Lee Jong-suk Returns After 3 Years with Legal Drama: Can He Still Reign in a Mellow Genre?
Actor Lee Jong-suk is making a highly anticipated return to television after three years with the new tvN weekend drama Seocho-dong, set to premiere on July 5. Known for his intense and genre-bending roles, Lee Jong-suk is now taking on a more grounded and slice-of-life character in a legal drama that promises subtle realism over high-stakes spectacle.
Seocho-dong follows the daily lives and growing pains of five associate attorneys working in Seoul’s bustling legal district. The drama is penned by writer Lee Seung-hyun, a former lawyer who draws from personal experience to portray the competitive, often harsh world of legal professionals. Directed by Park Seung-woo—who co-directed W and helmed Kairos and Adamas—the drama features a strong ensemble cast including Moon Ga-young, Kang Yoo-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Lim Sung-jae.
Lee Jong-suk plays Ahn Joo-hyung, a ninth-year associate at law firm Kyungmin. Although he played a lawyer in Big Mouth (2022), Lee Jong-suk emphasized that this time is different. “In Big Mouth, I spent more time in prison than in court. I didn’t get to show much of the professional side. In Seocho-dong, my character is a seasoned lawyer going through the motions, so I focused on delivering rapid, professional dialogue that feels authentic,” he said.
The actor also shared why he chose this low-key, character-driven drama for his comeback. “I’ve usually been drawn to dramatic, life-or-death stories. But I wanted to try something different—something you can watch comfortably with friends. This is my first attempt at a genre I haven’t tackled before,” Lee Jong-suk explained during the drama’s press conference on July 1.
Unlike typical legal dramas that center on uncovering grand corruption or battling formidable villains, Seocho-dong focuses on the relatable struggles of young professionals just trying to make a living. “It’s more about everyday survival than seeking justice against massive evil,” said Lee Jong-suk.
Director Park Seung-woo praised Lee Jong-suk’s deep involvement in the production, stating, “Lee Jong-suk thought more deeply about the characters and story than I did. Discussing the direction of the project with him was both insightful and enjoyable.”
With hit dramas like I Can Hear Your Voice (2013), Pinocchio (2014), W (2016), and Big Mouth (2022), Lee Jong-suk has built a formidable career on emotionally charged and high-concept dramas. Seocho-dong marks a significant shift as he steps into a quieter, more realistic setting—raising anticipation about whether his star power will shine just as brightly in this new terrain.
