tvN’s emotional weekend drama “Unknown Seoul” is quickly becoming the next must-watch phenomenon. What started as a quiet debut with a 3.6% viewership rating has now soared to new heights, with episode 10 reaching an average of 7.7% and peaking at 9.7%, setting a new personal best. Following in the footsteps of the beloved “Someday, My Family Residency”, the series is carving out its place as tvN’s latest heartwarming tribute to familial bonds and sacrifice.
In episode 10, which aired on the 22nd, audiences were finally given a full glimpse into the deeply moving past of the enigmatic building owner, Kim Ro-sa (played by the acclaimed Won Mi-kyung). Her backstory—long hidden and heavy with grief—was unveiled in full, and the emotional support of Yoo Mi-ji (Park Bo-young) and Lee Ho-soo (Park Jin-young) offered both a shield and a spotlight. Their unwavering trust in Kim Ro-sa became a powerful moment of empathy and redemption that resonated with viewers across the country.
The impact was clear in the numbers:
- Seoul Metropolitan Area: 8.5% average, 9.7% peak
- Nationwide: 7.7% average, 8.7% peak
- 2049 Target Demographic: #1 across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasts
- Women in their 20s: A notable 5.5% peak viewership in Seoul
(Data via Nielsen Korea, across cable, IPTV, and satellite platforms)
The emotional climax came as Kim Ro-sa, accused of identity fraud in a scheme orchestrated by Lee Chung-goo (Im Cheol-soo), withdrew from the world. Isolated and under fire, her allies Yoo Mi-ji and Lee Ho-soo stepped in. Learning she was illiterate, they investigated the flood of lawsuits on her behalf, eventually exposing the construction company’s manipulation.
When Yoo Mi-ji finally found Kim Ro-sa in hiding, her quiet encouragement and gentle persistence gave Kim Ro-sa the strength to re-enter the world. And with that, the truth surfaced.
Kim Ro-sa is, in fact, Hyun Sang-wol—a woman who once shared an orphanage with the real Kim Ro-sa, a poet and her only family. Their bond ran so deep that Sang-wol even took the fall for Kim Ro-sa’s crime: the accidental killing of her abusive husband. At Kim Ro-sa’s deathbed, dying from cancer, she begged Sang-wol to live a new life under her name—a request Sang-wol honored through decades of quiet generosity and hidden kindness.
This powerful twist adds a new layer of emotional complexity to “Unknown Seoul”, touching on themes of identity, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between truth and love. It’s no wonder the series continues to climb in ratings and in the hearts of viewers, particularly among younger women who are embracing its raw, heartfelt storytelling.
Stay tuned as “Unknown Seoul” continues to unfold every Saturday and Sunday on tvN, promising more revelations and emotional highs that keep fans coming back for more.
