Premiering tonight (the 13th) at 9:50 p.m. KST on SBS, the new Friday-Saturday drama "Phantom Lawyer" (written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Cheol-gyu, directed by Shin Joong-hoon) follows “possessed lawyer” Shin I-rang (Yoo Yeon-seok), who helps the dead resolve their unresolved grudge, and “cold-blooded elite attorney” Han Na-hyeon (Esom), who stakes everything on a win. Teasers and stills have already teased a fresh genre twist and upbeat energy. Before the firm officially opens, here are three “possessed” reasons to tune in.
# The Next Evolution of SBS’s Crowd-Pleasing Legal Dramas: A One-Of-A-Kind World With a “Possessed Lawyer”
"Phantom Lawyer" continues SBS’s streak of punchy courtroom hits like "One Dollar Lawyer" and "Judge From Hell," dialing up genre thrills fans love. This time, it goes a step further. By dropping the fantasy concept of the dead’s unresolved grudge into the most realistic setting―the courtroom―the series breaks the mold.
Those who die wronged can’t speak for themselves. What’s left behind are misunderstandings, distortions―and festering regret. That’s where "Phantom Lawyer" begins. Through testimony from ghosts, the show pulls up truths the law missed and delivers fast, satisfying trial momentum. It’s not just about the verdict. The series also sits with the living―their emotions and their injustice―fusing “laying a grudge to rest” with legal argument. Expect catharsis where reality and the supernatural collide―"Phantom Lawyer"’s signature hook.
# Yoo Yeon-seok’s Daring Shift: A Full-On “Alt-Character Parade” When Possession Hits
Yoo Yeon-seok’s Shin I-rang opens his office in Unit 501 of Okcheon Building, formerly a shaman’s place―and things get weird fast. He starts seeing ghosts against his will. Then possession kicks in, pushing him to resolve the dead’s grudges for them. The twist: a razor-sharp attorney suddenly flipping into a “possessed” conduit. That irony is the heartbeat of the character.
With help from ghosts, he catches crucial clues. Once he’s possessed, his voice, expressions, and body language transform completely. Each case brings a different spirit, setting up Yoo Yeon-seok’s wild “alt-character parade.” It’s his first full-on comedic turn that swings from grounded to slyly funny―major hype. Add in his can’t-look-away conscience that forces him to take cases and fight the good fight as a “reluctant hero,” and you get courtroom wins that feel both punchy and moving.
# Instinct vs. Logic: Yoo Yeon-seok x Esom’s “Legal Avengers” Chemistry
Character chemistry is another key draw. Shin I-rang runs on instinct and emotion. Han Na-hyeon is ice-cool and logical. Their contrast cranks up the tension. Watching two people who don’t quite get each other solve cases together―and change in the process―will be a ride.
Yang Do-gyeong (Kim Kyung-nam), the head of law firm Taebaek, anchors the conflict. He uses the law strategically to win and constantly challenges Shin I-rang’s methods, sparking sharp showdowns. His subtle dynamic with Han Na-hyeon builds a psychological game beyond the cases and tightens the drama.
Also joining: office manager and brother-in-law Yoon Bong-su (Jeon Suk-ho), Father Mateo (Jung Seung-gil), who points the way at crucial moments, and a rotating roster of the departed with stories of their own. Together, Unit 501 in Okcheon Building becomes a true team. Their different angles and methods click into a joint operation that screams “Legal Avengers.”
With zippy back-and-forth, unpredictable teamwork, and Shin I-rang’s case-by-case alt-character parade, SBS’s new Friday-Saturday drama "Phantom Lawyer" brings “possessed fun” to your screen. The series premieres tonight (Friday the 13th) at 9:50 p.m. KST.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)