Law and The City first impression: Skip Lee Jong Suk, Moon Ga Young's K-drama if you're not into slow burns, otherwise it's slice-of-life haven

Indian Express

09-07-2025

Lee Jong Suk has officially returned to the screen after three long years, bringing back his rom-com charm, but this time, he's taking the slow-burn route instead of the high-paced or darker roles he tackled in recent years. While his return to a softer role is already a treat for fans, his pairing with Moon Ga Young feels like a match straight out of Wattpad. Whether or not they'll surprise us with their chemistry remains to be seen, but the first impression says this show might just save tvN's dipping ratings, having already premiered at No. 1 in its time slot across all cable channels with an average nationwide rating of 4.6 percent.
Also read: Is Lee Jong Suk's magic still alive? 5 reasons K-drama Law and The City could be worth the wait as actor makes comeback after three years
The story revolves around five attorneys in Seocho Dong, a neighbourhood known for being packed with law firms. While the area has a reputation for being tough on employees, with a running joke that no one survives here for more than five years, Lee's character, Joo Hyeong, is already in his ninth. He, along with his lunch crew from other firms, Ryu Hye Young, Kang You Seok, and Im Sun Jae, often find themselves solving cases, venting about career struggles, and discussing life over lunch at what they jokingly call the 'lawyers' table.' Moon Ga Young plays a young attorney who mysteriously joins the same building. The moment she spots Lee, she's convinced they've met before and casually says, 'What a small world.' When she joins the lawyers' table for the first time, she locks eyes with Lee, hoping he'll recognise her, but he doesn't. She keeps telling everyone they met in Hong Kong around ten years ago, but Lee brushes it off like it never happened. Soon after, Moon Ga Young's character, Attorney Kang, lands her first pro bono case, and it turns out to be against one of Lee's clients. The tension kicks off. As episode two nears its end, we see Lee's character quietly watching Kang when a memory suddenly hits him: a flashback to the two of them kissing during their law school days.
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K-dramas have had their fair share of slow-burn shows, but director Park Seung Woo definitely brings a twist to the law genre that feels like a breath of fresh air. There are legal K-dramas packed with high-intensity plots (Juvenile Justice, Your Honour), even ones driven by the fantasy themes (Judge from Hell, While You Were Sleeping) or thought-provoking ones like Extraordinary Attorney Woo. But, for fans hustling through life and turning to K-dramas for a breather, this one doesn't glam things up. It shows the grind, the mess, the quiet baggage, all mixed with just enough legal drama and romance to keep you watching.
Yes, it leans on some classic K-drama storytelling, but the cast makes sure it doesn't feel dragged. For those wondering if it's all about law, it's not. There are legal cases because the characters are attorneys, but at its heart, it's a slice of life. No flashy charisma, no tortured genius lawyer trope, no CEO vibes or overdone hunk energy. Just a tired, relatable character who believes employees carry resignation in their hearts every day. On the other hand, Moon Ga Young (True Beauty) stands out as the most passionate one in the mix. Kang You Seok is impressive too, having just seen him switch from a doctor's coat in Resident Playbook to a lawyer's robe here, he's clearly a versatile actor with serious lead potential. Ryu Hye Young as Bae Moon Jung's presence holds the whole story together, her fun-loving character is a treat to watch.
The choice really comes down to personal taste. For fans of Lee Jong Suk, he's done a mix of romance and darker roles, but watching him try something new in a more laid-back genre makes it worth giving a shot. If you're here for the story, it's not just about the daily grind or legal back-and-forths, there's mystery, suspense, a bit of past baggage and personal growth. The rhythm is comforting, the midday breaks, coffee chats, watching the clock tick till it's time to head home, the constant ethical and emotional tug-of-war, the shared meals with friends. It's a quiet reminder that life isn't always about the big moments, but the small, deeply human ones. But if you're someone who loved Lee's last two dramas, Big Mouth or Romance Is a Bonus Book, and you're into heavier, more dramatic plots, maybe skip this one. Otherwise, not a bad way to ease into something mellow. A third episode drops soon on Disney+ Hotstar.