'Beyond The Bar' Blends Legal Drama with Love and Growth
Jul 31, 2025
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JTBC's new Saturday drama 'esquire' was held at The Link Hotel Seoul in Guro-gu, Seoul on the 31st. Director Kim Jae-hong, lead actors Lee Jin-wook, Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Hak-ju and Jeon Hye-bin attended the meeting to talk about various dramas.
'Esquire' is a legal growth period between Yoon Seok-hoon (Lee Jin-wook), a cool-headed partner lawyer at an elite law firm Yulim, and Kang Hyo-min (Jeong Chae-yeon), a new lawyer with a sense of justice. Various episodes and teamwork are developed within the framework of the Songmu team, depicting the growth and change of each character.
Director Kim Jae-hong emphasized that the biggest difference is the melting of the theme of 'Love' in each episode and the fact that realistic and high-level litigation cases are the biggest differences, although he has done several court dramas in the past. Then "I wanted to convey warm comfort through the story of the Songmu team carefully caring for those who have been hurt in various forms of love." he said.
Lee Jin-wook is a creative and rational person who is quick and clear in all judgments about Yoon Seok-hoon's character. "The role of solving the case in a thoroughly rational manner without laughing..." he explained.
On the other hand, Kang Hyo-min, played by Jeong Chae-yeon, is a character who has a unique sense of stupidity, justice, and persistent grit. Jeong Chae-yeon said, `It was a burden because it was my first time playing a lawyer, but I prepared by learning legal terms in advance and changing routines. I'm glad to see JTBC again after the 'assembly family.'"
The teamwork of the Songmu team is also a point to watch.
Lee Hak-joo "Lee Jin-woo is a middle manager in his third year and serves as a bridge between seniors and juniors. He introduced himself as a "loved mood maker" and Jeon Hye-bin said, "Heo Min-jeong is a late lawyer and a character who overcomes the difficult past and becomes a symbol of hope. Many female viewers expressed their expectations that they would be able to convey the message that `It's not too late.'
The work is drawing attention as a drama about a lawyer alongside tvN 'Seocho-dong', which is currently airing.
In response, director Kim Jae-hong said "In the case of works from other broadcasting stations, I understand that they dealt with the story of the legal town located in Seocho-dong. In contrast, 'Esquire' tells the story within the five largest law firms. It was written by an incumbent lawyer and there are structural differences in detail and realism" he said.
Lee Jin-wook and Jung Chae-yeon, who are members of the same agency, showed off perfect chemistry even in their first breath.
Lee Jin-wook said, `I was surprised that Jung Chae-yeon did so well from the first shoot. I'm very trustworthy and proud." Jung Chae-yeon said, "I was able to act comfortably because my senior approached me first."," he said, expressing his appreciation.
Director Kim Jae-hong, who took over the baton of his previous work 'Good Boy', said "There is a burden, but I think it is an absolute evaluation. I ask for your love and support so that we can make it to season 2," he said.
Meanwhile, JTBC's new Saturday drama 'Beyond The Bar' will premiere at 10:40 p.m. on August 2.
mj.cho@sportschosun.com
