon-hong confesses that Lee Ho-soo (played by Park Jin-young) is not her biological child, Kim Ok-hee praises her for raising him with love. Despite their differences, their friendship is marked by a profound understanding of each other's hearts at just the right moments.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Hyun Sang-wol and Kim Rosa, who share the same name, evokes deep emotions in viewers. Hyun Sang-wol becomes the light for Kim Rosa, who is losing herself to domestic violence, while Kim Rosa becomes the book for the illiterate Hyun Sang-wol. Although their relationship defies definition, Kim Rosa leaves behind a legacy of immense love, giving everything in her name, including the name 'Kim Rosa,' to Hyun Sang-wol, leaving viewers with a sense of sadness and lingering emotion.

As the past of Kim Rosa and Hyun Sang-wol is revealed, viewers are responding with comments like, "An endlessly sad and touching story," "The advice to view it with the heart of reading poetry is so poignant," "A well-made flashback scene of high quality," and "The story of Rosa and Sang-wol feels like watching a standalone drama." Behind this interest lies the effort of the actors, directors, and staff who worked hard to express the emotions of Kim Rosa and Hyun Sang-wol.

Director Nam Geon, known for his delicate emotional direction in works like 'Temperature of Love' and 'Jackpot,' co-directed the series, leading the casting of young Rosa and Sang-wol and overseeing preparations for the period drama. His meticulous direction captured the inseparable relationship and emotional lines between the two characters, while also creating a lively atmosphere on set with his unique wit and comfort. Cinematographer Choi Yoon-man, known for 'My Mister' and 'The Great Show,' also contributed, filming in various locations such as Dangjin, Damyang, Gwangju, Suncheon, and Hapcheon.

'Our Unwritten Seoul' invites viewers to look at all forms of love, friendship, and family affection with a warm perspective, leaving a significant impact. With unresolved stories like Yoo Mi-ji's future, Yoo Mi-rae's battle with the company, and Lee Ho-soo's tinnitus, anticipation for the ending of 'Our Unwritten Seoul' is building.

tvN's weekend drama 'Our Unwritten Seoul' will air its 11th episode on the 28th at 9:20 PM.

By Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr