Lee Jong-suk is breathing new life into tvN‘s weekend drama lineup with his critically praised performance in “Seocho-dong.” The legal drama, written by Lee Seung-hyun and directed by Park Seung-woo, features Lee as Ahn Joo-hyung, a weary but brilliant associate lawyer who has spent nine years navigating the intense pressures of a top-tier law firm.
From the opening scene — Joo-hyung blankly staring into space during a crowded subway commute — the drama captures the quiet desolation familiar to many working professionals. While the character often mutters “I don’t want to do this,” he continues fulfilling every task with diligence, striking a chord with audiences through his blend of cynicism and silent perseverance.
Yet in the courtroom, Ahn Joo-hyung transforms. Calm and razor-sharp, he commands attention with his legal brilliance, defending clients with unwavering professionalism while maintaining emotional distance — a duality masterfully portrayed by Lee Jong-suk.
Lee’s nuanced performance includes subtle changes in expression and tone that illustrate Joo-hyung’s evolution from an idealistic rookie to a battle-hardened legal pro. His confident delivery of dense legal jargon and compelling courtroom presence has captivated viewers, driving the show’s success.
“Seocho-dong” launched with a solid 4.6% average viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area, topping the ratings for tvN’s 2025 weekend premieres according to Nielsen Korea. It’s a welcome turnaround for the network after recent disappointments like the ₩50 billion-budgeted “When The Stars Gossip,” which ended with a lackluster 2.6% rating. The show’s popularity continues to climb, surpassing 5% in just its second episode — outpacing previous hits like “Resident Playbook” and “Our Unwritten Seoul.”
With Lee Jong-suk’s layered portrayal of Ahn Joo-hyung, “Seocho-dong” has not only revived tvN’s ratings but also redefined the tone for legal dramas in 2025. As the story unfolds, viewers are eager to see where Joo-hyung’s quiet strength and hidden vulnerabilities will take him next.
