The SBS Friday–Saturday drama Phantom Lawyer opened with a strong first impression, capturing viewers’ attention from its very first episode.
The premiere, released on March 13, introduced a distinctive mix of courtroom storytelling and supernatural elements. The episode unfolded with the stories of the unjustly deceased, a first trial, and an unexpected possession incident, presenting a fresh world where law and the afterlife intersect. According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 1 recorded a nationwide rating of 6.3 percent with a peak of 6.6 percent, ranking first in its time slot. Among the key 20–49 demographic, the drama posted an average of 2.0 percent and a peak of 2.5 percent.
Yoo Yeon-seok, who plays the titular character Shin I-rang, delivered a performance rich with emotional contrast. From his warm gaze toward an elderly street vendor to his clumsy panic when facing ghosts, and finally his unwavering resolve while defending the unjustly dead, Yoo moved fluidly between humor and intensity throughout the episode.
Lee Som, portraying the sharp and elite attorney Han Na-hyun, and Kim Kyung-nam as Yang Do-kyung, the head of Taebaek Law Firm, heightened the tension both inside the courtroom and behind the case. Supporting performances by Kim Mi-kyung, Son Yeo-eun, and Jeon Seok-ho, along with a special appearance by Heo Sung-tae, created a tightly coordinated ensemble that strengthened the drama’s foundation.
The episode opened with a striking moment revealing Shin I-rang’s ability to see ghosts. Wearing a sleek black suit with a talisman-patterned tie and waving a bell fan, he appeared as a lawyer who listens to the voices of the dead. Burdened by the stigma of his father’s past case as a prosecutor, Shin had repeatedly failed to secure stable employment. That lingering “scarlet letter” ultimately led him to establish his own law office.
His office in Room 501 of Okcheon Building hides an unusual past. Though it appears ordinary, the space once functioned as a shaman’s house. There, Shin encounters the ghost Lee Kang-pung, played by Heo Sung-tae. Initially overwhelmed with fear and confusion, he gradually learns how to communicate with spirits and begins unraveling the truth behind the case.
Through CCTV footage and gathered clues, Shin discovers the unjust circumstances surrounding Lee Kang-pung’s death. Acting on behalf of the victim Kim Min-ju (Kim Si-eun), he files a lawsuit against the hospital and the doctor involved.
Inside the courtroom, Shin faces Han Na-hyun as the opposing counsel. As she brings up Lee Kang-pung’s past and family history, the clash intensifies. In a moment of rage, the ghost possesses Shin again, creating a chaotic scene that blends tension with dark humor. After being splashed with water and regaining his senses, Shin collapses in the middle of the courtroom and tearfully mutters, “I really hate being a lawyer who sees ghosts,” foreshadowing the struggles ahead.
Blending supernatural mystery with courtroom drama, comedy, and emotional depth, Phantom Lawyer left a powerful impression with its opening episode. Viewers are now eager to see whether Shin I-rang will clear Lee Kang-pung’s name and secure his first courtroom victory.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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