"Possession Acting on Another Level"… ‘Phantom Lawyer’ Yoo Yeon-seok Leaps From a 70s Grandpa to an 8-Year-Old

‘Phantom Lawyer’ star Yoo Yeon-seok is commanding the screen with “possession” acting that blows past age and gender.

SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama ‘Phantom Lawyer’ (written by Kim Ga-young, Kang Chul-gyu; directed by Shin Joong-hoon) is earning praise for its ghost-specialist attorney premise and heartwarming cases. At the center is Yoo Yeon-seok, who channels a different spirit every episode.

In the latest episode, his performance hit a peak. He fully embodied Kang Dong-sik, a deceased man in his 70s (played by Lee Deok-hwa), nailing the weighty voice and measured gait. Moments after Kang’s soul ascended, he flipped into 8-year-old spirit Yoon Si-ho (played by Park Da-on), breaking into an adorable dance to the “Heartsping” song ― a jaw-dropping switch that stunned viewers.

Yoo’s work goes beyond imitation. He carries the han ― the deep grief the dead leave behind ― and a warm sincerity for those still living, adding real depth to the story. Viewers are buzzing: “The chills from that jump from elder to child were unreal,” “Yoo Yeon-seok is on fire.” Many are cheering him on to set a new career-defining character.

Meanwhile, the last episode’s “soul-separation ending” sent curiosity skyrocketing. While trying to save a missing child, Shin I Rang (Yoo Yeon-seok) is shot ― becoming a spirit himself and staring at his own body. A lawyer who sees ghosts has become a ghost. All eyes are on what fate awaits him now.

The production team shared, “Yoo Yeon-seok’s meticulous character analysis and laser focus are turning a fantasy setup into something deeply immersive,” adding, “Please look forward to Shin I Rang’s struggle and growth as he faces the unprecedented crisis of soul separation.”

‘Phantom Lawyer’ airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.

 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)