Lee Jong Suk, Moon Ga Young, Kang You Seok, Ryu Hye Young, and Im Sung Jae Join tvN’s Legal Drama Seocho-dong
Set in the heart of Seocho-dong, a district known for its concentration of law firms, the series delves into the lives of associate lawyers who navigate the complexities of their careers and personal lives while working at different firms within the same building. Seochodong is expected to offer a gripping look at the professional and personal lives of lawyers, and the unique dynamics that come with working in a competitive and high-pressure environment.
The drama is centered around the ‘Lunchtime Five,’ a group of associate lawyers who bond over their lunch hour and share in the joys and sorrows of life, both inside and outside the courtroom. These characters are expected to bring humor, warmth, and depth to a world often defined by cold, impersonal legal battles.
Lee Jong Suk takes on the role of Ahn Joo-hyung, a seasoned 9-year associate lawyer who has stayed with his firm for almost a decade, unlike many of his colleagues who jump from job to job or start their practices. Ahn is a sharp, experienced lawyer who has seen it all, offering a grounded, realistic perspective on the legal profession. His character is described as someone with the wisdom and intellect to handle complex cases while also navigating the politics and intricacies of working in a law firm. Lee Jong-suk’s portrayal of this character is expected to bring a mix of intelligence, emotional depth, and understated charm, making Ahn Joo-hyung a central figure in the series.
Moon Ga Young stars as Kang Hee-ji, a bright-eyed, first-year associate lawyer who is passionate about using her legal career to help those in need. Kang Hee-ji is an idealistic character who believes that by changing one person’s life, she can spark broader societal change. Her fresh approach and unwavering optimism are expected to contrast with the more jaded perspectives of the other lawyers, bringing a sense of hope and light to the narrative. Moon Ga-young’s heartfelt performance is anticipated to resonate with viewers as she brings Kang Hee-ji’s character to life with sincerity and warmth.
Kang You Seok injects energy and humor into the series as Jo Chang-won, the extroverted and cheerful lawyer who is always ready to crack a joke and lighten the mood. Jo Chang-won is known for being the life of the party, especially during the group’s lunch gatherings, and his larger-than-life personality will undoubtedly offer some comic relief. As a lawyer who enjoys the social aspects of his job as much as the work itself, Kang Yoo-seok’s performance will bring much-needed levity to the show, offering a balance to the often serious and high-stakes environment of Seocho-dong’s law firms.
Ryu Hye Young plays Bae Moon-jung, a confident and competitive lawyer with a strong-willed personality. As a core member of the ‘Lunchtime Five,’ Bae Moon-jung is known for her drive to win, always rushing toward victory with the intensity of someone chasing a flame. However, beneath her tough exterior, she also has a deep affection for her colleagues and friends. Ryu Hye-young’s portrayal of Bae Moon-jung will likely capture both her competitive nature and her softer, more relatable side, making her a compelling character who balances ambition with empathy.
Im Sung Jae rounds out the ‘Lunchtime Five’ as Ha Sang-gi, a somewhat cynical but good-natured individualist. Ha Sang-gi is the embodiment of capitalism, always focused on work and the pursuit of wealth, but finds happiness when money flows in. He is also an avid blogger, running a site called Lawyer’s Table, where he posts pictures of the meals he enjoys during his dinner meetings. Ha Sang-gi’s character is expected to offer a unique blend of humor, pragmatism, and charm, as he balances the demands of his work with his interests. Im Sung-jae’s performance will bring a fresh and unpredictable energy to the show.
As the story unfolds, Seochodong will explore the interactions between these lawyers, as they face both professional challenges and personal dilemmas. The series is set to highlight how these associate lawyers, each with their quirks and complexities, form meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues while struggling to find their own paths in life. They will navigate the sometimes lonely, often overwhelming world of law, sharing meals and offering each other support as they deal with the ups and downs of their careers. The emotional core of the drama will lie in how these characters struggle to balance their professional aspirations with their personal dreams and relationships.
The drama will also delve into the complex world of legal cases and the ethical dilemmas lawyers often face, adding a layer of depth to the narrative. The contrast between the lawyers’ professional lives, which are defined by cold, impersonal legal battles, and their warm, supportive relationships with one another will serve as a key theme throughout the series.
With a script penned by lawyer-turned-writer Lee Seung-hyun, whose real-life legal experience lends an air of authenticity to the portrayal of the legal world, and direction by Park Seung-woo, known for his distinctive visual style, Seochodong promises to deliver a compelling mix of drama, humor, and realism. Fans are eagerly awaiting the show’s release, as the ensemble cast and strong script make it one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025.
Seochodong is set to premiere in the first half of 2025.
