A gathering filled with the joys and sorrows of attorney friends was held.
The first episode of 'Seochodong,' which aired on 5th (written by Lee Seung-hyun, directed by Park Seung-woo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Chorokbaem Media), portrayed the meeting of four attorneys heading to the Seochodong legal town: Ahn Joo-hyung (Lee Jong-suk), Jo Chang-won (Kang Yoo-seok), Bae Mun-jung (Ryu Hye-young), Ha Sang-ki (Lim Seong-jae), and new attorney Kang Hee-ji (Moon Ga-young).
The first episode's viewership rating was 4.8% on average for households in the metropolitan area, with a peak of 5.9%, and 4.6% on average nationwide, with a peak of 5.4% (figures include cable, IPTV, and satellite services, provided by Soon Korea), making it number one at the same time slot among cable and general programming channels. In the target demographic of men and women aged 20-49, it ranked first in the same time slot across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasting, making a strong start.
The previous work 'Our Unwritten Seoul' ended with a viewership rating of 8.4% in its final episode, marking its highest rating. 'Seochodong' garnered about half of the viewership rating of its predecessor in its premiere, raising expectations for the future.
As soon as he sat down, Ahn Joo-hyung, who began the day with a sigh, has been working at the same job for nine years in a world where job changes and starting a new practice are frequent. After nine years, experiencing ups and downs, Ahn Joo-hyung has a mindset of an employee feeling obligated to do tasks he doesn't want to do rather than a sense of responsibility as an attorney.
Despite this, Ahn Joo-hyung tackled the issues with precise facts before a client in an assault appeal case, uncovering the complexities of the case filled with mysteries. With a sensitive argument that considered the client, who was a sexual minority, and the opposing side, he showcased professionalism as an attorney by achieving a not guilty verdict.
While Ahn Joo-hyung struggled through a tough day over an assault case, a new face entered the Hyungmin Building in Seochodong. First-year attorney Kang Hee-ji became the new associate attorney. After learning about the associate gatherings from the handover documents left by the previous attorney, Kang Hee-ji saw Ahn Joo-hyung's messenger profile picture and smiled, suggesting a connection between them with her comment, 'Looks like you've become a good attorney.'
Immediately contacting Bae Mun-jung to make an appointment, Kang Hee-ji entered the restaurant with a pleasant thrill. Seeing Kang Hee-ji approaching with a bright smile, Ahn Joo-hyung looked surprised, as if he had unexpectedly run into someone in an unexpected place. It is becoming more intriguing whether Ahn Joo-hyung and Kang Hee-ji truly have an acquaintance.
Meanwhile, the trio of associate attorneys who will share a friendship with Ahn Joo-hyung and Kang Hee-ji also shined. Even during a tiring and exhausting morning, Jo Chang-won, the central figure in Seochodong, maintained his high tension; Bae Mun-jung, brimming with warmth like a moth drawn to flame whenever there’s a bet; and Ha Sang-ki, who draws strength from the incentives deposited in his account no matter how much work he has, all showcased their unique personalities.
As they enjoyed their food in their own ways, the associate attorneys engaged in discussions that oscillated between the sorrows of office workers and exchanging greetings, switching between comfort and teasing, getting fully engrossed in banter. The 'lawyer Avengers' (a portmanteau of Avengers and attorneys), who could read each other's conditions just through facial expressions, showcased the depth of their friendship.
'Seochodong' comfortably delivered smiles to viewers through the workplace life of salaryman attorneys working at law firms located on each floor of the Hyungmin Building in Seochodong. Lines like 'I don't want to do this' and 'I want to go home already' represented the feelings of office workers, and the actors' clever performances heightened the immersion. This has placed 'Seochodong,' which resonates with reality from the first broadcast, as a 'food friend' drama for viewers, and the next story is highly anticipated.
The tvN weekend drama 'Seochodong,' which follows the tumultuous office lives of attorneys who smile at their salaries and cry over overtime, will air its second episode at 9:20 p.m. on the 6th.
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