'Esquire' has made a strong impression on viewers with its story of true legal professionals discussing life and love through the lens of law.
The JTBC weekend drama 'Esquire: Lawyers Who Dream of Being Lawyers' (written by Park Mi-hyun, directed by Kim Jae-hong, hereafter 'Esquire'), which aired its first episode on the 2nd, showcased a meticulous back-and-forth between partner lawyer Yoon Seok-hoon (played by Lee Jin-wook) and rookie lawyer Kang Hyo-min (played by Jung Chae-yeon), providing an intense level of immersion right from the start. As a result, the viewership ratings recorded 3.7% nationwide and 4% in the metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea's paid households.
Yoon Seok-hoon, the head of the litigation team, displayed an unusual presence by unceremoniously dismissing Kang Hyo-min for being late and failing to adhere to the basic principle of time management expected of a lawyer. However, other interviewers gave Kang Hyo-min, who was the winner of the law school mock trial, another chance. Kang Hyo-min then successfully joined the firm, Yullim, with a response that accurately pinpointed the legal principles applied differently from common sense.
Notably, despite receiving love calls from various teams due to her sharp answers and her background as a mock trial champion, Kang Hyo-min surprised everyone by choosing the litigation team led by the unexpectedly cold Yoon Seok-hoon. She approached Yoon Seok-hoon and expressed her sincere determination to 'help those who decide to sue due to extreme pain,' and it seemed that this sincerity resonated, leading to her acceptance as a member of the litigation team.
Kang Hyo-min's first assigned task was to attend a city gas shareholders' meeting for consultation. While observing the shareholders' meeting, she noticed something suspicious in the sales report and immediately began an on-site investigation without reporting to the company. Consequently, Yoon Seok-hoon judged her sudden action of being absent for two days without notice as unauthorized leave, increasing the tension by instructing her to receive a formal disciplinary action.
Flustered by Yoon Seok-hoon's sharp reprimand, Kang Hyo-min argued the legitimacy of her actions by stating the suspicious points she observed in the sales report during the shareholders' meeting and the circumstances she witnessed on-site. Initially indifferent, Yoon Seok-hoon acknowledged the validity of Kang Hyo-min's words and instructed her to formally convey the information to the company, marking the beginning of rookie lawyer Kang Hyo-min's first defense.
In particular, Kang Hyo-min showcased her sharp judgment and accurate analytical skills in the courtroom, capturing everyone's attention. Yoon Seok-hoon's expression subtly shifted as he observed her, hinting at a change in his perception of Kang Hyo-min. It remains to be seen whether Yoon Seok-hoon and Kang Hyo-min, who started off on the wrong foot, can truly become a cohesive team as the story unfolds.
Thus, 'Esquire' captivates viewers by interestingly portraying the daily lives of lawyers who save people's lives through law. It sheds light on the many lives hidden within what appears to be a simple battle between large corporations and ordinary citizens in court, prompting a reconsideration of the legal elements that flow differently from common sense.
Additionally, the actors portraying lawyers discussing life and love through the lens of law create a compelling synergy that draws viewers into the narrative. The meticulous script that maintains the emotional lines of the characters during the litigation, combined with direction that maximizes the chilling atmosphere in the courtroom, exemplifies the essence of courtroom dramas. Therefore, 'Esquire,' which conveys philosophical questions about life through law and leaves a lasting impression, has viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode.
The collaboration between Lee Jin-wook and Jung Chae-yeon will intensify in 'Esquire,' which airs on the 3rd at 10:30 PM.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
