Recap: Now, We Are Breaking Up
Konichiwa, Annyeonghaseyo, Sawadee ka, Ni hao! Hey guys, I am back yet again with an another editorial that might be of help for all of you wonderful people out there. These days, I have been quite busy watching new dramas each and every day. With every drama ending comes the excitement of waiting for the next drama that may air at your favorite channels as well as your beloved time slot. An end to a drama brings a longing for not letting it go and also at the same time the excitement of what's to come. You amazing people must have already guessed from the title what this is going to be all about so without out further ado, let me tell you why this article?
This year has served us with romance, thriller, action, comedy, and many more genres of dramas, but a lot of popular dramas these days are legal dramas. Legal dramas are those which deal with law as the major plot with mystery, romance, and sometimes revenge as the subplot. Not only are these dramas enticing and amazing to watch but they also leave us asking questions and guessing what tricks or twists are waiting for us in the future episodes. 2022 has been an amazing year, serving us with lots of amazing dramas but what it has served us the most is back to back legal dramas. So in this article, let me list out the dramas that aired and also some upcoming legal dramas to look out for. I shall share my insights and tell you the pros and cons of the dramas that may help you decide whether it is your cup of tea or not.
Without much blabbering, lets dive into it.
Caution: Contains spoilers. Skip sections/dramas as necessary!
 | Juvenile JusticeEpisode Count: 10 Broadcasting Network: Netflix Aired on: 25 February 2022 Duration: 1 hour 2 minutes |
SYNOPSIS
As a freshly appointed judge of a juvenile court in the Yeonhwa District, Shim Eun Seok, an elite judge with a chilly and aloof attitude who is renowned for her hate of minors, is the subject of Juvenile Justice. There, she disobeys the rules and imposes her own punishments on violators. As she takes on challenging cases and learns what being an adult really entails, she must confront and strike a balance between her dislike of juvenile offenders and her steadfast convictions in justice and punishment. The drama also depicts and shows how the influence of parenting, surroundings, and society are accountable for the actions of children.
REVIEW
The drama itself is very enticing as well as thrilling to watch along with the grounded actors and the excellent portrayal of their respective characters. It portrays and analyses juvenile crimes within a complex legal framework that leads to very dramatic scenes which I sometimes found unnecessary. It is a gripping, character-driven legal drama which features an impressive cast, compelling storylines, with surprising twists and turns. The con of this drama is that it provides us with less character development and less backstory of the main character which could have been a plus point for me. Overall, a good legal drama with enticing cases that can keep you hooked to your screen.
Military Prosecutor DobermanEpisode Count: 16 |  |
SYNOPSIS
Starring Ahn Bo Hyun and Jo Bo Ah, this drama depicts the story of Do Bae Man who goes on to become a lawyer despite his attempts to get exempted from military service by flunking from high school and eventually gets promoted. Even after becoming a lawyer, he decided to be all about earning as much money and fame and waiting for his retirement, but his plans get affected when he catches the eye of former prosecutor turned lawyer Yong Moon Goo and also Cha Woo In, who plans on using him for her own benefits.
REVIEW
The drama has a tint of revenge that leads to the series finale that is the downfall of the main antagonist. The satisfying downfall and the pits and turns leading to it will keep your eyes hooked to the screen. The drama starts out comical and leads to an intense struggle and push and pull of power. It also depicts emotional aspect as well as redemption of the culprits which shows humanity. It has many sensitive as well as thrilling cases which culminate in the final blow down. If you are a fan of revenge dramas, it is your cup of tea.
Again My Life
Episode Count: 16
Aired: Apr 8, 2022 - May 28, 2022
Aired On: Friday, Saturday
Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
SYNOPSIS
Kim Hee Woo overcame an unfavorable beginning as a low-grade high school student to advance through university and ultimately pass the bar exam. His tireless effort has at last paid off, and he is now a public prosecutor. He has to look into a politician who is thought to be corrupt as part of his investigations. But a strange man kills him, abruptly ending his inquiry. He later awakens, though, and discovers that he is indeed still alive. After being brought back to earth, he discovers that he has to go back to school and finish his studies all over again, all the while trying to figure out what really happened to him. He meets Kim Hee Ah along the way, a young woman of outstanding intelligence who also happens to be the youngest daughter of the family that controls the prosperous Cheonha business group. Kim Hee Woo and Kim Hee Ah learn that a dark gang of wealthy power brokers may have been involved in his "murder" as they focus their investigations.
