5 Reasons to Watch ‘신이랑 법률사무소’: The Exciting New Drama Starring 유연석 and 이솜

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Actor Yoo Yeon-seok brings a parade of alter egos — from an idol trainee to a thug to a scientist — to the screen. While the premise centers on a lawyer possessed by ghosts, the show promises to be a breezy, family-friendly comedy. Cast and crew say they put everything into this project, signaling high expectations.

On the afternoon of the 11th, SBS held a production press conference for its new Friday–Saturday drama "Shin I-rang Law Office" at SBS Hall in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. With the premiere set for 9:50 p.m. on the 13th, director Shin Jung-hoon and actors Yoo Yeon-seok, Esom and Kim Kyung-nam attended to discuss the series.

"Shin I-rang Law Office" follows Shin I-rang (Yoo Yeon-seok), a lawyer possessed by ghosts who helps the wronged dead find satisfying closure, and Han Na-hyun (Esom), a cold-blooded elite attorney who stakes everything on winning. The series blends supernatural cases with a warm, revenge-tinged adventure.

Director Shin Jung-hoon said the story follows the well-meaning, slightly awkward lawyer Shin I-rang, who one day starts seeing ghosts and begins helping spirit clients. He described the series as a human comedy-adventure that unfolds as I-rang crosses paths with Han Na-hyun, the win-at-all-costs lawyer, and Yang Do-kyung, the head of a law firm.

Shin emphasized that he wanted to portray ghosts as once-human beings rather than mere apparitions. To make the idea of seeing ghosts convincing, he said the production recreated sets and props with a high level of realism.

This is Shin’s first credit as the main director after co-directing projects like "The One-Thousand-Won Lawyer (1,000 KRW; approximately 0.75 USD)." Reflecting on taking the helm, he said he had long wanted to direct a warm drama with a comedic tone, and that he was grateful this project came his way. He called it an honor to work with such excellent actors.

He added that he feels pressure to help the company succeed and hopes the show does well. He believes the series’ accessibility and comfortable tone are its strengths.

Yoo Yeon-seok said he will take on a variety of alter egos as different ghosts possess him. He said he’d let go of inhibitions for the role and that this is his first full-on foray into comedy. "I’ll show a different side each week," he promised.

He explained, "At one point I’m possessed by a high school girl who used to be an idol. Years ago on a variety show with PD Na Young-seok, I did a random-play dance. The director suggested we do it properly this time. He said, ‘If you’re going to be possessed, let’s do it right,’ so I trained with dancers for about two months."

Yoo added that he prepared carefully, studying ending poses by watching footage of IVE, his agency mates. He showed the video at a company outing; IVE liked it and even filmed a clip with him. "I’ll share a bit after the broadcast ends — for now it’s a personal keepsake," he said, raising expectations.

Esom said Yoo’s idol-trainee alter ego left a strong impression. "He seemed confident," she said. "He practiced for two months. I wasn’t on set that day, but he showed me the recorded clip — he was very confident, and he did an amazing job."

On their chemistry, Esom recalled that their characters started on opposite ends of the spectrum. "At first I was calling him ‘senior,’ and it felt awkward," she said. "By the end of filming our rhythm improved and we were trading jokes."

Kim Kyung-nam plays Yang Do-kyung, the head of the Taebaek law firm. He described his character as a source of tension and explained that, in the latter half of the series, I-rang and Na-hyun grow closer. "My character ends up feeling lonely," he said. "He becomes isolated in the office, longing for Na-hyun and jealous of I-rang."

Off-screen, Kim — who is in the same agency as Yoo — said that while his character expresses fierce jealousy on camera, Yoo treated him warmly as a senior on set, which made it easy to perform. "After my final shoot, Yoo, Esom and I had a great meal together and took a commemorative photo," he recalled.

Finally, Yoo said he approached filming as if his career were on the line. He gave everything to the possession scenes and sometimes wondered whether he had gone too far, he said, asking viewers to watch with interest and affection.

Director Shin added that sitting at the monitor and watching the actors' performances was a gratifying experience for him as an audience member. "I’m excited to share their standout performances with viewers," he said. "Although ghosts appear, the show isn’t scary — it’s easy and comfortable to watch. We put everything into this. My life is on the line," he urged, asking for viewers’ support.

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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