In the episode aired on the 3rd, directed by Shin Jung-hoon and written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Chul-kyu, Shin I-rang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) faces the painful past of Han Na-hyun (played by Lee Som) and undergoes a transformation. The episode achieved a nationwide rating of 7.6%, 7.3% in the metropolitan area, and peaked at 8.3%, ranking first in its time slot and among all Friday programs. The 2049 target audience rating peaked at 2.4%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Shin I-rang, unable to see ghosts for over two weeks, celebrated his newfound freedom by rebranding his office to only accept human clients. However, reality was harsh, with no clients in sight. Following advice from his brother-in-law Yoon Bong-soo (played by Jeon Seok-ho), he began distributing business cards outside the courthouse, where he unexpectedly encountered Han Na-hyun, who had left her job at Taebaek. Learning that she left due to a botched trial and company issues, Shin I-rang was filled with guilt.
Despite her bold departure from CEO Yang Do-kyung (played by Kim Kyung-nam), Han Na-hyun's solo journey was challenging. The financial burden from a previous case and living expenses drained her bank account, and she was blacklisted from job interviews due to Yang Do-kyung's interference. Facing rejection, she recalled her harsh treatment of Shin I-rang during his interview, now understanding the pain of stigmatization.
Determined to start her own practice like Shin I-rang, Han Na-hyun took on a case. Shin I-rang recommended her as an "excellent lawyer" to a client he received from a senior (played by Park Ji-hong). However, Han Na-hyun quickly realized the case involved a construction fraud, suspecting the construction company's illogical claims. She secretly sought help from Prosecutor Kim (played by Yeon Je-hyung) and began gathering evidence.
Meanwhile, Shin I-rang received a warning call about gang involvement in the case and rushed to Han Na-hyun's aid. They escaped from the gang's hideout, with Shin I-rang risking his life to protect her. Fortunately, the police arrived just in time to resolve the situation.
After dismantling the fraud gang, the two shared a candid moment over drinks. Han Na-hyun apologized for her past actions, having experienced the sting of rejection herself. Shin I-rang shared his struggles with his father's (played by Choi Won-young) tarnished reputation as a corrupt prosecutor, revealing his desire to continue his father's mission of justice.
Han Na-hyun understood Shin I-rang's dedication, having become a lawyer to fulfill her late sister Han So-hyun's (played by Hwang Bo-reum-byeol) dream after she was killed by a drunk driver. Witnessing Han Na-hyun comforting a family protesting a similar tragedy, Shin I-rang empathized with her hidden pain. Her drunken confession about wanting to see her sister again made him realize the importance of the 'deceased' to those left behind.
Accepting his fate, Shin I-rang removed the wallpaper covering his talisman and lit incense to reopen his spiritual vision. To his shock, the first spirit he saw was Han Na-hyun's sister, Han So-hyun. This chilling revelation marked the beginning of a new chapter for the 'ghost lawyer'. The next episode of SBS's 'Shin & Law Office' airs on Saturday, the 4th, at 9:50 PM.
Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr