Law & Drama: Reviewing 10 Must-Watch Legal K-Dramas

Sanchali Bhogaonkar
8 min readFeb 27, 2024

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Welcome to my guide to the thrilling world of legal K-Dramas! I’m excited to take you on a journey through the captivating realm of K-television series that explores the fascinating intricacies of the legal system. In this article, I’ll be sharing the top 10 must-watch legal K-drama recommendations that are sure to keep you glued to your screen with their gripping plots and compelling character stories.

As someone passionate about K-dramas and intrigued by the dynamics of the legal world, I’ve curated this list to showcase the cream of the crop for legal-themed K-dramas. As always, I’ll put my personal ratings with a one-liner description so it becomes easier for you to pick your next watch. There might be other legal K-dramas that I might’ve missed in this list, feel free to tell me about them in the comments!

Join me as we delve into the exciting world of legal K-Dramas, where courtroom battles, melodrama, a splash of romance, moral dilemmas, and heartfelt moments await. So grab your snacks, settle in, and let’s explore the top 10 best legal K-Dramas together!

✨️ Law School

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⚖️ 7.5/10; the show overall felt a bit slow-paced but had great potential~

“Law School” is a gripping blend of legal drama and suspense that keeps viewers on edge with its multifaceted storyline twists. The drama digs into the lives of law students and instructors caught up in a high-profile murder case, bringing the brutal reality of the legal world to bear. With excellent performances and thought-provoking conversation, it brilliantly navigates difficult legal ideas while revealing the truth about the crime. The dynamic character development adds dimension to the story, making it an interesting watch for legal and drama fans alike. “Law School” attracts viewers with its intriguing storytelling and exciting courtroom scenes. However I believe that this K-drama could have been a bit more interesting, it’s a great beginner drama into the law world!

✨️ Extraordinary Attorney Woo

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⚖️ 10/10; I absolutely love this one! From the storyline to character development, every inch of this drama is pure bliss~

"Extraordinary Attorney Woo" follows Woo Young-Woo (Park Eun-Bin), a brilliant lawyer with autism spectrum disorder, as she joins a prestigious law firm. Her eidetic memory and unique perspective help her solve cases, but she faces prejudice and social challenges. The drama beautifully balances legal intrigue with personal growth, highlighting resilience, diversity, and the power of seeing the world differently. It’s a must-watch for its heartfelt storytelling and compelling character development. Absolutely a gem of a K-drama!

✨️ The Devil Judge

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⚖️ 9.5/10; perfection in a drama~

“The Devil Judge” is a gripping legal thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Set in a dystopian society where a judge holds immense power over life and death, the drama explores themes of justice, morality, and corruption. With stellar performances by Ji Sung and Kim Min-jung, the characters’ complex motivations add layers to the suspenseful plot. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, the series delivers intense drama and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power. While some pacing issues arise, overall, “The Devil Judge” is a must-watch for fans of intense political intrigue and moral ambiguity. Honestly, I had a personal bias for the main lead, Ji Sung, but as I progressed into this drama, I was hooked! Such an underrated gem.

✨️ Divorce Attorney Shin

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⚖️ 8/10; an inspirational drama; a great Sunday watch~

“Divorce Attorney Shin” is a refreshing take on the rom-com genre, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Yoo Ji-tae shines as the charismatic yet flawed divorce lawyer, Shin. His journey from cynicism to genuine empathy adds depth to the story. Alongside him, Lee Yoo-young delivers a compelling performance as his sharp-witted and ambitious colleague. The series skillfully tackles the complexities of love, marriage, and divorce, offering both laughs and poignant insights. While occasionally predictable, its engaging characters and witty dialogue make it a delightful watch. “Divorce Attorney Shin” is a charming exploration of relationships that leaves a lasting impression.

✨️ Juvenile Justice

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⚖️ 8.5/10; another underrated gem!

“Juvenile Justice” is a poignant portrayal of the juvenile legal system, delving into the lives of troubled youth and those who advocate for them. Kim Hye-soo captivates as a passionate juvenile judge, balancing compassion with a commitment to justice. The series navigates sensitive topics with nuance, shedding light on societal issues and the complexities of rehabilitation. Through compelling storytelling and compelling performances, it challenges viewers to confront preconceptions and empathize with the struggles of young offenders. While occasionally melodramatic, its powerful message about redemption and second chances resonates long after the credits roll. “Juvenile Justice” is a must-watch drama that provokes reflection and empathy. This drama deserves more spotlight than it has!

