A rift has emerged in the life of Lee Jong-suk's character, An Ju-hyeong.
In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' (written by Lee Seung-hyun, directed by Park Seung-woo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Chorokbaem Media), which aired on the 3rd, An Ju-hyeong's precarious peace is disrupted as he becomes accustomed to uncomfortable situations, leading to another upheaval in his life.
The 10th episode achieved its highest ratings yet, with an average of 6.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area and a peak of 7.7%. Nationwide, it recorded an average of 6.1% and a peak of 7.2%, securing the top spot among cable and general programming channels in its time slot. The show also ranked first among tvN's target demographic of men and women aged 20-49, both in the metropolitan area and nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea.
An Ju-hyeong was consulting with a client who claimed her husband committed suicide due to workplace bullying and sought compensation. However, Na Kyung-min (played by Park Hyung-soo) interrupted, urging An Ju-hyeong to reject the current client and represent the opposing party instead, leaving him puzzled.
An Ju-hyeong was shocked to learn that the opposing party was the company accused of driving the client's husband to his death. Despite usually following his superior's orders without question, An Ju-hyeong voiced his opinion for the first time. However, Na Kyung-min insisted on defending the company, citing the higher retainer fee.
Reluctantly taking on the uncomfortable case, An Ju-hyeong attempted to verify the credibility of employee testimonies, which claimed a family-like work environment. Contrary to these statements, the company atmosphere was oppressive, with employees under severe performance pressure, even contacting An Ju-hyeong late at night.
Ultimately, An Ju-hyeong had to represent the company's stance in court, shifting the blame onto the victim. The client's tearful, resentful gaze weighed heavily on him, leading him to confront Na Kyung-min, admitting, "I've never been comfortable. I've just grown accustomed to discomfort."
Similarly, Kang Hee-ji and Bae Moon-jung experienced subtle conflicts with their respective senior attorneys. Kang Hee-ji felt alienated by Kang Jung-yoon's (played by Jung Hye-young) pragmatic approach, while Bae Moon-jung was displeased with Na Kyung-min for posting a job opening without consulting her.
Cho Chang-won was also frustrated with his senior attorney, Sung Yoo-deok (played by Lee Seo-hwan), who assigned him to defend a school violence perpetrator while he was representing a victim. However, Cho Chang-won found new hope in a prosecutor's unexpected decision to seek probation for a student who became an attempted murderer after being bullied.
Previously disillusioned by prosecutors who acquitted the guilty and harshly punished those deserving leniency, this case sparked a new perspective for Cho Chang-won. As he contemplated a career change, viewers are curious about his next move.
After a long day, the associate attorneys gathered to unwind and support each other, ending the 10th episode of 'Seocho-dong' on a note of camaraderie.
The 11th episode of tvN's 'Seocho-dong' will air on the 9th at 9:20 PM.
Reporter: Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr