JTBC's new drama, the successor to 'Good Boy,' which concluded with a peak viewership rating of 8.1%, is already creating buzz online ahead of its first broadcast on August 2.
The new weekend drama 'Beyond the Bar' will premiere on August 2 at 10 PM KST, gaining significant attention from viewers.
'Beyond the Bar' is an office drama about Kang Hyo Min (played by Jung Chae Yeon), a righteous and bold yet socially awkward rookie lawyer at Yullim Law Firm, who grows into a mature lawyer through her encounters with partner attorney Yoon Suk Hoon (played by Lee Jin Wook), a man kown for his cold demeanor but unrivaled legal skills.
The cast and production team have already gained attention before the drama's premiere. Alongside Lee Jin Wook and Jung Chae Yeon, the drama stars Lee Hak Joo, Jeon Hye Bin, Kim Eui Sung, Hong Seo Jun, Lee Joo Yeon, and Kim Kang Min. Director Kim Jae Hong, who has worked on hits like 'Love Scout,' 'Revenant,' and 'Through the Darkness,' helms the project. Meanwhile, screenwriter Park Mi Hyun, who is still active as a lawyer, brings authenticity and depth with details drawn from her real-life experiences.
The upcoming drama has been drawing comparisons to tvN's 'Law and the City,' which recently recorded a 7% viewership rating in its eighth episode and has been praised as a well-made series. However, 'Beyond the Bar' distinguishes itself from the ground up.
Director Kim Jae Hong explained, "I've directed about two legal dramas before, but this one felt like the real deal. The cases are realistic, detailed, and highly sophisticated. Each of the 12 episodes presents a unique case, and in a broad sense, they all explore different forms of love. Within that framework, the show depicts lawyers comforting those who have been hurt. That's what sets it apart."
The authenticity that Director Kim takes pride in is largely thanks to writer Park Mi Hyun, a practicing attorney. Director Kim noted, "While 'Law and the City' is set in a law district, 'Beyond the Bar' takes place in one of the nation's top five law firms, which makes it structurally different. Since the writer is a practicing lawyer, the cases are exceptionally detailed and sophisticated."
Writer Park shared her vision, explaining, "I wanted to explore love within the realm of law. People turn to the law when emotions run high, and love is the most complex and intense emotion of all. I tried to capture various forms of love within the structures of legal cases." She added, "In the rational space of a courtroom, when emotional extremes clash, I wanted viewers to feel the resonance between reason and emotion."
This drama marks the first collaboration between veteran actor Lee Jin Wook and fresh-faced Jung Chae Yeon. In the previews already released, both actors perfectly embody their roles.
Lee Jin Wook reflected, "It was exciting and pleasant to work with Jung Chae Yeon. She did so well from the start that everyone was surprised. She appeared as Kang Hyo Min herself. From the first shoot, she was reliable, and I was proud as her senior. Since we were already familiar with each other, it was easier to act together."
Jung Chae Yeon added, "I learned so much from him. He approached me first and made me comfortable, which allowed me to act freely. Taking on this new challenge helped me grow personally, and I also found comfort through the project."
Writer Park praised the casting and shared, "100 points wouldn't be enough. I'd give them 150, even 200. As a writer, I can only imagine how characters will breathe on screen, but when the actors truly brought them to life, I thought, 'This is what a drama really is'."
While the show focuses on intense courtroom battles, it isn't limited to cold, logical portrayals of lawyers. 'Beyond the Bar' also shares the stories of struggle and growth. Director Kim noted, "'Beyond the Bar' was a surprising and profound experience that made me reflect on my own values. I believe viewers will also reflect on their lives through this drama. My goal is to direct sincerely, every step of the way."
Lee Jin Wook shared a similar sentiment, "As the characters solved cases, they grew, and so did I. Playing Suk Hoon gave me a new perspective on understanding others’ circumstances. Even my friends say I’ve become better at expressing myself lately, and I feel those changes came naturally through this project."
'Good Boy' started with a 4.8% rating and closed with a nationwide 8.1% and a metropolitan 7.7%, telling the story of former national athlete detectives fighting against a cartel of evil. With stellar performances from Park Bo Gum, Kim So Hyun, Lee Sang Yi, Heo Sung Tae, and Tae Won Seok, the drama resonated deeply with audiences through emotion, tension, and powerful portrayals of justice.
Succeeding such a masterpiece is no easy feat. Director Kim admitted, "It would be a lie to say there’s no pressure after the huge success of Good Boy. But I believe dramas should always be evaluated sincerely. We are working hard to make sure Esquire receives good reviews."
Luckily, there is high anticipation for the upcoming series, with netizens who watched the trailer commenting, “The teasers are getting more exciting. I can’t wait,” “After watching the third teaser, it looks even more fun,” “No way I’m missing this. Lee Jin Wook in a legal drama?!” “Finally, my man Lee Jin Wook is back in action...” “I’ve been waiting for a drama like this from Lee Jin Wook,” and “JTBC is really working hard these days.”
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