REVIEW
It is a complexly woven drama with an engrossing storyline. The first few episodes give the vibe of a fantasy drama but later the plot shifts to revenge as its central agenda. The complex characters and storyline are sometimes confusing but once you understand them, you're in for a treat. The character development and the acting skills honed by each character, whether it be a main or a supporting character, they are well done. The power struggle between the main character and the antagonist is an apple on the pie but at the same time sometimes frustrating. In one scene you feel the protagonist is winning but the next few seconds there happens to be a counter twist that puts the protagonist into a loop. All the twists and turns culminate in the downfall of the main evil. If you have already watched this drama, then you may have your own opinion on the series finale but personally, it kind of felt a little off. Overall, it is a drama of good caliber with a mix of fantasy, revenge, drama, and a slight tint of romance.
Doctor Lawyer
Episode Count: 16
Aired: 3 June 2022 - 23 July 2022
Aired On: Fridays & Saturdays
Broadcasting Network: MBC
Duration: 1 hour 3 minutes
SYNOPSIS
The story revolves around Han Yi Han, a double board certified genius doctor specializing in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery whose life gets changed after a surgery going south. He believes he did well but it turns out the patient dies due to a mistake of his, which results in him losing his license to practice medicine. He later finds out that he was wronged and gets determined to get revenge on those who did him wrong.
Four years later, he comes back as a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice and puts out his plan to do the right and punish those who did him wrong and also along the way punish those who think they are above the law since they are rich and privileged.
REVIEW
The drama is a mix of medical drama and legal drama. the plot itself is engrossing and tends to keep you focused on the screen. The court room dramas are well planned out as well as well executed. The emotional connect and the engrossing stories and cases are a plus point. The good thing about this drama is that it is a revenge drama as well as having a romance subplot but the romance is very minimalistic. The actors play out their parts perfectly. I personally felt that in some places the plot could have been better but nonetheless, if you love a good revenge drama with a light tone rather than a dark one like the Penthouse fiasco, then this a good recommendation.
 | Extraordinary Attorney WooEpisode Count: 16 Aired: Jun 29, 2022 - Aug 18, 2022 Aired On: Wednesday & Thursday Duration: 1 hour. 17 minutes |
SYNOPSIS
Woo Young Woo, a lawyer with autism spectrum disorder who is reared by her single father, is profiled in Extraordinary Attorney Woo. The drama depicts the challenges a differently abled person faces in today's era. Woo Young Woo, even after passing as a top student from Seoul National University Law School, is unable to get a job at any law firm due to her disabilities and social awkwardness. After many rejections, she finally gets her first job a law firm called Hanbada Law Firm due to connections of her father. It shows the hurdles she faces in her professional as well as personal life including office life and love interests.
REVIEW
One of the most talked about and loved dramas of 2022 is none other than Extraordinary Attorney Woo and one of the most loved characters of the year is Woo Young Woo. Who hasn't tried the best friend greeting of this drama:
"Woo to the Young to the Woo!" "Dong to the Gue to the Rami yah!"
This feel-good drama is a must watch. The story progression, plot, and the themes are amazing. The cases shown in the drama are all so interesting and every case kind of deals with an ethical dilemma. The pinch of romance is the cherry on the top. Along with serious court cases, there is romance, drama, and comedy. It is a well rounded, amazing drama. The cast showcases and plays their parts in harmony and the perfect way. Each and every character is lovable, except some that are there for obvious reasons. The best friend, good mannered boss, and family, everything is there.
