Drama 'Pro Bono' Premieres with Intriguing Plot and Strong Ratings

Jung Kyung-ho, known as the 'People's Judge,' finds himself ensnared in a scandal involving a box of apples worth 1.2 billion won.

The first episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Pro Bono,' which aired on the 6th, delves into the story of Kang Da-wit (played by Jung Kyung-ho), whose life in the courtroom is turned upside down by a bribery case.

The premiere episode achieved a viewership rating of 4.1% on average in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 5%, and a nationwide average of 4.5%, with a peak of 5.3%. It also ranked first in its time slot among cable and general programming channels for the 20-49 age demographic, tvN's target audience.

Kang Da-wit, a chief judge in the anti-corruption division, made a strong impression by handing down an unexpected heavy sentence to a corporate chairman. He couldn't hide his smile upon hearing that the court union would recommend him as a candidate for the Supreme Court, a position he had aspired to all his life.

Kang Da-wit is admired for his bold rulings that stir public opinion, his meticulous care that earns the trust of court staff, and his adept political skills that win over his superiors. These qualities ultimately lead to his nomination as a Supreme Court candidate.

However, his life takes a dramatic turn when a box containing 1.2 billion won is discovered in his car after a night out with an old friend. Confused by the mysterious box, Kang Da-wit attempts to resolve the situation on his own, only to be shocked when a video surfaces showing him moving the box himself.

Facing the possibility of resigning from his judgeship due to the court president's anger, Kang Da-wit finds a new opportunity when Oh Jung-in (played by Lee You-young), the new CEO of Oh & Partners, offers him a position. Determined to make a comeback in the courtroom, he resolves to excel as a lawyer.

Contrary to his expectations, Oh Jung-in assigns him as the leader of a pro bono team handling public interest lawsuits. Kang Da-wit is taken aback by the team's quirky members, including Park Gi-bbeum (played by So Ju-yeon), Jang Young-sil (played by Yoon Na-moo), Yoo Nan-hee (played by Seo Hye-won), and Hwang Joon-woo (played by Kang Hyung-suk), and the shocking condition of their office.

In disbelief, Kang Da-wit steps outside and exclaims, "I want to go back!" ending the first episode with a cry of frustration. Viewers are eager to see if the former judge and now public interest lawyer can adapt to his new environment.

Jung Kyung-ho's journey as a public interest lawyer continues in the second episode of 'Pro Bono,' airing on the 7th at 9:10 PM.

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