'Chosun Lawyer' Woo Do-hwan becomes a different person after 3 years

Woo Do-hwan, who returned to the small screen three years after being discharged from the military, raised expectations for the work with a brighter and more cheerful appearance even before enlistment.

On the 31st, a production presentation for the new Friday-Saturday drama 'The Joseon Lawyer' was held at MBC Golden Mouse Hall in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Actors Woo Do-hwan, Kim Ji-yeon (Space Girl Bona), Cha Hak-yeon, Lee Gyu-sung, and director Kim Seung-ho attended the event.

'Joseon Lawyer' is the story of a Joseon Dynasty lawyer, 'Oejibu', who takes revenge on the enemy who killed his parents through a trial. This is a delightful and exhilarating Joseon Dynasty legal revenge drama that shows that true revenge is valuable when you do righteous things and grows into a real lawyer who cares for the people.

Director Kim Seung-ho introduced, "It is called a courtroom drama, but it is only a setting for the occupation, background, or revenge of the main character. It is a drama with a warm story, emotion, comedy, friendship, and various emotions."

Director Kim Seung-ho said, “There were so many ad-libs that I wondered if it could be broadcast.” In response, Woo Do-hwan added, "It was a fun scene where we put ad-libs in the middle and each person ate up each other's ad-libs. I liked how they handled their lines right away without being tied to the script ."

Woo Do-hwan played the role of Kang Han-soo, Joseon's top foreign branch manager. Woo Do-hwan chose 'Joseon Lawyer' as his comeback film after being discharged from the military. Regarding the reason why he chose to do a historical drama again after 'My Country', Woo Do-hwan said, "When I received the script for 'The Joseon Lawyer', I was very afraid when I found out that it was a historical drama. I was afraid that I would be able to do a better historical drama because I was different from the person I was back then." “I read it with fear, but it was a completely different character and I felt like I could express it more than I could 3-4 years ago,” he said, explaining why he decided to appear.

Previously, MBC attracted attention by posting a promotional article targeting SBS's 'Model Taxi 2' on its official account. 'Illegal revenge by taking a taxi? With the phrase, “We will take revenge legally,” some people questioned whether it was criticizing competing works in the same time slot.

Regarding this, Woo Do-hwan said, "I was also surprised when I saw the advertisement targeting 'Model Taxi 2'. I thought it was an advertisement made by fans. MBC put their life and death in a direct competition, so I thought I should also promote it hard. I was a good publicist. “I think we should face it if we can't avoid it,” he said honestly.

Director Kim Seung-ho added, “There are two types of revenge: private revenge and public revenge, but I think ours is different in that it is a work that starts with personal revenge and achieves great justice.”

Woo Do-hwan returned with a more cheerful appearance, unlike three years ago. He said, "After spending a long time in the military, my thoughts about myself have changed a lot. I thought that thinking of others before myself is something that a protagonist must shoulder," he said. “They say you have to go through pain to grow, but it’s still difficult.” “I wonder if he has changed so much, perhaps because he served in the military or because he is over 30. He said his impression has improved a lot since he was discharged.”

Then Woo Do-hwan said, "Ah! Now that I think about it, I feel like I've become more relaxed after going through a period where I didn't know when I'd be taken to the military. In the past , even if I wanted to buy something, I had to think a lot, but now I'm free to worry about everything. Even getting married. “You can do it if you want,” he joked.

Kim Ji-yeon plays Lee Yeon-ju, a princess who truly cares about her country and people. When asked why she chose 'Joseon Lawyer' as her first historical drama, Kim Ji-yeon said, "I have wanted to do a historical drama genre for a long time. I had great faith in director Seung-ho, and when I first read the script, I wondered if there was a female protagonist who was not passive but just and active. “I liked it. After reading the script up to Part 4, I immediately called the director and said I would do it. The script gave me a lot of power, and all the characters were attractive,” he said.

Cha Hak-yeon takes on the role of Yu Ji-seon, the third-generation son of the most prestigious family, who rose to the position of Panyun, the highest official in the Hanseongbu. Lee Gyu-seong played the role of Dong-chi, Kang Han-soo's close friend. Lee Gyu-seong, who became a hot topic with his quirky character in the drama 'When the Camellia Blooms'. He said, "I think I will be following a lot of characters called 'The Bitch' in the future. At the time, I was very lonely on set, but 'The Joseon Lawyer' felt like I was going on a picnic."

Woo Do-hwan made a viewership pledge, saying, "If the viewership rating exceeds 10%, I will wear a hanbok and have a photo time at Gwanghwamun or a place where many people can come. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to hold a wrap-up party there." He also expressed confidence, saying, “We have a secret weapon, Lee Gyu-seong, that will beat ‘Model Taxi 2’.”

'The Joseon Lawyer' will premiere at 9:50 PM on the 31st.

Taeyuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr