Actor Yoon Na Moo, portraying a public interest lawyer whose curiosity grows the more you look, firmly held viewers' attention.
In episodes 5 and 6 of the tvN weekend drama PROBONO (written by Moon Yoo-seok, directed by Kim Sung-yoon, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Sequence One, Lotte Cultureworks, Studio Flow), which aired on the 20th and 21st, Yoon Na Moo solidly supported the drama's center as public interest lawyer Jang Young-sil, the 'master of inner strength' who hides sharp judgment behind a consistently relaxed, easygoing demeanor.
Jang Young-sil drew laughter by playing goalkeeper in an early morning soccer tournament and failing to stop a single shot, showing clumsy traits. But Young-sil's sloppiness did not last long. When Kaya (Jung Hoi-rin), who appeared well dressed to request help, wore what looked like designer clothes, he immediately recognized they were fakes and, saying "They are designer, but they're copies. You can tell at a glance it's cheap fabric sold in the market," revealed his sharp insight.
Yoon Na Moo balanced Young-sil's 'surprising charm' by shifting between an awkwardness that seemed to know nothing but mushrooms and a keen ability to spot clues no one else noticed. The keen judgment hidden behind his easy laugh naturally melded, building a mysterious character.
Young-sil's true worth shone in the courtroom as well. In a situation that required a witness and where the village head could not step forward easily, he gauged the reason and, rather than pressuring him blindly, opened the door to his heart through sincere conversation. Using the couple's wedding photo as a clue to pinpoint the village head's story, Young-sil persuaded him by saying, "You must have had a hard time. Lonely. This time you can help," a scene that fully displayed the savvy of a trusted veteran public interest lawyer who has spent long hours at the scene.
Later, while personally running around to help Kaya's case, Young-sil's warm side that truly cares for clients was revealed, creating a heartwarming feeling. The moment when he, usually smiling, delivered the news of Kaya's appeal dismissal with a stern face highlighted Young-sil as a 'humane lawyer' more vividly and resonated with viewers.
Through Jang Young-sil, Yoon Na Moo is steadily building a character who is not simply a 'capable public interest lawyer' but someone with a mysterious backstory behind his easy laugh. Questions about what his real face is and what choices and stories he will unfold next focus attention on his future moves.
Meanwhile, the tvN weekend drama PROBONO airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 p.m.
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