The members of the law firm, Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang Yoo-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Lim Sung-jae, found what they truly wanted to do and achieved a warm happy ending.
In the final episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' (written by Lee Seung-hyun, directed by Park Seung-woo), which aired on the 10th, the five members of the law firm, An Joo-hyung (played by Lee Jong-suk), Kang Hee-ji (played by Moon Ga-young), Jo Chang-won (played by Kang Yoo-seok), Bae Moon-jung (played by Ryu Hye-young), and Ha Sang-ki (played by Lim Sung-jae), challenged themselves to pursue what they loved after long contemplation, leaving a deep impression.
The final episode recorded an average viewership rating of 7.5% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 8.6%, and an average of 7.7% nationwide, peaking at 8.9%, setting a new personal best. It also ranked first in its time slot among cable and general programming channels. In the target demographic of 2049 male and female viewers, it also ranked first in its time slot for both metropolitan and nationwide standards, achieving a successful conclusion. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea)
An Joo-hyung, who gained insight through a real estate lawsuit with Park Man-soo (played by Kim Jong-goo), quit his job to start a law firm to do what he had to do. He sincerely apologized to the family of a victim of workplace bullying that had long been a burden in his heart, while also pursuing meaningful lawsuits following the deceased Park Man-soo, leading a different daily life.
Kang Hee-ji became a public defender to represent the stories of those who could not speak for themselves. Although many responded shamelessly without admitting their mistakes, Kang Hee-ji distinguished between public and private matters, immersing herself in her work as a lawyer, showcasing her growth.
Jo Chang-won, who quit his job to find his dream, also pursued justice in his own way as a respectable prosecutor. Bae Moon-jung, who found a substitute for the reluctant lead attorney Na Kyung-min (played by Park Hyung-soo) regarding parental leave, managed to balance work and parenting with the strong support of her husband Kim Ji-seok (played by Yoon Kyun-sang). Ha Sang-ki, who had quit his job to attend graduate school, happily reunited with Kim Hyung-min (played by Yeom Hye-ran), who was pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer, and extended kindness to a young person with a similar background.
Although they left Hyung-min Building to find their own paths, the friendship among the associate lawyers continued. Despite working in different fields, the cheerful atmosphere of the law firm, where they still shared meals and checked in on each other, warmed everyone's hearts.
Ending with the changed daily lives of the associate lawyers, 'Seocho-dong' depicted the tumultuous lives of lawyers working at a law firm, resonating with office workers. The daily routine of the associate lawyers, who trudged to work with sighs, briefly regained their energy during lunch, only to return to work, evoked a sense of empathy among modern individuals.
In particular, as each episode deepened the struggles and concerns of the characters, it provided greater immersion. The process of reawakening to facts that had become familiar and overlooked, and grappling with thoughts and dilemmas to find answers, stirred deep emotions in the viewers.
Additionally, the realistic script derived from the experiences of writer Lee Seung-hyun, who is a practicing lawyer, combined with director Park Seung-woo's unique and sensory direction that recreated the landscape of the Seocho-dong legal town, maximized the viewing pleasure. The solid acting chemistry of the cast, including Lee Jong-suk (as An Joo-hyung), Moon Ga-young (as Kang Hee-ji), Kang Yoo-seok (as Jo Chang-won), Ryu Hye-young (as Bae Moon-jung), and Lim Sung-jae (as Ha Sang-ki), amplified the realism.
With all elements harmonizing, 'Seocho-dong' received a warm response from both global fans and domestic viewers, achieving great success. The drama's characteristics, reflecting the realities of office workers, were further emphasized by the 'Seocho-dong' office worker-customized walking challenge.
As a delightful growth story of associate lawyers, 'Seocho-dong' has established itself as a healing drama for office workers enduring tough days, providing them with the courage to live in reality.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
