Actor Cha Seo Won is raising the drama's immersion with his role as a reliable helper.
In the widely discussed drama Spring Fever (written by Kim A-jung, directed by Park Won-guk, planned by CJ ENM STUDIOS, produced by Bon Factory), Cha Seo Won plays elite lawyer Choi I-jun, drawing attention by deftly portraying the humanity hidden behind a cold intellect. In particular, the weighty advice he gives to Yoon Bom (Lee Joo-been), who has walled herself off from the world because of past wounds, simultaneously reveals his tender feelings for her and his sense of duty as a lawyer, captivating viewers. Here are the "decisive moments" of Choi I-jun, who opened Yoon Bom's closed heart and approached her as a reliable helper.
▲ "What people like us need most is 'elegant indifference,' you know" (Episode 4)
Yoon Bom, who had been flayed by baseless gossip and hid away in Sinsu-eup, received sharp but warm empathy from Choi I-jun instead of premature pity or interrogation. Choi I-jun pierced Bom's pain, saying, "People in the countryside only know how to cross lines, not how to maintain them. They mistake interference for concern. They mistake interrogation for questioning," and then added, "What people like us need most is 'elegant indifference,' you know," soothing her wounds most deeply. This marked the beginning of an emotional bond beyond a mere observer, one that formed between the two beyond lawyer and client.
▲ "If something unjust happens, use me unconditionally" (Episode 6)
When Yoon Bom asked why he opened his practice in Sinsu-eup, Choi I-jun recited cases he had won, showing his ability as a competent lawyer. He showed composure, saying, "There will always be people who are wronged somewhere, and I'm the only lawyer in Sinsu-eup. It's a complete monopoly market," and drew attention with a joke: "I get a dopamine rush from words like unique, unparalleled, unprecedented rather than money." He then took a straightforward approach to offer real help and strength to Yoon Bom, who had confined herself with the unjust label of 'adulterous teacher,' saying, "So Ms. Bom, if something unjust happens, use me unconditionally. If it's Ms. Bom's case, I'll take it without question or hesitation." This conveyed both personal affection and his public responsibility as a lawyer, becoming a solid support for Yoon Bom.
▲ "It's the lawyer's job to become thoroughly 'on your side'" (Episode 7)
Standing at the school's lecture podium, Choi I-jun opened with, "What do you think success is? What I think success is is this," then displayed a screen with the keyword "on your side" to focus attention. He asked, "Is there a more successful life than having a perfect 'ally' in life?" and then said, "When I first meet a client, the first vow I make is this: I'll be on your side," subtly gesturing toward Yoon Bom. Even as Yoon Bom looked around, puzzled as to whether he was pointing at her, he calmly continued the lecture, declaring, "Everyone can experience unjust things in their lives. When people you trusted turn their backs and you feel you have no allies in the world, becoming a thoroughly 'ally' for them—that is the real role of a lawyer, isn't it?" Choi I-jun's sincerity, that he would be the only one to stay by her when the world doubted her, gave Yoon Bom hope that she might clear her name and increased curiosity about future developments.
In this way, Cha Seo Won brings the character to life by combining Choi I-jun's professionalism and sincerity with a midrange voice and unwavering gaze. Attention is focused on how he will unravel the unjust truth as Yoon Bom's steadfast 'ally.'
Meanwhile, the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama Spring Fever, in which Cha Seo Won appears, airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m.
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