The scenes of associate attorneys grappling between dreams and reality evoked sympathy from viewers.
In the 9th episode of the tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' (written by Lee Seung-hyun, directed by Park Seung-woo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Chorokbaem Media) broadcast yesterday (2nd), the moments when Jo Chang-won (played by Kang Yoo-seok), Bae Moon-jeong (played by Ryu Hye-young), and Ha Sang-ki (played by Lim Seong-jae) face their limitations and contemplate their futures were depicted, drawing attention to their choices.
As a result, the 9th episode's viewership rating recorded an average of 5.8% in the metropolitan area, with a peak of 6.6%, and an average of 5.5% nationwide, with a peak of 6.3%, making it rank first in its time slot among cable and general programming channels. In terms of viewership ratings for the target demographic of tvN, ages 20 to 49, it secured first place among all channels, including terrestrial broadcasting, for both the metropolitan and nationwide standards. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea)
Previously, Jo Chang-won had expressed his dismay when his client, Do Mi-kyeong (played by Hwang Jung-min), was wrongfully entangled in the crime of abetting voice phishing and received a guilty verdict. When Do Mi-kyeong, who could not afford to pay the fine, eventually had to enter prison to serve time, Jo Chang-won felt the limits of his profession, realizing that apart from defending his client, there was nothing he could do, and he began to question the role of the prosecutor.
Consequently, Jo Chang-won had no choice but to take a passive attitude in the new attempted murder case he was assigned. His client, Moon Chan-young (played by Jeon Jin-seo), had not only committed sustained school violence but was also charged with attempted murder after injuring herself while resisting an attacker wielding a knife. Given the stringent conditions for claiming self-defense, he was concerned that, like Do Mi-kyeong's case, advocating for innocence could lead to greater harm.
Nevertheless, Jo Chang-won was determined to lower Moon Chan-young's sentence by comprehensively assessing the evidence of violence and statements regarding the incident submitted by the client, along with the family circumstances. In particular, he expressed a sentiment that hinted at resignation, saying, "This could be my last case," raising curiosity about Jo Chang-won's true feelings.
On the other hand, Bae Moon-jeong, who had faced friction with the lead attorney Na Kyung-min (played by Park Hyung-soo) due to parental leave, took on litigation work, which she truly enjoys, instead of merely providing consulting services. The owner of a tteokbokki shop, who sued another shop that opened a branch by bringing along its recipes, interiors, and know-how, shed tears over the sorrow of losing everything he had worked hard to build.
Moved by the owner's tears, Bae Moon-jeong, despite her heavier body after pregnancy, personally went out to collect evidence for the client, demonstrating the similarities between the two tteokbokki shops and the damages incurred. Thanks to Bae Moon-jeong's defense, a ruling was issued to cease the use of the business and recipes by the opposing party, bringing a sense of relief.
Subsequently, Bae Moon-jeong candidly expressed to her husband, Kim Ji-seok (played by Yoon Kyun-sang), that she was enjoying her work too much and would think a little more about taking parental leave. Kim Ji-seok firmly supported her decision, providing encouragement that moved Bae Moon-jeong. However, peace was short-lived as Bae Moon-jeong, awakened by a notification sound, suddenly complained of abdominal pain, heightening anxiety.
Meanwhile, Ha Sang-ki (played by Lim Seong-jae) began to waver after being offered by the lead attorney Kim Ryu-jin (played by Kim Ji-hyun) to consider pursuing a doctorate. Above all, Ha Sang-ki, who felt fulfilled by being called 'teacher' by the law school interns he had taught, visited a professor to discuss entering a doctoral program. With the need to pause work to focus on studies, the attention is drawn to what path Ha Sang-ki, who enjoyed seeing money accumulate, will choose between work and study.
As they resolve each case entrusted to them, new dilemmas are growing in the hearts of the associate attorneys. As these individuals stand at a crossroads between dreams and reality, anticipation builds for the next story in 'Seocho-dong.'
The growth project of the associate attorneys, who have entered the second act of their working lives, continues in the 10th episode of the tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong,' airing tonight (3rd) at 9:20 p.m.
[Photo] Seocho-dong
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