'Unknown Seoul' has set a new record for its highest ratings, concluding on a high note.
In the final episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Unknown Seoul' (written by Lee Kang, directed by Park Shin-woo and Nam Geon, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Monster Union and High Ground), which aired on the 29th, the characters, each with their own pain, beautifully parted ways with their scarred pasts and welcomed a bright future.
The final episode recorded an average rating of 9% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 10.3%, and an average of 8.4% nationwide, peaking at 9.4%, setting a new record for its highest ratings. It also ranked first in its time slot among cable and general programming channels. In the target demographic of 2049, the ratings were 3.9% on average and peaked at 4.4% in the metropolitan area, while nationwide averages were 4.2% with a peak of 4.7%. Both metropolitan and nationwide ratings set new records, achieving the top spot across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasting. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea)
Yumi-ji (played by Park Bo-young), who was wandering without a purpose, successfully entered university and enjoyed campus life while dreaming of becoming a counseling psychologist. Lee Ho-soo (played by Park Jin-young) accepted the silent world and learned how to overcome it, gaining the courage to live once again. While racing down the track of their dreams, Yumi-ji and Lee Ho-soo stayed close to each other, sharing support, comfort, and love.
Yumi-rae (played by Park Bo-young), who left her job to pursue a different path, proved her potential by achieving great success in strawberry farming despite everyone's concerns. Han Se-jin (played by Ryu Kyung-soo), who returned to the U.S., came back to Korea after completing his tasks, instantly recognizing Yumi-rae among the crowd, creating a sense of excitement.
Kim Ok-hee (played by Jang Young-nam) and Yeom Bun-hong (played by Kim Sun-young), who had been bickering throughout, showcased a strong friendship as they relied on each other and shared their worries after their children became independent. Hyun Sang-wol (played by Won Mi-kyung), who overcame dyslexia, was able to read a heartfelt letter left by Kim Rosa (played by Park Hwan-hee), moving viewers to tears. The villains who tormented Yumi-rae received their just punishments, and Kim Soo-yeon (played by Park Ye-young), who finally stepped outside, returned to a normal life.
While everyone was sprinting towards the future from the starting line, a heartbreaking moment of farewell also arrived. Grandmother Kang Wol-soon (played by Cha Mi-kyung), the emotional support for sisters Yumi-ji and Yumi-rae, bid a final farewell to her family. Kang Wol-soon's peaceful smile at the end of her long life stirred tears.
In this way, 'Unknown Seoul' conveyed warm comfort through the stories of people writing their own narratives in the notebook of life. It taught viewers how to love 'myself,' who is often close yet rarely kind, evoking empathy in every episode.
Above all, Park Bo-young's passionate performance, taking on four roles as the twin sisters Yumi-ji and Yumi-rae, maximized the immersion. She expressed the differences between the twins, who look identical but have opposite personalities, captivating viewers with her ever-changing expressions. Park Jin-young as Lee Ho-soo and Ryu Kyung-soo as Han Se-jin made hearts race with their unique charms.
Additionally, writer Lee Kang's warm and kind storytelling garnered great attention. Through the intertwined relationships of the characters, it showcased all forms of love that exist in the world, while the delicate dialogue resonated with emotions that everyone has experienced at least once.
Moreover, the meticulous direction of directors Park Shin-woo and Nam Geon shone through. To differentiate the two main settings of Duhon-ri and Seoul, they contrasted colors and tones, while employing filming techniques that traversed between the past and present, enhancing the quality of the drama with detailed use of props. On set, they drew out the actors' emotions with careful guidance and dedicated themselves to the post-production work, including CG and music, to enhance the overall quality.
Thanks to the fantastic synergy between the actors, writer, and directors, 'Unknown Seoul' maintained its position as a trending drama throughout its airing, ranking high in both TV-OTT drama buzz and cast popularity. Each episode's ratings and cumulative video views steadily increased, surpassing 200 million views, gaining immense popularity.
'Unknown Seoul,' a love letter for everyone facing a new page in life after a long unrequited love, delivered a heartwarming healing experience and concluded its chapter.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
