'Shin-i-rang Law Office' (directed by Shin Jung-hoon, written by Kim Ga-young & Kang Chul-kyu, produced by Studio S & Mongjakso) is a highly anticipated addition to SBS's lineup of refreshing courtroom dramas. It tells the story of 'possessed lawyer' Shin-i-rang, who resolves the grudges of the deceased, and 'cold-blooded elite lawyer' Han Na-hyun, who stakes everything on winning cases. The character posters released on the 25th contrast 'visible faces' with 'emerging essences,' intuitively capturing the narratives of the two characters. The key point to note is that the cracks signify the beginning of a destiny-shaking journey for them.
Shin-i-rang's (Yoo Yeon-seok) poster features the striking line, "Do I still look like a lawyer to you?" A crack begins to form over the face of the neatly dressed lawyer, revealing other facets of his character. A band-aid on his cheek, a gown instead of a suit, an idol badge on his right chest, a tie and fan reminiscent of a shaman—all these seemingly mismatched images coexist within him. These fragments reflect the character's ability to hear and sometimes become possessed by the grudges of the deceased. This unpredictability in his behavior both in daily life and in court stems from these cracks.
However, Shin-i-rang was not always a 'possessed lawyer.' His family's downfall followed the dishonorable death of his prosecutor father, and despite his disdain for the word 'law,' he resolved to become a successful lawyer to resolve his mother's grievances. Ironically, he now finds himself in a position to resolve the grudges of the deceased rather than his mother's. The anticipation for the cases that 'possessed lawyer' Shin-i-rang will tackle is higher than ever.
The guitar case and diary visible behind Han Na-hyun in the poster are significant clues. She carries a painful story from her past. During her school days filled with dreams and hopes, she survived an accident on the way to a performance with her sister, leaving her with survivor's guilt. Her sister's diary, which she found later, contained a resolution to become the best lawyer, which completely changed Han Na-hyun's life direction. She fulfilled her sister's dream, and now, as she encounters the unpredictable lawyer Shin-i-rang, another crack begins to form. The curiosity about Han Na-hyun's true self beneath her cold exterior grows as she faces change.
The production team explained, "These character posters symbolically depict that the two are not just courtroom partners but forces that will shake each other's worlds. One is confused by the stories of others seeping in, while the other is trapped by carrying someone else's dream." They added, "The cracks are not destruction but the beginning of change. Beyond the shattered glass, viewers can look forward to how these two characters will confront each other's cracks and what exhilarating resolutions will follow. Please look forward to the first broadcast on March 13th, Friday, at 9:50 PM."
'Shin-i-rang Law Office' premieres on March 13th, Friday at 9:50 PM.
Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr