SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Shin & Law Office' is on a remarkable upward trajectory. The fourth episode, aired on the 21st, recorded a 9.3% average viewership in the metropolitan area, nearly doubling from the 5.6% of the first episode. The peak minute viewership soared to 11.3% once again, drawing viewers to their screens. The drama also topped the 2049 demographic ratings with a peak of 3.34%, ranking first among all Saturday broadcasts. It claimed the top spot in Netflix's 'Today's Top 10 in Korea' series category (as of March 24) and ranked high in drama and cast popularity according to the Good Data Corporation's FUNdex for the third week of March.
At the heart of this success is Yoo Yeon-seok's versatile performance, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and thriller. When possessed by ghosts, Shin I-rang transforms into a charismatic gangster or an idol trainee flawlessly performing IVE's 'LOVE DIVE' choreography. Yoo Yeon-seok's solo performance generates legendary 'memes' each episode, adding to the entertainment.
The chemistry between Shin I-rang, his brother-in-law Yoon Bong-soo (Jeon Seok-ho), and Father Matteo (Jung Seung-gil) adds vitality to the series. Yoon Bong-soo, who initially denied ghosts, eventually acknowledges his brother-in-law's possessions, humorously greeting the air with respect. Father Matteo, with his unique background as a former shaman, explains that ghosts react to their favorite foods or songs, adding humor to the mix. This lightens the heavy courtroom drama, proving to be a masterstroke.
The series doesn't stop at humor. Its solid mystery narrative enhances viewer engagement. Each episode delves into the truth behind the grievances of the deceased, while exploring the tragic origins of Shin I-rang's ability to see ghosts and the mystery surrounding his father's death. In a recent episode, Shin I-rang's mother, Park Kyung-hwa (Kim Mi-kyung), revealed that the shaman's house she visited to uncover her husband's unjust death is now her son's office, leading to her guilt. Father Matteo begins tracking the missing incense burner and the shaman, pivotal elements in the unfolding mystery, heightening curiosity.
This mystery narrative fuels Shin I-rang's 'awakening.' In the fourth episode's ending, he introduces himself to a male ghost (Yoon Na-moo) who lost his life in an attack, saying, 'Your lawyer, Shin I-rang, is here.' This scene signifies his resolve to address any ghost's grievances, marking his emergence as a 'ghost-specialist lawyer.' Viewers are eager to see how Shin I-rang will uncover the truth behind his father's case.
'Shin & Law Office' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr