‘Seocho-dong’ Redefines Legal K-Dramas with Realistic Office Life and Emotional Growth

Courtesy of tvN

Breaking away from the high-stakes theatrics of traditional court dramas, tvN's latest weekend series ‘Seocho-dong’ presents a refreshingly grounded portrait of life as a junior lawyer. Set to premiere on July 5 at 9:20 p.m., this series takes a subtle, character-driven approach to the legal genre, focusing on the everyday challenges and quiet growth of its protagonists rather than sensational courtroom battles.

Set in Seoul’s legal hub of Seocho-dong, the drama follows five associate lawyers navigating the early stages of their careers. Instead of grandiose legal showdowns, ‘Seocho-dong’ highlights the nuanced pressures of office life—from workplace dynamics to simple lunchtime rituals. While it remains a legal drama, the series ultimately tells a human story of perseverance, friendship, and finding one’s place in a competitive world.

At a recent press conference held at The Link Seoul Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the cast and creators offered insights into the show’s unique tone and characters. Leading the cast, Lee Jong-suk stars as Ahn Joo-hyung, a meticulous associate with nine years of experience. This marks Lee’s second legal role following 2022’s ‘Big Mouth’, but this time he exchanges prison backdrops for the subtle struggles of office politics and career inertia.

Courtesy of tvN

Lee reunites with director Park Seung-woo for the first time since their hit drama ‘W’, building anticipation for their renewed creative synergy. Director Park emphasized that the drama isn’t about extremes but rather about expressing life’s quiet truths through everyday moments like shared meals, human connection, and office camaraderie.

Moon Ga-young takes on the role of Kang Hee-ji, a warm and confident rookie lawyer who quickly bonds with colleagues and support staff alike. In her first professional role, Moon shared that the experience was both challenging and fulfilling, saying, “It was an unfamiliar world, but I was very satisfied with the experience.” Her character’s evolving relationship with Ahn Joo-hyung introduces a nuanced layer of romance amid their shared daily routines.

The core ensemble also features Kang Yoo-seok as Jo Chang-won, Ryu Hye-young as Bae Moon-jung, and Im Sung-jae as Ha Sang-gi. Together, they form a tight-knit group affectionately called ‘The Eobyeonjeos,’ united by their shared struggles and comforting rituals, especially their commitment to eating together despite hectic schedules. Kang Yoo-seok noted, “Even if we’re busy, we always eat together,” underscoring the show's recurring theme of food as a source of comfort and connection.

The script, penned by practicing lawyer Lee Seung-hyun, lends authenticity to the series, capturing everything from courtroom procedures to casual office banter. Ryu Hye-young, who previously portrayed a law student in ‘Law School’, now embodies the realities of a working lawyer. “I wanted to reflect a lawyer’s everyday life, not just legal battles,” she explained, highlighting the show's commitment to realism.

Im Sung-jae described ‘Seocho-dong’ as a ‘comfort’ drama, praising its warm and healing atmosphere. He encouraged viewers to enjoy the series with a late-night snack, embracing its gentle tone and emotional intimacy.

In a genre often dominated by intense legal duels and moral absolutes, ‘Seocho-dong’ offers a softer, more relatable lens. It centers on career growth, human vulnerability, and the quiet courage of simply showing up each day. With strong performances, thoughtful writing, and a relatable setting, the show is poised to resonate deeply with audiences seeking a grounded, emotionally rich legal drama experience.