Actor Yoo Yeon-seok has returned after a year-long hiatus with a record-breaking drama that is garnering significant attention.
▲ Achieved Double-Digit Ratings in Just 6 Episodes; Now Ranks 4th on Netflix
According to Netflix’s official website, the SBS drama ‘Shin-irang Law Firm’ recorded 2 million views and 13.2 million viewing hours from March 23 to March 29, ranking fourth in the non-English TV series category and 14th overall.
The drama, starring ‘possessed lawyer’ Shin Irang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok), follows an intriguing journey of resolving the grudges of the deceased, alongside ‘cold-hearted elite lawyer’ Han Na-hyun (played by Esom).
Starting with a 6.3% rating for its first episode, ‘Shin-irang Law Firm’ reached a peak of 10% by its sixth episode on March 28.
The targeted 20-49 demographic also saw ratings up to 4.22%, making it the top program across all channels from March 23-28. According to Good Data Corporation’s FunDex, released on March 31, the drama ranked third in drama buzz, and lead actor Yoo Yeon-seok entered the top 10 in popularity.
▲ Yoo Yeon-seok’s Sincere Acting Impresses Audiences
Central to its success is Shin Irang’s ‘genuineness.’ Having struggled to find employment due to his father’s tainted reputation as a corrupt prosecutor, he opens his own law office, only to discover it is a shaman’s house where he can see ghosts.
Initially reluctant, Shin Irang’s warm heart eventually embraces his fate, becoming unable to ignore the spirits he encounters.
From the wrongful death of Lee Gang-pung (played by Heo Sung-tae) to the tragic fall of trainee Kim Soo-ah (played by Oh Ye-ju), Shin Irang begins referring to the ghostly clients as “your lawyer.”
However, when client Jeon Sang-ho, a genius scientist, possesses Shin Irang in anger after seeing his abandoned corpse, he faces an unprecedented crisis.
▲ A Lawyer Who Embraces His Fate
Even after being suspected of murder and held in a detention center, Shin Irang reaffirmed his mission.
Despite his mother Park Kyung-hwa’s (played by Kim Mi-kyung) objections, he embraces his role as a lawyer for spirits, acknowledging, “If I don’t do it, who will listen to them? Helping spirits is so precious.”
Shin Irang’s growth extends beyond courtroom victories, serving as a true ‘bridge’ for both the dead and the living.
He facilitates corneal donation for Kim Soo-ah’s mother, turning sorrow into hope, and helps Jeon Sang-ho complete his research to develop a curative medicine.
Shin Irang empowers families to receive final gifts from their deceased loved ones, providing catharsis and deep resonance for viewers.
▲ Word of Mouth Boosts Popularity; Can It Surpass 20%?
Yoo Yeon-seok’s compelling performance is increasing popularity not only in ratings but also on OTT platforms.
During its debut week from March 9-15, ‘Shin-irang Law Firm’ recorded 1.8 million views and 4 million viewing hours, ranking seventh globally in the non-English TV section and 17th overall. Its weekly trajectory continues to rise.
During the March 16-22 week, it garnered 2.4 million views and 10.7 million viewing hours, moving up to fifth globally and 15th overall. Despite a dip to 2 million views from March 23-29, viewing hours climbed to 13.2 million, pushing the series to fourth globally and 14th overall.
As word of mouth spreads, expectations for higher ratings are growing.
Compared to SBS’s ‘I’m a Human from Today,’ which struggled in ratings and Netflix rankings, all eyes are on whether ‘Shin-irang Law Firm’ can surpass the 17.7% record of ‘Good Partner.’
Image source: Xportsnews DB, Studio S, Mongjakso