✨️ Big Mouth

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⚖️ 10/10; if I had to lose my memory just to re-watch a drama, it would be this one~

“Big Mouth” is an exhilarating K-drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of success. Anchored by a stellar ensemble cast, including Lee Jong-suk and Kim Ji-won, the series follows the cutthroat world of corporate espionage and power struggles. With intricate plot twists and gripping suspense, each episode keeps viewers hooked as characters navigate moral dilemmas and personal ambitions. While some may find its portrayal of office politics intense, “Big Mouth” captivates with its nuanced character development and high-stakes drama. If you haven’t binged this drama already, here is your sign to do so!

✨️ Doctor Lawyer

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⚖️ 8/10; this had such a thrilling yet innovative storyline~

"Doctor Lawyer" centers on Han Yi-Han (So Ji-Sub), an elite surgeon turned lawyer after a patient dies and his medical license is revoked. Specializing in medical litigation, he seeks the truth behind his patient’s death while defending victims of malpractice. Collaborating with a public prosecutor who suffered personal loss from his surgery, the drama skillfully intertwines medical and legal intrigue, delivering a compelling tale of redemption and justice. This drama was an intense yet entertaining piece to watch!

✨️ The Law Cafe

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⚖️ 8/10; this is such a cute drama and it gets better with every episode~

"The Law Cafe" follows Kim Jung-Ho (Lee Seung-Gi), a former prosecutor living off rental income after his father’s corruption scandal. His longtime friend, Kim Yoo-Ri (Lee Se-Young), a passionate lawyer, quits her job to open "Law Cafe" in his building, combining coffee with legal advice. As they navigate their complex pasts and growing feelings, the drama blends romance, justice, and heartfelt moments in a charming and unique setting. This one had a great potential as it grabs attention on social issues.

✨️ Suspicious Partner

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⚖️ 10/10; if “old is gold” had a drama face, it would be this one~

“Suspicious Partner” is a captivating romantic comedy that seamlessly weaves together humor, mystery, and heartfelt romance. Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun deliver delightful performances as an unlikely pair of lawyers thrown together by fate. The series keeps viewers guessing with its engaging plot twists and intricate whodunit mysteries, while also exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and second chances. With a perfect balance of lighthearted moments and intense courtroom drama, “Suspicious Partner” keeps audiences hooked until the very end. While some may find the pacing slow at times, the charming chemistry between the leads is everything. Though it isn’t that old, but it should be one of the dramas a K-drama enthusiast shouldn’t miss!

✨️ Lawless Lawyers

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⚖️ 7.5/10; this drama has insane potential, loved the character development & chemistry~

“Lawless Lawyers” is a riveting legal thriller that combines pulse-pounding action with courtroom drama. Lee Joon-gi shines as a former gangster turned brilliant lawyer seeking justice for his mother’s murder. Paired with Seo Ye-ji’s determined prosecutor character, the duo navigates a corrupt legal system while uncovering dark secrets. The series expertly balances intense fight scenes with compelling legal battles, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. With its well-paced plot and dynamic characters, “Lawless Lawyers” delivers suspense and excitement in every episode!

In conclusion, the realm of Korean legal dramas offers a captivating exploration of justice, morality, and human nature. From the intense courtroom battles of “Suspicious Partner” to the thought-provoking moral dilemmas of “Lawless Lawyers,” these must-watch dramas provide a diverse array of storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. Through the lens of fictional lawyers, judges, and prosecutors, viewers are invited to reflect on broader societal issues and contemplate the complexities of right and wrong in an imperfect world.

Beyond entertainment, these dramas serve as a platform for meaningful conversations about law, ethics, and the human condition. As we eagerly anticipate future legal dramas, let’s celebrate the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and provoke reflection. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the genre, there’s no denying the irresistible allure of legal K-dramas that keep us hooked until the final verdict is reached.

Let me know if I missed any of your favorite legal K-dramas in the comments!

✨ Click HERE to explore the ultimate K-drama guidebooks including recommendations for — rom-coms, mystery, fantasy, and more!

Thanks for reading < 3

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Sanchali Bhogaonkar

An enthusiastic writer who's all about k-dramas, skincare, and novel recommendations!