Jump to: About Law in the City | Main Cast | Plot Summary | What to Love | What Could Be Better | Romance & Chemistry | Final Verdict | Where to Watch | Suggested Watch Plan | Sample Viewing Budget | Final Thoughts
About Law in the City
Law in the City is a 2025 SBS legal K-drama that dives into the morally complex world of public defenders, corrupt elites, and social injustice in modern Korea. Blending legal drama with character redemption and investigative thrill, it’s one of the most talked-about shows of 2025.
Main Cast
- Park Hyung-sik as Han Ji-hoon – a former star prosecutor demoted to a public defender role after exposing internal corruption.
- Lee Se-young as Seo Min-ah – a passionate and idealistic legal aid lawyer committed to defending the underprivileged.
- Jang Seung-jo as Yoon Sang-chul – a senior prosecutor and Han Ji-hoon’s former mentor-turned-antagonist.
- Kim Hye-eun as Judge Kang Eun-mi – a principled judge often caught between justice and politics.
- Baek Ji-won as Choi Jin-sook – director of the District 9 Legal Aid Center, and Ji-hoon’s new boss.
Plot Summary
Once a promising prosecutor, Han Ji-hoon falls from grace after revealing a cover-up involving political elites. Now reassigned to Seoul’s District 9 Legal Aid Center, he teams up with Seo Min-ah to defend clients society has abandoned. Each case reveals corruption, injustice, and hidden links to the conspiracy that derailed his career.
As tensions rise, Ji-hoon must decide if fighting the system is worth sacrificing what little he has left.
What to Love
- 🧠 Complex storytelling: Each legal battle feels real and ethically layered.
- 🎭 Acting depth: Park Hyung-sik delivers one of his best dramatic performances to date.
- 🎥 Visual tone: Stylish noir-inspired lighting and camera work enhance the gritty atmosphere.
- 📢 Social message: The series boldly tackles inequality, broken institutions, and moral ambiguity.
What Could Be Better
- 🕰️ Some mid-episodes drag due to heavy legal exposition.
- 🎭 A few supporting characters could use more backstory and screen time.
Romance & Chemistry
Though not a full-fledged romance, Ji-hoon and Min-ah’s chemistry grows slowly through mutual respect and vulnerability. Their dynamic brings a human touch to the legal heaviness, adding emotional layers without overtaking the plot.
Final Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Law in the City is a bold legal K-drama that refuses to sugarcoat reality. With its strong cast, socially relevant plotlines, and satisfying character arcs, it deserves a spot on every drama lover’s watchlist in 2025.
Where to Watch
Suggested Watch Plan
- Day 1: Episodes 1–3 – Establishing the fall and early cases
- Day 2: Episodes 4–6 – New partnerships and courtroom tension
- Day 3: Episodes 7–10 – Conspiracy deepens
- Day 4: Episodes 11–13 – Emotional revelations
- Day 5: Episodes 14–16 – Intense resolution and character closure
Sample Viewing Budget
- Viki Pass (Standard): ₱129/month
- Viu Premium: ₱129/month
- Netflix Basic Plan: ₱249/month
- Estimated Cost: ₱129–₱249 depending on platform
Final Thoughts
Law in the City stands out in the crowded legal K-drama space with its meaningful storytelling, excellent casting, and gritty realism. If you’re into morally ambiguous characters and social commentary, this show will challenge your perspective—and keep you hooked until the final episode.
