SBS’s new Friday–Saturday drama ‘Phantom Lawyer’ is set to premiere on March 13. The series, built around the concept of a “spirit-possessed lawyer,” is drawing attention for whether it can revive the sluggish ratings of SBS’s weekend drama lineup while delivering both laughter and heartfelt moments to viewers.
‘Phantom Lawyer’ follows the unusual and heartwarming adventures of Shin Yi Rang, a lawyer possessed by spirits who helps resolve the grudges of the dead, and Han Na Hyun, a cold, elite attorney who will do anything to win her cases. The drama stars Yoo Yeon Seok, Lee Som (Esom), and Kim Kyung Nam.
Yoo Yeon Seok plays Shin Yi Rang, a lawyer who begins to be possessed by spirits after opening his law office in Okcheon Building, a former shaman house. The actor is expected to showcase a wide range of “alternate personas,” changing his speech, facial expressions, and behavior each time a spirit takes over his body.
Esom takes on the role of Han Na Hyun, a rational and cold lawyer who strictly operates within the boundaries of the law and pursues nothing but victory. Initially clashing with Shin Yi Rang, her evolving relationship with him is expected to be one of the drama’s key points of interest.
Kim Kyung Nam plays Yang Do Kyung, the ambitious head of Taebaek Law Firm. The character will display a complex personality as he grapples with romantic feelings for Han Na Hyun while also feeling jealousy toward Shin Yi Rang.
During the drama’s production presentation held on March 11 at the SBS headquarters in Mokdong, director Shin Joong Hoon reportedly admitted to feeling pressure, saying he carries the burden of “having to save the company.” The series marks Shin’s directorial debut. The pressure comes after the previous SBS Friday–Saturday drama, 'No Tail to Tell,' ended with relatively disappointing ratings in the 3% range.
Yoo Yeon Seok also shared that this was his first time taking on a comedy genre. “Every episode, I wondered how far I could let go in the possession scenes,” he said. “I approached it with the mindset that I’m staking my acting career on this.”
‘Phantom Lawyer’ builds a unique world by blending a courtroom drama with supernatural possession. Director Shin explained, “The story follows the somewhat clumsy but kind Shin Yi Rang as he solves requests from ghosts and grows along the way. It’s meant to be an easy, comfortable drama that viewers of all ages can watch together as a family.”
The drama’s highlight video, released on March 11, shows Shin Yi Rang encountering various ghosts and solving their cases, further piquing curiosity. In particular, the many different traits he displays while possessed have heightened anticipation about how the story will unfold.
Prospective viewers have also expressed excitement online. Comments include: “Yoo Yeon Seok’s acting immersion looks amazing,” “Are we getting a full acting showcase from him?” “I’m excited and want to watch,” “It looks fun,” and “It already seems entertaining.”
SBS’s new Friday–Saturday drama ‘Phantom Lawyer’ will premiere on March 13 at 9:50 PM KST.
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