Big MouthEpisode Count: 16 Aired: Jul 29, 2022 - Sep 17, 2022 Aired On: Friday & Saturday Duration: 1 hour 11 minutes |  |
SYNOPSIS
The plot revolves around Park Chang Ho and his wife Ko Mi Ho, a nurse. Ever since his school days, Park Chang Ho has earned the nickname "Big Mouth" for his tendency to talk big and make big promises but fall short of keeping them. He is also a notorious attorney with a very low success rate who, due to his ineptitude, was hired by a mayor. Due to a misunderstanding, he was imprisoned after being falsely accused of being the infamous and enigmatic conman "Big Mouse." The drama unfolds in the prison as well as with Ko Mi Ho trying to prove her husband's innocence.
REVIEW
It was also one of the most talked about dramas of the year, both for its enigmatic and interesting plot and also for the sad ending. The drama is intricately woven and interesting to watch. By each episode's ending, you are left with the curiosity as well as wild imagination of what is coming next. The intriguing storyline is the plus point of this drama. The majority of the show is incredibly well written, making you eager to watch the upcoming instalments. The story moves quickly, is compelling, and fulfils all the requirements of a thriller. A realistic examination of how hierarchies and power systems function is included along with twists, turns, alliances, and political games. The moments of disclosure are some of the best parts of the drama because they are so suspenseful. Big Mouth provides the suspense and surprise you're looking for.
The relationship deserves a special mention because it is modest but effective. Even when there isn't much emphasis on romance, Chang Ho and his wife Mi Ho appear to be an incredible power couple. There is an element of suspense, mystery, thriller, with hints of comedy as well as romance. So if you're looking for such a drama, this is the best you can find in my opinion.
 | May It Please the CourtEpisode Count: 12 Aired: Sep 21, 2022 - Oct 26, 2022 Aired On: Wednesday Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes |
SYNOPSIS
This drama revolves around Noh Chak Hee. The founder of Seoul's most renowned law firm adopted Noh Chak Hee, a talented but cutthroat business attorney. After successfully defending a pharmaceutical corporation for producing dangerous birth control pills, she is about to be promoted to partner when the police detain her for coercing a lady who had taken the pills into committing suicide. She is made to accept a job as a member of the Seoul public defender's office after receiving a year's suspension from her company. As the show progresses, she realizes what she has been doing is not something that she can be proud of and goes on to bring changes in her way of working by turning a leaf and helping her first client that she represented against while at her former Law firm.
REVIEW
This is a well written drama from every point of view. The characterization of the main cast is done amazingly. The legal tonalities and serial killer thrown into the mix is a cherry on top. If you're watching the drama you'll know that as we progress further in, even if we get to know the serial killer, it still keeps us hooked to the screen. The romance and the comedy of the main cast are to die for. The mystery of the killer is well written and well executed.
Many of the darker aspects of the series are tamed by its lightheartedness and humor, yet they still exist. May It Please the Court is a top-tier courtroom drama because of its blend. The show would have been great if it had just been a legal drama about Chak Hee becoming a public defender and discovering that success is more than just money. The simplicity of the series' elements might easily succeed since they are performed so well. The story becomes a true highlight, though, when you include the bigger serial murder investigation where affluent and sinful businessmen are being murdered one by one.
One Dollar LawyerEpisode Count: 12 Aired: Sep 23, 2022 - Nov 11, 2022 Aired On: Friday, Saturday Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes |  |
SYNOPSIS
The story revolves around Cheon Ji Hun and Baek Ma Ri, an attorney and his paralegal. Cheon Ji Hun is an attorney with a distinctive style. Despite being one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the area, his retainer is merely 1,000 Won. He makes a case against the priciest attorneys and their wealthy clients who want to break the law. Baek Ma Ri has worked as the prosecutor's assistant ever since she received her diploma from the Judicial Research and Training Institute. She works at the famed Baek Law Firm, run by her grandfather Baek Hyun Mu, and is confident and self-assured. The show progresses as they solve cases together along the way.
REVIEW
A feel-good drama with comedy infused into it. It is a neatly plotted and engaging ride lined with an effectively emotional backstory which adds depth to its main character with mid season flashbacks and backstory of the main character that give us insights into how and why he has become what he is today. The cases are intriguing and amazing as they unfold. The comedic line of the drama is perfect. Overall, a perfect binge-worthy drama.
NOTABLE MENTIONS
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Edited by: devitto (1st editor) | |
