Jung Chae-yeon makes her courtroom debut and earns recognition as a 'lawyer' from Lee Jin-wook.
In the fifth episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Beyond The Bar' (hereafter 'Beyond The Bar'), aired on the 16th, Kang Hyo-min (played by Jung Chae-yeon) successfully completes her first solo defense with the help of team leader Yoon Seok-hoon (played by Lee Jin-wook), marking a significant step in her growth as a real lawyer. The episode achieved a viewership rating of 7.5% in the metropolitan area and 7.2% nationwide, securing the top spot among weekend miniseries.
Kang Hyo-min takes on the defense of an amateur painter sued for allegedly copying the works of a world-renowned artist, at the request of her hearing-impaired twin sister. With only a week left until the trial and facing her first solo defense, Kang Hyo-min turns to team leader Yoon Seok-hoon for assistance.
Though Yoon Seok-hoon initially responds coldly, telling her to handle the case herself since she took it on without prior consultation, he sets up a mock trial session to prepare her for her first courtroom appearance. The day before the trial, he reviews her preparations and listens to her presentation, providing unwavering support. Bolstered by Yoon Seok-hoon's help, Kang Hyo-min steels herself for the courtroom, and her debut defense begins.
However, Kang Hyo-min's first defense does not go as planned and hits a major obstacle. Her client, due to intellectual disabilities, struggles to answer questions and, under pressure from the opposing lawyer, admits to copying.
As the situation worsens, Kang Hyo-min recalls Yoon Seok-hoon's advice to "see the essence of the case without prejudice" and finds a breakthrough. She connects with her client on a personal level, using a gentle tone to ease their tension, and instead of blaming them for hiding their disability, she carefully comforts them.
Feeling that Kang Hyo-min is truly on their side, the client opens up about a hidden story: they missed their father, who left them and their mother when they were young, and secretly included his face in their artwork to avoid upsetting their mother. This revelation becomes crucial evidence, exposing that the world-renowned artist had actually copied the amateur's work and falsely accused them of plagiarism, leading to Kang Hyo-min's thrilling victory in her first defense.
After the trial, Yoon Seok-hoon, impressed by Kang Hyo-min's ability to find a solution and deliver a heartfelt defense, smiles and surprises everyone by addressing her as "Lawyer Kang Hyo-min." This was significant, as Yoon Seok-hoon had previously informed the newcomers that 'Beyond The Bar' is a title of respect for lawyers, and his acknowledgment of Kang Hyo-min as a lawyer was particularly meaningful.
Receiving such high praise from a mentor she admires, Kang Hyo-min responds with a bright smile, saying, "I will do my best." Her words, spoken in front of a respected senior after completing her first solo defense, reflect her firm commitment to future growth.
Kang Hyo-min's growth, inspired by Yoon Seok-hoon's sincere advice, leaves viewers feeling proud. Anticipation builds for the fantastic collaboration between Yoon Seok-hoon and Kang Hyo-min, who exemplify the ideal mentor-mentee relationship.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr