Positioned to continue SBS’s line of punchy courtroom hits, the new Friday-Saturday drama "Phantom Lawyer" (written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Cheol-gyu, directed by Shin Joong-hoon) follows “possessed lawyer” Shin I-rang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok), who helps the dead find closure, and “cold-blooded elite lawyer” Han Na-hyun (played by Esom), who stakes everything on winning. It’s a strange yet heartwarming quest to right past wrongs.
Before filming kicked off last year, the cast gathered at the SBS Ilsan Production Center for the table read with director Shin Joong-hoon and writers Kim Ga-young and Kang Cheol-gyu. Yoo Yeon-seok, Esom, Kim Kyung-nam, Jeon Seok-ho, Kim Mi-kyung, Son Yeo-eun, Lee Arin, Jung Seung-gil, and Heo Sung-tae were all in attendance. A making video captured their “possessed” chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments, hinting at a series that blends refreshing courtroom thrills with warmth and humor.
Yoo Yeon-seok, as Shin I-rang, led the room with fluid acting that shifted effortlessly between personas. He showed a soft spot for everyday people―like a grandma selling vegetables on the street―then pivoted to the chaos and change that hit when he suddenly starts seeing ghosts. It’s his first full-on comedic role since debut, and he went all in: switching speech patterns and expressions with each possession and delivering bold reactions that had the room cracking up. “I’ll throw myself into the role and do my best,” he said.
Esom, playing Taebaek’s ace attorney Han Na-hyun with a 100% win rate, commanded the vibe with cool precision. She embodied the character’s obsession with victory and her fierce inner drive with steady eyes and a controlled tone, syncing with the role from the jump. Her icy energy and taut back-and-forth with Yoo Yeon-seok dialed up the immersion, making their unusual dynamic a key point to watch.
Kim Kyung-nam, as Taebaek Law Firm’s head Yang Do-kyung―Shin I-rang’s foil―channeled razor-edged ambition. In the absence of his father, the firm’s true owner, Yang has been steering Taebaek and pushing hard for recognition and trust. With just a few lines and looks, Kim set up the show’s core conflicts and teased complex ties with both Shin I-rang and Han Na-hyun.
The “I-rang family” and other warmth-bringing characters also stood out. Jeon Seok-ho, as brother-in-law Yoon Bong-soo, injected breezy fun with down-to-earth humor and deep family love. A hard-working aspiring actor juggling a job at “Dugeun Dugeun Butcher’s” and endless odd gigs for realistic practice, he becomes office manager at "Phantom Lawyer". His real-life know-how shines at the best moments, delivering both laughs and heart.
Kim Mi-kyung anchors the story as Park Kyung-hwa, I-rang’s mom and the knife-skilled owner of “Dugeun Dugeun Butcher’s.” She raised I-rang behind the counter, tough hands but a warm heart. Son Yeo-eun as sister Shin Sa-rang and Lee Arin as her daughter Yoon Da-bong round out the “I-rang family” with bright, bubbly chemistry.
Jung Seung-gil plays Father Ma Tae-oh, the other pillar of the law office, a mysterious priest who brings gentle warmth and positive energy. He will offer meaningful advice to Shin I-rang at key moments.
Special clients will amp up the fun, too. Heo Sung-tae makes a special appearance as Lee Kang-pung, grabbing attention with intense presence. His unpredictable rhythm with Shin I-rang serves both laughs and tension, building out "Phantom Lawyer"s unique world.
The production team shared, “Even at the first table read, the actors were fully immersed in their characters and showed impressive chemistry. With 'Phantom Lawyer's mix of comedy, human drama, the cool-headed edge of courtroom stories, and lively back-and-forths with special clients, we’re preparing a series that’s funny, cathartic, and warmly resonant. Please look forward to it.”
"Phantom Lawyer" premieres Friday, March 13, at 9:50 p.m. KST on SBS.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
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