“In court, I must stand by my client. But that doesn’t mean I have to be their friend. It took me nine years to figure that out.” – Ahn Juhyeong (Law and The City)
In a city where every street corner buzzes with ambition and every courtroom carries the weight of justice, five young lawyers try to find their place in the heart of Seoul’s Seocho Judicial Town. ‘Law and The City’, the 2025 South Korean legal drama penned by Lee Seung-hyun and directed by Park Seung-woo, takes viewers beyond high-stakes trials into the everyday realities of life as an attorney.
Starring Lee Jong-suk, Mun Ka-young, Kang You-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Im Seong-jae, the drama blends career struggles, personal dilemmas, and the warmth of friendship into a compelling slice-of-life story that feels both refreshing and deeply relatable.
Series : Law and The City
Where to watch: Disney+ and Rakunten Viki
Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Mun Ka-young, Kang You-seok, Ryu Hye-young and Im Seong-jae
Writer: Lee Seung-hyun
Director: Park Seung-woo
The Plot
At the center is Ahn Ju Hyeong (played by Lee Jong-suk), a ninth-year senior associate whose razor-sharp logic makes him a formidable lawyer. Though colleagues view him as distant and detached, his track record speaks volumes. Ju Hyeong never entered law out of a desire to fight injustice; instead, his fascination with reasoning and legal puzzles drew him in. Now a highly paid veteran associate, he has no interest in running his own firm, preferring the stability of his current position—until cracks begin to appear in his once-comfortable routine.
Balancing his cool pragmatism is Kang Hui Ji (played by Mun Ka-young), a first-year associate attorney at the law firm Johwa. Warm and idealistic, she lives by the belief that “changing one person’s life means changing their world,” approaching both clients and colleagues with sincerity and optimism.
The Characters
Ahn Ju Hyeong (played by Lee Jong-suk)
A ninth-year senior associate at Kyungmin Law Firm, Ju Hyeong is renowned for his sharp logic and exceptional reasoning skills. Though respected professionally, he often comes across as aloof. Unlike the idealistic image of lawyers fighting for justice, his motivation has always been the intellectual challenge of solving legal puzzles. Despite his financial success, he avoids starting his own practice, preferring stability—until cracks in his once-comfortable routine push him into unfamiliar territory.
Kang Hui Ji (played by Mun ka-young)
A first-year associate attorney at the law firm Johwa, Hui Ji radiates warmth and compassion. Guided by her belief that changing one person’s life can transform their entire world, she approaches both clients and colleagues with sincerity, optimism, and empathy, making her a natural source of light in the group.
Bae Mun Jeong (played by Ryu Hye-young)
With eight years of experience at Kyungmin Law Firm, Mun Jeong naturally steps into the role of leader among her peers. Though genuinely considerate, her competitive edge and determination to win every case give her a sharp, commanding presence both inside and outside the courtroom.
Cho Chang Won (played by Kang You-seok)
The most outgoing member of the group, Chang Won injects energy and enthusiasm into everything he does. Whether tackling legal work or enjoying downtime, he approaches every occasion like a celebration, bringing a sense of joy and camaraderie to those around him.
Ha Sang Gi (played by Im Seong-jae)
A practical and money-minded attorney, Sang Ki embodies the spirit of modern-day capitalism. Although often worn out by long hours and social demands, his mood instantly improves when finances are involved. Outside the office, he channels his love of food into his blog, ‘Lawyer’s Table’, where he documents the meals he shares with his colleagues.
What made the show so popular?
- Grounded Storytelling: Steering away from flashy, high-stakes courtroom spectacles, ‘Law and The City’ embraces a slow-burn, realistic narrative. It captures the everyday challenges lawyers face, including ethical conflicts, workplace rivalries, moments of doubt, and small but meaningful triumphs. Drawing on the screenwriter’s own legal background, the show gains a layer of authenticity and credibility that sets it apart.
- Heartfelt Connections: Though legal cases drive the plot forward, the true essence of the series lies in its relationships. From friendships strengthened over shared meals to a thoughtful, mature romance between the leads, the drama highlights the value of communication and human connection rather than showy dramatics.
- Cast Synergy: The ensemble shines with warmth and believability. Their chemistry brings humor and heart to the story, blurring the line between fiction and reality and making the series feel lived-in and genuine.
- Relatable Emotions: By handling sensitive themes with subtlety and avoiding unnecessary melodrama, the series offers a refreshing emotional landscape. It underscores that behind every case is a deeply personal story—and behind every lawyer is a life shaped by struggle, resilience, and growth.
‘Law and The City’ stands apart from the usual courtroom thrillers by focusing on authenticity, character depth, and emotional truth. Instead of relying on sensational cases or exaggerated conflicts, it draws viewers in with its quiet realism, showing lawyers as complex individuals navigating both professional and personal challenges.
The result is a drama that feels refreshingly human, balancing the weight of justice with the warmth of everyday life. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and grounded, it leaves a lasting impression as a story not just about law, but about the people behind it.
Written by : MANSHA CHAUHAN
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