‘Labor Attorney Noh Mujin’ received positive reviews until the end as a drama that captured fun, emotion, and social messages.
In the final episode aired on the 28th, MBC's Friday-Saturday drama ‘Labor Attorney Noh Mujin’ (written by Kim Bo-tong and Yoo Seung-hee, directed by Im Soon-rye and Lee Han-jun), Noh Mujin (played by Jung Kyung-ho) deeply embraced the profession of labor attorney and hinted at continuing the journey to protect the rights of more workers alongside Na Hee-joo (played by Seol In-ah) and Go Gyeon-woo (played by Cha Hak-yeon). The drama, which was cheerful, lively, and profound until the end, left a meaningful impact by reflecting on and shedding light on labor issues that we often overlook. The final episode recorded a nationwide rating of 4.2% and 3.9% in the metropolitan area, with a peak rating soaring to 5.6%. (Based on Nielsen Korea)
In the final episode, the trio of ‘Mujins’ woke up in a collapsed building due to poor construction. Kim Myung-an (played by Choi Moo-sung), the CEO of Myung-eum Construction, showed no remorse even in a situation where he was about to die in the building he poorly constructed. Bosal (played by Tang Jun-sang) demanded that Kim Myung-an sign a contract in exchange for saving his life, which was to resolve the investigation and compensation for the industrial accident. Member of Parliament Moon Jeong-eun (played by Moon So-ri) also showed a change by proposing an amendment to the Serious Accident Punishment Act from the perspective of workers rather than corporations after the incident.
The ghosts of the eight logistics warehouse workers who died in a fire entrusted Mujin with monitoring Kim Myung-an, saying their final goodbyes to their families before moving on. The ghosts hoped that no more workers would die absurdly like them, releasing the burdens in their hearts. After helping the last ghosts move on, the ‘Mujins’ began to run towards their goal of establishing a ‘labor law firm’. Hee-joo was promoted to head of external business at the ‘Noh Mujin Labor Attorney Office’, and Gyeon-woo was promoted to head of promotional content. Hee-joo and Gyeon-woo, who grew while working with Mujin, found their aptitudes and began to dream new dreams.
The true reason Bosal appointed Mujin as the labor attorney for the ghosts was also revealed. Mujin had an older brother, Noh Woo-jin (played by Jin Sun-kyu), who died while working as a construction laborer. The reason Mujin chose the profession of labor attorney among many jobs was ultimately due to the deep-seated pain of losing his brother. Mujin was finally able to say goodbye to his brother comfortably, having the chance to express the words he never got to say.
Standing in front of the statue of Bosal, Mujin realized who he was and why he chose him. Mujin understood that he was “the child of an ordinary worker, a bereaved family member who lost his family to an industrial accident, and a labor attorney working for workers,” and he realized the path he should take. Bosal said, “Even if it seems like the world isn’t changing, it is. If you think that change is being brought forward even a little because of you, isn’t it worth it?” and looked at Mujin with pride, who would change the world of workers and continue to do so.
In the ending, actor Park Hae-il made a special voice appearance to add strength. After ending the ‘ghost contract’ with Bosal, Mujin was startled by a mysterious voice calling out, “Excuse me. Labor Attorney Noh Mujin,” and the drama concluded with an open ending. We reflected on what ‘Labor Attorney Noh Mujin’ left behind while solving many industrial accident cases and resonating with viewers.
# A meaningful drama addressing ‘labor issues’
‘Labor Attorney Noh Mujin’ left a significant footprint as a drama that deals with labor issues. It combined the unique fantasy element of ‘a labor attorney who sees ghosts’ with labor issues that may seem difficult, presenting them in a cheerful and lively manner, providing freshness. Even while laughing lightly, it balanced the serious messages so that they did not evaporate, which is a strength unique to ‘Labor Attorney Noh Mujin’.
Episodes 1-2 dealt with a high school student who died in a machine entrapment accident during on-site training at a factory, episodes 3-4 featured a new nurse who ended her life after being falsely accused of bullying and medical malpractice, episodes 5-6 focused on a cleaning worker pressured to be fired due to an unrelated general knowledge test, episode 7 covered a young job seeker who collapsed while working with carts at a supermarket, and episodes 8-9-10 addressed the logistics warehouse workers who died in a fire and the construction company that engaged in poor construction, prompting reflection on real labor issues.
# Flawless performances by actors without acting gaps
‘Labor Attorney Noh Mujin’ received acclaim not only for its solid narrative but also for the passionate performances of its actors. Jung Kyung-ho showcased his unique friendliness, humor, and serious charm, portraying the ‘labor attorney’ profession in a distinctive way, demonstrating his true value as a ‘professional actor’. He convincingly depicted the story of Noh Mujin growing into a labor attorney, completing the character of Mujin, who transformed into a ‘hero of workers’.
Seol In-ah and Cha Hak-yeon broke away from the images they had shown in previous works, naturally delivering potentially difficult comedic performances and eliciting reactions of ‘rediscovery’. Tang Jun-sang exuded presence with the mysterious yet weighty character of Bosal. The cast, including Park Soo-o, Anupam, Hwang Bo-reum-byeol, Ok Ja-yeon, Jeon Guk-hyang, Kang Ae-sim, Yoo Seon-ho, and special guest actors like Kyung Soo-jin, Park Won-sang, Choi Moo-sung, Jin Sun-kyu, and Moon So-ri, created a brilliant showcase of flawless performances.
# A story that goes beyond simple retribution, conveying comfort and support
Above all, the journey of the ‘Mujins’ to help the ghosts who met tragic deaths move on left a sense of comfort and resonance. ‘Labor Attorney Noh Mujin’ did not simply end with solving cases but depicted the process of empathizing with and soothing the remaining wounds and pains of workers and their families. The unjust voices of the ghosts gradually changed reality, conveying hope and support, and warmed the hearts of viewers watching the drama.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
