Lee Jin-wook Transforms into a Charismatic Lawyer in New Drama 'Esquire'

Lee Jin-wook, known for his role as a doting father in 'Squid Game,' is set to captivate audiences once again as he takes on the role of the highly admired lawyer Yoon Seok-hoon in the upcoming JTBC drama 'Esquire: Lawyers Who Dream of Lawyers' (hereafter 'Esquire').

Premiering on August 2nd, 'Esquire' is an office growth drama that follows the journey of Kang Hyo-min (played by Jung Chae-yeon), a rookie lawyer at the law firm Yulim, who is righteous and spirited but inexperienced in social interactions. She learns and grows into a complete lawyer under the mentorship of Yoon Seok-hoon (played by Lee Jin-wook), a partner lawyer known for his cold demeanor but unmatched skills.

Discussing his reason for joining 'Esquire,' Lee Jin-wook shared, "I was intrigued by the character of Yoon Seok-hoon, who constantly questions whether he is pursuing true justice or following the client's definition of justice. The aspect of dealing with cases where good and evil are not clearly defined was also impressive," he recalled.

He further explained, "Just as no person is one-dimensional, Yoon Seok-hoon is the same. He may appear cold, but there is a clear reason behind it, and within his stern and decisive expressions lies a firm sense of justice and conviction." He added, "At times, he seems like someone who might prefer animals over people, which adds depth to his character. Playing him brought a sense of catharsis."

Lee Jin-wook identified 'trust and responsibility' as key themes for Yoon Seok-hoon's character, stating, "I believe that giving and receiving trust and having a sense of responsibility are the core values Yoon Seok-hoon pursues." He added, "If I were to describe Yoon Seok-hoon, 'Trust me' would be fitting. He gives off a reassuring vibe, as if he can solve anything."

Lee Jin-wook also shared his thoughts on portraying Yoon Seok-hoon, saying, "As the drama depicts the process of gaining flexibility in thinking as a lawyer, I often questioned what kind of person Yoon Seok-hoon, who has a somewhat rigid side, would be. I imagined what his everyday life would be like, how he would appear confident and upright, and approached the character with these thoughts."

Delving deep into the character of Yoon Seok-hoon has also brought changes to Lee Jin-wook himself. He humorously noted, "Playing a logical lawyer has made me much more logical in my judgments for the sake of justice."

'Esquire' is set to premiere on August 2nd at 10:40 PM.

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