Legal Drama 'Seocho-dong' Hits Record Ratings as Characters Face Personal and Professional Turmoil

Veteran attorney Lee Jong-seok's character, Ahn Joo-hyung, faces a reality check in his ninth year as an associate in the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Seocho-dong.'

The fourth episode, which aired on the 13th, depicted the tumultuous work lives of the legal team, including Ahn Joo-hyung (Lee Jong-seok), Kang Hee-ji (Moon Ga-young), Jo Chang-won (Kang Yoo-seok), Bae Moon-jung (Ryu Hye-young), and Ha Sang-gi (Lim Sung-jae), as they grapple with their personal dilemmas.

The episode achieved its highest ratings yet, with an average of 5.6% and a peak of 6.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and an average of 5.6% and a peak of 6.3% nationwide. It also ranked first in its time slot across cable and general programming channels among the 20-49 demographic.

Ahn Joo-hyung encounters his ex-girlfriend Park Soo-jung (Lee Yoo-young) in court as the wife of his divorce case client. Despite his efforts to maintain composure, he leaves the courtroom visibly shaken. His client, Cha Jung-ho (Nam Yoon-ho), denies allegations of abuse made by his wife, Park Soo-jung, claiming such incidents never occurred. As a lawyer prioritizing his client's defense, Ahn Joo-hyung reluctantly resumes the case, feeling uneasy.

Ahn Joo-hyung strives to separate personal feelings from his professional duties, fully supporting Cha Jung-ho. Park Soo-jung, unwilling to expose her unhappiness to someone she once loved, decides against submitting evidence. Despite his inner turmoil, Ahn Joo-hyung successfully achieves the desired outcome for Cha Jung-ho.

Cha Jung-ho, pleased with the result, reveals he hired Ahn Joo-hyung knowing his past relationship with Park Soo-jung, intending to undermine her resolve. This revelation shatters Ahn Joo-hyung's composure, witnessed by Kang Hee-ji, further complicating his thoughts.

Kang Hee-ji, aware of Ahn Joo-hyung and Park Soo-jung's courtroom reunion, finds herself concerned for Ahn Joo-hyung. After the trial, she lies to Park Soo-jung, claiming Ahn Joo-hyung has left the office, only to regret her actions later.

Meanwhile, Jo Chang-won, Bae Moon-jung, and Ha Sang-gi reflect on their own challenging days. Ha Sang-gi, representing a client in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a fatal DUI accident, faces harsh criticism from the opposing side, despite his efforts to protect his client's rights.

Jo Chang-won questions his career choice after witnessing his firm's head lawyer, Sung Yoo-deok (Lee Seo-hwan), eagerly accept a meeting with a wealthy client's son. The once cheerful Jo Chang-won now feels disillusioned with his role as a lawyer.

Bae Moon-jung contemplates her future after discovering a positive pregnancy test. The realization that her condition is not just fatigue but pregnancy introduces a new variable to her career. Her face reflects a mix of emotions, neither joy nor sorrow, as she ponders the implications.

As these associate lawyers navigate their personal and professional challenges, viewers are left wondering what lies ahead for them.

By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr