In the end, Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang Yoo-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Lim Seong-jae found the things they truly wanted to do and achieved a heartwarming happy ending.
In the final 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) aired yesterday (10th), after a long period of contemplation, the five main characters 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 Seong-jae) began a new everyday life, leaving a profound aftertaste.
The final episode's viewership rating recorded an average of 7.5% in the metropolitan area and a peak of 8.6%, and an average of 7.7% nationwide with a peak of 8.9%, not only surpassing its own highest rating but also achieving the top ranking in real time among cable and general programming channels. The viewership rating for the target demographic of 2049 male and female viewers also ranked first during the same time slot among cable and general programming channels, maintaining a good reputation. (Based on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / Nielsen Korea provided)
An Joo-hyung, who attained enlightenment through a real estate lawsuit with Park Man-soo (played by Kim Jong-goo), left his job to do what he truly needed to do and opened a law office. He sincerely apologized to the victims of workplace bullying, a long-time burden on his heart, while conducting meaningful lawsuits following the deceased Park Man-soo, living a different daily life.
Kang Hee-ji became a public defender to advocate for those who could not voice their issues to anyone. Although many were shamelessly unrepentant, Kang Hee-ji focused on her role as a lawyer, clearly separating public and private matters, which allowed her growth to be felt.
Jo Chang-won, who left the company to find his dream, became a proper prosecutor and began to fulfill justice in his own way. Bae Moon-jung, who found a substitute due to her lawyer Na Kyung-min (played by Park Hyung-soo) being reluctant to take maternity leave, managed to juggle work and childcare 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, joyfully reunited with Kim Hyung-min (played by Yeom Hye-ran), who entered law school to fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer, and generously shared the kindness he received by supporting young people in similar situations.
Though they left Hyungmin Building to find their own paths, the friendships of the associate lawyers continued. Despite each doing different work, the warm atmosphere of the characters in 'Ae-byeon-jus' over shared meals and greetings warmed everyone's hearts.
'Seocho-dong' adorned its ending page with the transformed daily lives of the associate lawyers, depicting the tumultuous lives of lawyers working in law firms, evoking empathy among office workers. The daily struggles of associate lawyers who sigh while commuting and briefly regain enthusiasm during lunch before trudging back to work resonated with modern individuals.
Especially as each episode presented increasingly deep struggles and concerns, it provided greater immersion. The viewers experienced a reawakening of facts they had become accustomed to overlooking, leading to a deep resonance through processes of contemplation and mental turmoil in their quest for answers.
Along with this, the realistic script derived from the experiences of current lawyer Lee Seung-hyun and the sensory direction of director Park Seung-woo, who recreated the landscape of Seocho-dong's legal town, maximized the viewing pleasure. The solid performance chemistry of the actors Lee Jong-suk (playing An Joo-hyung), Moon Ga-young (playing Kang Hee-ji), Kang Yoo-seok (played by Jo Chang-won), Ryu Hye-young (playing Bae Moon-jung), and Lim Seong-jae (playing Ha Sang-ki) further enhanced the realism.
Given the harmony of direction, script, and acting, 'Seocho-dong' received a heated response from global fans as well as domestic viewers, achieving remarkable success. The drama's characteristics reflecting the realities of office workers were complemented by the 'Seocho-dong' office worker-customized walking challenge.
The tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong', which provided courage to live by presenting the delightful growth of associate lawyers, has established itself as a healing drama for office workers enduring tough days and concluded.
[Photo] Seocho-dong
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