K-DRAMA RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK - LAW AND THE CITY - “More than law, it’s about life, love, and the ties that bind.”
- Mann_ Ritzz
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Law and the City is a 2025 South Korean legal drama series penned by Lee Seung-hyun and helmed by director Park Seung-woo, featuring Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang You-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Im Seong-jae. Set against the backdrop of Seoul’s Seocho Judicial Town, the story follows five young lawyers as they juggle the pressures of their legal careers, personal struggles, and growing bonds of friendship while working in the heart of Seocho-dong Law Town.
Title: Law and the City
Genre: Legal Drama, Romance
Episodes: 12
Streaming Platform: Disney+ and Rakunten Viki
Airing Year: 2025
Writer :Lee Seung-hyun
Director : Park Seung-woo
Cast : Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang You-seok, Ryu Hye-young and Im Seong-jae
Plot of the series :
Ahn Joo-hyung (played by Lee Jong-suk), a ninth-year senior associate, is often perceived as cold and detached, yet his skills leave no room for doubt. He never pursued law out of a sense of justice or a desire to defend the vulnerable; instead, his fascination with logic and legal puzzles drew him to the profession. Though he has achieved veteran status among associates and even broken salary records, he avoids the idea of running his own firm, dismissing it as more hassle than it’s worth. Still, the stability of his once-comfortable workplace begins to show cracks, shaking up his routine.
Meanwhile, Kang Hee-ji (played by Moon Ga-young) a young associate at Johwa Law Firm, thrives in the company of others and has a natural warmth that draws people in. Guided by her conviction that “changing one person’s life means changing their entire world,” she approaches both her work and life with honesty, confidence, and optimism.
Joining them are Bae Moon-jung (played by Ryu Hye-young), Jo Chang-won (played by Kang You-seok) and Ha Sang-ki played by Im Seong-jae) each with their own quirks and ambitions. Together, these five endearing attorneys face the challenges of the courtroom and the complexities of life, forging strong bonds over shared meals and growing side by side through triumphs and struggles.
The Characters :
Ahn Joo-hyung (played by Lee Jong-suk) : A seasoned lawyer with nine years of experience at Kyungmin Law Firm, Joo-hyung is known for his sharp, fact-driven logic. Unlike the idealistic image of lawyers who fight for justice and defend the weak, he entered the profession simply because of his love for reasoning and legal cases. Having built a stable career at the same firm, he earns a lucrative associate salary yet has no ambition to start his own practice. However, the comfortable routine he once valued begins to unravel, forcing him to confront new challenges.
Kang Hee-ji (played by Moon Ga-young) : A second-year attorney at Johwa Law Firm, Hee-ji lives by the belief that “changing one person’s life means changing their entire world.” Her idealism and compassion drive her approach to the law and her clients.
Jo Chang-won (played by Kang You-seok) : The most outgoing and sociable among the group, Chang-won approaches both work and leisure with the same enthusiasm, treating every occasion like a lively gathering.
Bae Moon-jung (played by Ryu Hye-young) : An eight-year veteran at the same firm as Joo-hyung, Moon-jung naturally takes on the role of the group’s leader. While she is genuinely kind toward others, her sharp demeanor and fierce competitive streak push her to aim for victory in every case.
Ha Sang-ki (played by Im Seong-jae) :An easygoing yet pragmatic lawyer who personifies modern-day capitalism, Sang-ki is constantly buried in work and drained by social interactions, but perks up whenever money flows in. Outside of law, he indulges his passion for food by running a restaurant blog called “Lawyer’s Table,” where he diligently documents and shares the meals from the group’s get-togethers.
Reasons To watch :
Authentic and Grounded Storytelling: Unlike many high-stakes courtroom dramas, Law and the City takes a more realistic, slow-burning approach, capturing the everyday lives of lawyers—their ethical dilemmas, workplace rivalries, and quiet moments of self-doubt.
Inspired by Real-Life Experience: Drawing from the screenwriter’s own background as a practicing attorney, the series delivers genuine depictions of legal work and courtroom etiquette, adding a layer of raw credibility to the story.
Emphasis on Relationships: While legal cases set the stage, the drama’s heart lies in its exploration of communication, friendship, and human connection. At its core is the touching yet mature romance between the lead characters, balanced by the warmth of their friendships.
A Strong Ensemble Cast: With Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang You-seok, and a talented supporting lineup, the series shines through its ensemble performances. Their natural chemistry infuses the narrative with humor, heart, and authenticity.
Refreshing Approach to Emotion: By handling sensitive cases with restraint, the drama avoids unnecessary melodrama, offering viewers a more refreshing and relatable emotional experience.
A Slice-of-Life Legal Drama: Rather than relying solely on dramatic courtroom showdowns, the series leans into the everyday realities of professional life, making the characters’ victories and hardships deeply resonant. This positions Law and the City as a slice-of-life story first, and a legal drama second.
With its balance of realism, heartfelt relationships, and grounded storytelling, Law and the City stands out as more than just a legal drama. By portraying the lives of young lawyers with honesty and warmth, it resonates with anyone who has faced the challenges of career, friendship, and love. Subtle yet impactful, the series leaves viewers with the reminder that behind every case file is a human story and behind every lawyer is a life just as complex as the ones they represent.
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