Yoo Yeon-seok Faces Life-Threatening Situation in SBS Drama 'Shin-i-rang Law Office'

SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Shin-i-rang Law Office' has left viewers on the edge of their seats as Yoo Yeon-seok's character faces a life-threatening situation after being shot by a serial child kidnapper. The episode concluded with a shocking 'soul separation' ending, where Yoo Yeon-seok's spirit looks at his own body, leaving audiences in disbelief.

The episode aired on the 18th, directed by Shin Jung-hoon and written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Chul-kyu, featured Shin-i-rang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) uncovering clues surrounding the death of a new ghost, 'child ghost' Yoon Si-ho (played by Park Da-on). The episode ended with a heart-stopping moment as Shin-i-rang faced the brutal reality of the crime, leading to cardiac arrest. The viewership ratings hit 6.3% in the metropolitan area, with a peak of 8%, slightly down from the previous episode's 6.7%. The target demographic of 20-49-year-olds recorded a peak rating of 2.2%, according to Nielsen Korea.

The episode opened with an unexpected possession incident. Just as Shin-i-rang was about to confess his feelings to Han Na-hyun (played by Lee Som), he was possessed by the child ghost, leading to a comical chase after a 'puppy.' The hilarity continued as Shin-i-rang, possessed again, danced with his niece Yoon Da-bong (played by Lee Ah-rin), causing laughter. Witnessing this bizarre scene, Yoon Bong-soo (played by Jeon Seok-ho) attempted to splash water, but Park Kyung-hwa (played by Kim Mi-kyung) warmly fed the possessed Shin-i-rang, showcasing a mother's care.

However, a dark mystery loomed. Shin-i-rang, using clues like the 'yellow boots' and a golf ball with the initials 'GSG,' requested a case inquiry from the police, only to find no records. The 'Good Shot Golf' practice range, where the golf ball was used, had closed in 2020. While investigating, Shin-i-rang encountered Jo Chi-young (played by Lee Sang-woon), a former school violence case detective, who offered to help with the investigation, even carrying a gun.

A shocking twist unfolded. Han Na-hyun received a request from Yoon Jae-wook (played by Go Sang-ho) to divorce his wife, revealing his son had disappeared while he was late picking him up, leaving his wife in despair. The past visit to a shaman's house due to the child's disappearance was also revealed. Realizing the new ghost was Yoon Si-ho, Han Na-hyun quickly texted his name and birthdate, but the child ghost, watching a 'Lightning Man' video on Shin-i-rang's phone, saw the message. The child's memories revealed that Detective Jo Chi-young was the one who kidnapped him.

Inside the golf practice range, Shin-i-rang heard the sound of bouncing golf balls, heightening his senses. Jo Chi-young suddenly aimed a gun, revealing his true colors, asking, "How did you know?" It was revealed that he had killed Yoon Si-ho a year ago and had kidnapped another child. Officer Kim (played by Yang Jun), who had been requested to check case records, arrived at the golf range. The missing child's description matched what Shin-i-rang had mentioned, triggering the police's instincts. However, Jo Chi-young knocked him out with a golf club.

At that moment, Yoon Si-ho, regaining his memories, warned, "The man is in danger," and possessed Shin-i-rang, using Officer Kim's taser to subdue Jo Chi-young like 'Lightning Man.' Following Shin-i-rang's previous instructions, he splashed water to end the possession. Despite being shot in the abdomen by Jo Chi-young during the escape, Shin-i-rang managed to bring the kidnapped child to the hospital, honking the horn before losing consciousness. Han Na-hyun, rushing to the hospital, broke down in tears upon seeing the unconscious, bloodied Shin-i-rang, expressing her unspoken emotions.

The episode concluded with a shocking ending. While Shin-i-rang's 'body' lay in the emergency room, another Shin-i-rang stood in the hallway. As medical staff passed through his body, he exclaimed, "Am I really dead?" The soul separation of Shin-i-rang, who could see ghosts, raises questions about its impact on the child kidnapping case. 'Shin-i-rang Law Office' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM on SBS.

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