Social Withdrawal: Audience Responses to “Our Unwritten Seoul”
Greetings! I am an undergraduate student conducting research on the phenomenon of social withdrawal (also known as hikikomori or shut-in behavior).  All responses are completely anonymous, and the survey takes about 5–7 minutes to complete.

This survey is part of an academic project exploring how the Korean TV drama Our Unwritten Seoul portrays mental health and social withdrawal. Please complete this survey only if you have watched the 2025 K-drama Our Unwritten Seoul. The questions relate to how this drama depicts social withdrawal, mental health, and empathy toward those experiencing these issues.

If you haven’t seen Our Unwritten Seoul, please leave this survey and take my general survey on social withdrawal here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EHoJAey4Gm6jLEEI6Ythn3mJmJmUDL1B9mmIwOzAS98/edit
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What is your nationality? *
What is your age range? *
Are you currently working? (optional)
Clear selection
How often do you watch K-dramas? *
Do you like it when K-dramas try to address serious social issues?
Clear selection
Do you know what the phenomenon of "social withdrawal" is? Can you define it in your own words? What do you think of when you think of social withdrawal?  *
Have you or anyone you know personally ever spent a period of time in social withdrawal? *
Understanding and Attitudes Toward Social Withdrawal
For the purpose of this survey, social withdrawal refers to a situation where a person limits or avoids social contact for an extended period due to emotional, psychological, or social reasons such as anxiety, failure, or loss of motivation.
How often do you discuss issues such as job pressure or mental health with your friends (either in person or on social media)? *
Opinions and Perceptions
Please rate how much you agree with the following statements:
(1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)
Mental health issues are openly and comfortably discussed in my social circle. Including disclosing deeply personal struggles. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
I would feel a sense of shame or embarrassment if a close family member or friend were experiencing social withdrawal. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
If a friend were struggling with social withdrawal, I would feel uncomfortable because I would not know how to act or offer support. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
I would want to help a person re-enter society if I knew they were socially withdrawn or withdrawing.  *
Strongly disagree
Strongly agree
I would wait patiently and try to support a person without pressure, if I knew they had socially withdrawn  *
Strongly disagree
Strongly agree
A person who experiences social withdrawal is responsible for their own condition and should just try harder to go outside. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Social withdrawal is mostly laziness or a lack of personal motivation. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
I believe most people who withdraw socially are mentally ill. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
I believe that fear of social judgment is the biggest reason why people experiencing social withdrawal do not seek help. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
I would feel comfortable seeking professional help if I were experiencing emotional distress. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Media (TV, movies) generally portray people with mental health struggles accurately and respectfully. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
A fictional TV show or movie is a good way to increase public empathy and awareness about social issues. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Drama-Specific Questions
Rate how much you agree with the following statements:
(1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)
After watching Our Unwritten Seoul, I feel more empathy for people experiencing social withdrawal. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Miji’s decision to withdraw felt justified given the intense societal pressures she faced. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Mirae's former co-worker's decision to withdraw felt justified given her experience of workplace injustice. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
The drama accurately depicted how social withdrawal may begin and how it may end — in the case of Miji. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Hosu’s decision to withdraw felt justified considering his sudden health challenge. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
The drama demonstrated the impact of social withdrawal on friends and family members. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
The drama showed that social withdrawal is a consequence of systemic pressures and extreme personal challenges rather than personal laziness. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
The narrative used the emotional quality and global reach of hallyu (the international popularity of Korean pop culture such as K-dramas) to introduce and make this issue relatable to a large audience. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
 I felt the drama and its characters accurately represented or validated contemporary issues with societal pressure or mental health struggles. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
The narrative and visuals served as a mediator for understanding the hidden reality of social withdrawal. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
The drama influenced my perception by linking the characters’ withdrawal to realistic causes. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
I would recommend this drama to others because of its message about social issues and the need for public dialogue. *
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
The drama Our Unwritten Seoul provided me with a clearer understanding of the underlying causes of social withdrawal.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
Clear selection
Please expand on your answer for any question above [optional]
Please share your thoughts, in as much detail as you wish, about how Our Unwritten Seoul addressed the topic of social withdrawal.

With three main characters experiencing social withdrawal, it is clear that this issue was a central theme of the drama. In your opinion, did the drama effectively portray this issue? Do you think it could help viewers better understand social withdrawal and encourage open discussion about it? Do you think it is effective for TV shows to address issues like this?

Feel free to share any additional reflections or opinions on this topic.  
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