Why Han Se Jin Returns to Seoul in K-Drama Our Unwritten Seoul: It's More Than Just Work!

The Korean drama Our Unwritten Seoul delivers a touching and heartfelt story that resonates deeply with viewers. One of the central characters, Han Se Jin (played by Ryu Kyung Soo), finds himself on an emotional journey filled with regret, healing, and rediscovery. After leaving Seoul to manage his late grandfather's farm, Han Se Jin eventually makes the decision to return to the city. But what truly drives him back to Seoul? Here's a deeper look at the reasons behind his life-changing decision.

1. A Journey Fueled by Guilt and Regret

Han Se Jin’s journey begins with a deep sense of guilt. After missing his grandfather’s final phone call before he passed away, Han Se Jin is overwhelmed by remorse. To make amends, he chooses to leave his city life behind and move to the countryside to manage his grandfather’s farm. Despite having zero experience in farming, Se Jin commits himself fully to the task—hoping to find healing through hard work and solitude.

2. Yu Mi Rae’s Departure Leaves a Void

During his time at the farm, Han Se Jin grows close to Yu Mi Rae, a woman who brings light into his isolated days. Their bond develops gradually, marked by sincerity and mutual understanding. However, Mi Rae eventually decides to return to Seoul to continue her career. Her departure leaves Se Jin feeling emotionally lost and unmotivated, shaking his sense of purpose at the farm.

3. The Farm No Longer Feels Like Home

Without Yu Mi Rae, the farm loses its warmth and meaning for Se Jin. What was once a symbol of redemption now feels like a constant reminder of his loneliness. The emotional support and companionship Mi Rae provided become painfully evident in her absence, leading Se Jin to question whether he truly belongs there.

4. A Job Offer Changes Everything

Just when Se Jin is at his most uncertain, a visitor arrives with an unexpected proposition: a job offer in Seoul. The opportunity aligns with Se Jin’s true skills and interests—things he had set aside after leaving the city. The offer presents a chance not only to revive his professional life but also to reconnect with a world he once knew.

5. Torn Between Duty and Desire

Han Se Jin doesn’t make his decision lightly. He spends time reflecting on his journey—his reasons for leaving Seoul, the connection he built with the farm, and the relationship he lost with Yu Mi Rae. He considers the emotional weight of returning to a place filled with unfinished business and the practical benefits of the job offer. Slowly, he begins to see that his future may no longer lie in the countryside.

6. The Decision to Return to Seoul

After much contempletion, Se Jin finally makes up his mind. He decides to return to Seoul—not just for the job, but for the chance to rebuild his life. This marks a turning point in his personal journey: a conscious step away from guilt and isolation, and toward healing, purpose, and love.

7. Searching for Yu Mi Rae

As soon as he sets foot in Seoul, Han Se Jin wastes no time—his first mission is to find Yu Mi Rae. He has much to tell her, from unspoken feelings to hopes for the future. Their paths are more intertwined than ever, especially as their work lives also begin to intersect. It becomes clear that returning to Seoul is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter.

Han Se Jin’s return to Seoul in Our Unwritten Seoul is far more than a career move. It’s a powerful reflection on grief, self-forgiveness, love, and second chances. His journey speaks to anyone who has ever wrestled with regret and the courage it takes to choose a new beginning. Through emotional storytelling and layered character development, the drama reminds us that moving forward sometimes means going back—to the people and places that still hold a piece of our heart.