The new SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Phantom Lawyer" (written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Cheol-gyu, directed by Shin Jung-hoon) follows a “possessed lawyer,” Shin I-rang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok), who helps the dead resolve their deep-seated grudges, and a “cold-blooded elite lawyer,” Han Na-hyun (played by Esom), who stakes everything on winning. It’s a strange yet heartwarming quest to set things right.
After character posters capturing Shin I-rang and Han Na-hyun’s inner worlds sparked buzz, the team took it a step further―reading the instincts and temperaments of both leads and the people around them through animal traits. This “character ecosystem” is set to double the fun of their relationships.
First up, “possessed lawyer” Shin I-rang is closest to a squirrel―big-hearted and prone to over-immersion. He can’t ignore the grievances of the dead, and when faced with injustice, his emotions kick in before calculations do. Usually bright and lively, he moves faster than anyone in a crisis, just like a squirrel. He’s overflowing with nosiness, responsibility, and energy. He treats cases as people, not tasks―and once he cares, he commits to the end. That instinct will power the story forward.
On the other hand, Han Na-hyun, the ace at law firm Taebaek, is an eagle who reads the board from high above. She puts data over emotion and strategy over gut feeling. Once she locks onto a goal, she dives like an eagle―laser-focused and relentless. Shin I-rang charges on instinct; Han Na-hyun plays by the numbers. How these two crash, then ultimately partner up, will be a major draw.
Yang Do-kyung (played by Kim Kyung-nam), who leads Taebaek, is a raccoon who enjoys the game. Behind an easy smile, he hides meticulous calculations. He may seem spontaneous, but his timing is razor-sharp. With the smarts to shake up the board, he adds another layer of tension.
Yoon Bong-su (played by Jeon Seok-ho), I-rang’s brother-in-law and the office manager at his law practice, is likened to a busy honeybee. He handles the nuts and bolts, keeping the office running. He’s no flashy hero, but without him, the balance is the first to tip.
Father Matteo (played by Jung Seung-gil) is a “sheep with claws”―gentle yet unshakably grounded. He watches quietly, but when needed, he makes his convictions clear. Soft on the surface with steel within, he forms another pillar that connects to Shin I-rang’s worldview.
In newly released stills, Shin I-rang teams up with Yoon Bong-su and Father Matteo to tackle a case, raising anticipation. How the trio coordinates and expands the story is a key point to watch.
Lastly, Shin I-rang’s mother, Park Kyung-hwa (played by Kim Mi-kyung), is a tiger who doesn’t waver easily. Her only friend is a razor-sharp boning knife, as she tenaciously runs her butcher shop and raised I-rang. With an upright personality, blunt honesty, and an unshakable demeanor, she commands any room. Yet beneath that tough shell lies a kind heart and devoted love. Curiosity is building over how she’ll react when she learns her son works with ghosts.
Different instincts and temperaments collide within the same case, creating both tension and solidarity. By mapping characters to animals, the “ecosystem” cranks up the relational fun and sharpens "Phantom Lawyer"’s distinct narrative. The production team shared, “We used animal metaphors to show each character’s traits more intuitively,” adding, “The clash and eventual solidarity between people with totally different personalities and methods is a big part of the fun. Keep an eye on how their relationships evolve―you’ll enjoy it even more.”
The new SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Phantom Lawyer" premieres Friday, March 13 at 9:50 p.m.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
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