Smartly crafted and irresistibly engaging, Beyond the Bar masterfully blends rousing courtroom moments with an energetic portrayal of the legal world.
With a mentor-mentee chemistry that hints at something deeper, this 12-episode gem makes a strong case for claiming a spot on your K-drama weekend binge list.
abbyinhallyuland watches Beyond the Bar on Netflix
Opening Week Rating:
Beyond the Bar Opening Week Story
Starting her first year as a lawyer, Kang Hyo-min (Jung Chaeyeon) lands an unexpected spot at Yullim Firm after missing her shot at a rival top law firm due to a time mix-up. Nearly losing this second chance by arriving late again, she manages to win over senior lawyers with her credentials as the top law school graduate and a heartfelt plea.
Opting for the underdog Litigation team—known for its stoic leader Yoon Suk-hoon (Lee Jin Wook) and grueling workload—Hyo-min quickly proves her value. In her very first case, she uncovers a discrepancy by a third-party electricity supplier, securing a win that brings in more cases for the firm.
Outside the courtroom, Hyo-min navigates a shaky relationship with Han Sung-chan (Kang Sang Joon). Sensing his interest might hinge on her seemingly perfect background, she hesitates to share personal details—until she finally reveals she has a hearing-impaired twin sister. Her instincts prove right, and the revelation coincides with tensions spilling over into work when they end up on opposing sides of a case involving a fertility clinic mishap.
With a demanding settlement on the table, Hyo-min crafts a persuasive pitch that helps her team, but discovering her boyfriend is out on a blind date pushes her to end the relationship for good.
RELATED STORY: AUGUST 2025 KOREAN DRAMAS: “Beyond the Bar,” “Aema,” “Twelve” and More
Beyond the Bar Opening Week Musings
It’s such a mammoth task for Jung Chaeyeon to create a solid proposal for the viewers to stay engage in Beyond the Bar as the female lead. But she did it well with conviction and less exaggeration. Her chemistry with Suk-hoon hints at deeper layers to come, especially as we learn more about his inner struggles and his life with his beloved dog, Hash.
Like many standout Korean legal dramas, Beyond the Bar picks intriguing cases that keep the momentum going. What sets it apart is its lively energy—thanks to a cast of dynamic lawyers—that softens the typically stern atmosphere of the legal world.
Steering clear of a heavy romance angle feels like a wise choice, particularly with a large ensemble that may already face limited screen time in its 12-episode run. For now, the series’ biggest draw is its clear focus on the rookie lawyer’s journey—tackling case after case, bracing for inevitable missteps, and collecting the wisdom that comes with a first year in the courtroom trenches.
Beyond the Bar airs every Saturday and Sunday on JTBC. International fans can watch on Netflix.
Leave a Reply