Yoo Yeon-seok Shines in 'Shin & Law Office' with a Captivating Performance as an Idol Trainee

Yoo Yeon-seok captivates audiences with his dynamic performance as an idol trainee in SBS's weekend drama 'Shin & Law Office', following his role as a gangster lawyer. The show skillfully blends comedy and thriller elements, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

In the third episode, aired last Friday, the story unfolds with Shin Yi-rang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) taking on a new client, the ghost of high school student Kim Soo-ah (played by Oh Ye-ju), after sending the wrongfully deceased Lee Kang-pung (played by Heo Sung-tae) to the afterlife. As Shin Yi-rang embarks on his journey as a 'ghost lawyer', the thrilling plot twists and turns captivated viewers, resulting in a 8.1% viewership rating in the metropolitan area, peaking at 9.1%. The show also topped the 2049 target demographic with a 2.58% rating, dominating its time slot and proving its popularity across TV and OTT platforms, maintaining the number one spot on Netflix's 'Today's TOP10' since its premiere on the 13th.

Despite his initial skepticism, Shin Yi-rang encounters the ghost of Kim Soo-ah, who doesn't remember her identity. As he reluctantly accepts his fate of seeing ghosts and signs a contract, he becomes possessed when his brother-in-law Yoon Bong-soo's (played by Jeon Seok-ho) phone plays a girl group song. His hilarious dance performance to IVE's 'LOVE DIVE' leaves viewers in stitches. Yoon Bong-soo, initially skeptical about Shin Yi-rang's ability to see ghosts, is convinced after witnessing the possession and even greets the invisible Kim Soo-ah, marking the beginning of a collaboration between Shin Yi-rang, Yoon Bong-soo, and Father Mateo (played by Jung Seung-gil).

With the help of the ghost, Shin Yi-rang uncovers that Kim Soo-ah was a trainee named 'Roan', who reached the semi-finals of a popular audition program. Abandoned by her young, unmarried mother, she was raised by her grandmother and worked hard to pursue her dreams. Her determination led to conflicts with other trainees. The agency claimed she left due to team discord and took her own life, but evidence suggests otherwise. On the day of her death, she received a call from her estranged mother and posted a message of happiness on social media, indicating no intention of suicide. Her testimony about the ringtone of the person who pushed her off the rooftop adds to the suspicion of foul play.

Meanwhile, Han Na-hyun (played by Lee Som) shows signs of change after losing a previous case. Shin Yi-rang thanks her for saving Lee Kang-pung's daughter Ji-woo (played by Ahn Chae-hum), despite her intentions. Visiting Ji-woo at school, Han Na-hyun recalls her own high school days of playing guitar and singing, revealing her inner turmoil. She takes on a case involving malicious comments about the trainee's death, suspecting foul play based on missing evidence.

The episode ends with a prime suspect emerging, heightening the tension. Shin Yi-rang, infiltrating Glory Entertainment, encounters composer Go Jong-seok (played by Jung Si-heon), whose ringtone triggers Kim Soo-ah's memories. Possessed by her emotions, Shin Yi-rang chases him into the street, narrowly avoiding an accident. Han Na-hyun, overcoming her trauma of losing her sister, saves him, leading to a poignant moment under falling cherry blossoms. The green light at the crosswalk hints at a potential shift from animosity to redemption.

The episode also teases the mystery behind Shin Yi-rang's ability to see ghosts. Park Kyung-hwa reveals to Father Mateo that her husband, a once-honorable prosecutor, was falsely accused of bribery and died in a car accident. Desperate to clear his name, she sought help from a shaman, whose house is now Shin Yi-rang's law office. Her guilt over her son's condition adds intrigue to the unfolding mystery. 'Shin & Law Office' episode 4 airs on Saturday, the 21st, at 9:50 PM.

Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr