Law and the City

Not Just Another Legal Drama its Life, Law, and Everything in Between

It’s not the typical ;legal K-drama with loud drama or politics Think of it more like slice of law meets slice of life. It gently peels back each lawyer’s layers, showing where they’ve been, what shaped them, and how their feelings steer their choices. Also we get to know more about people's emotions through their clients too(i like studying people in terms of their thought process, emotions and their peronalities). It’s slow, yeah, but not in a dull way more like settling into their world and catching the small, human moments. In its own way, it’s tender and real, where cases, lunch breaks, and friendships matter.

You’d watch this if you if whatever i said above piqued your interest or if you like stories that take their time and let you really know the people in them. If you want something warm, steady, and quietly rewarding, this one’s worth your hours.
HAVE A GREAT WATCH !!!

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Heartfelt portrayal of life and career in your 30s. If you mainly want romance better look elsewhere

Often times dramas portray professionals in their 30s as having their lives and careers all figured out, when in reality, even while being succesful we may not feel confident of where life is leading us to, and Law and the City showed that beautifully. And all the while having different yet engaging law cases every week. I could happily watch another season of cases with this cast.

Each of the main leads had different circumstances yet all of them felt relatable at some point and I was so interested in all of their stories, I specially loved how each of them had enough time to shine. If you had told me on day 1 that I would end up caring for Ryu Hye Young's, Kang You Seok's and Im Sung Jae's characters as much or even more than for LJS and MKY, I would not have believed it but with each episode they steadily won me over.

Fair warning, if you come here only wanting a romance drama with Lee Jong Suk and Moon Ka Young, then stop, don't watch this as it will not satisfy your romance needs. If you want a "How to get away with murder" style drama, then also stop. This is an episodic private practice law procedural first and foremost.

So yeah, highly recommend for a glimpse of the daily lives of lawyers in South Korea, and more generally, some of the highs and lows you can face in your 30s.

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I desperately wanted to like this

I love this cast so much!! Lee Jongsuk is one of my OG korean crushes and whenever I see Moon Kayoung I can't help but smile, she's just so adorable!! I love that Kang you Seok is getting more main roles and everyone else including the guest casts are people that I enjoy watching a lot.

so regardless of the plot I was going to watch this, but, I don't know what I was expecting, but this surely isn't it. It's not exactly boring but it's not exciting either, the characters interactions are great I really like how they're getting along but there's still something missing. I completely lost interest midway through the second episode and I don't know if I want to continue watching to see the progress of the story or because I am biased by the casting.

I will come back once more episodes air, maybe I will get into the story then, but for now it's very mid and I don't think Moon kayoung and Lee Jongsuk make a convincing couple if that's where the story is going. I do hope they prove me wrong though.

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Something New

I really love this drama but I have to say its nothing if you want an action or very dramatic drama. The drama follows five charakters through their realistic everyday life and we all know that life isn't a kdrama. From what I expirienced til now (I watched 8 episodes so far) in every episode there is a new client and obstacles for each of the lawyers but mostly it all resolves at the end of the episode. It is a wholesome drama with many heartwarming moments, romance and realistic everyday life situations. Even though the story might not be that exiting the acting and effort they obviously put in this drama are worth watching it!

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Honestly, I don’t understand why Law and the City has such a low score, “8” feels far too modest.

The plot is simple yet surprisingly captivating, following the everyday lives of five characters.
The pacing is steady and consistent, never rushed, never dragging, and that’s exactly what allows you to fully immerse yourself in their world. No forced drama here: the story is built on subtle, human storytelling, and at times it gave me a real sense of warmth.
It may not be the most explosive drama out there, but it kept me engaged from start to finish.
No complicated romances, no unnecessary twists, just genuine friendships, a few touches of romance, personal growth… (nd a generous serving of delicious Korean dishes that will make you hungry)

What makes it stand out is its authenticity, the characters feel real, their relationships evolve naturally, and the setting is believable down to the smallest details. Nothing feels artificial, everything flows naturally.
I enjoyed all five main characters for different reasons, Mun Jeong and her husband were an absolute delight, he’s practically the definition of the perfect husband.
Ju Hyeong and Hui Ji shared a subtle yet touching romance, and I loved that it wasn’t dictated by their past and the arcs of Chang Won and Sang Gi were also well done, though in my opinion slightly less emotionally impactful than the others.

It’s not a drama built on big twists, yet it never feels boring. On the contrary, I wish it had been longer, 16 episodes would have been perfect to spend more time with these characters.
In short, Law and the City is a warm and sincere legal slice-of-life, with authentic characters, believable dialogue, and a comforting atmosphere, perfect for those who value heart over spectacle.

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Great slice of life & law drama -- definitely watch if you like hospital playlist and law dramas

I was definitely intrigued and gravitated towards this drama because of its similarity to hospital playlist (that of course, being my favourite drama). And after watching it, I can definitely say it didn't disappoint.

I'm quite saddened by the fact that the other reviews are so lowly scored, but I understand that this type of drama is not for everyone.

Now onto the actual review:

Law and the City is a slice of life and law drama. NOT a romance drama. That being said, if you are looking for romance, this is not for you. However, if you are looking for zero romance, this drama is also not for you. Nevertheless, if you are open to trying something else, please please please give this drama a try.

There are definitely moments where the plot dives into Ahn Juhyeong and Kang Huiji's romance and their backstory but this is done essentially for the slice of life aspect. In my opinion, the lack of depth and minimal romance in this drama is what makes it outstanding. I loved how they focused on the different cases, concepts, and all the different characters' relationships instead of making it heavily reliant on romance.

This might be controversial but I think they nailed the plot by grazing over the plethora of experiences people face... and that is reality. The plot covered friendship, marriage, romance, workplace events, bullying, etc. either by the main characters experiencing it or through the cases that they take on. It feels so real and down-to-earth, and that is what stands out. It can be seen as quite monotonous or disengaging, but in my opinion, the calmness of the drama is what drew me in.

What was most memorable and held most significance, to me, was the friendship between the main characters. Their friendship is so raw, transparent, and most importantly, easy. Just simply, five friends who work in the same building, share meals together, and are always open to lending each other a hand.

The ending was definitely satisfying as we are able to see all the main characters' closure with Hyeongmin Group and a short time skip to their daily routine after accomplishing each of their dreams.

I have no complaints for this drama. 10/10

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What a waste of a great cast and plot

The drama was a good slice of life. I liked the calm and warm vibe of it. But it fell short on many aspects. I believe if it had been done better, it would have been excellent. I'm very sad, it is such a waste of talent and good plot... I was drawn to it because I thought it was similar to my favorite drama Hospital Playlist -but with lawyers- and it was to some extent, just worse.

As for the main characters, I really like the cast, but I don't think they have much chemistry with each other. As for the romance, I knew this was not the main focus, but it just felt a little too forced. It could have been a beautiful slow burn romance, with little hints here and there that there were something, without really showing anything (like hospital playlist...) Having little glimpses of that Hong Kong romantic escapade. But as KHJ and AJH had absolutely zero chemistry together, it miserably failed in that aspect. Hui Ji had more chemistry with Cho Chang Won than An Ju Hyeong sadly.

But the one thing I am really, REALLY disappointed about is the chairwoman's story. This was done extremely poorly and felt very messy overall. This was such a missed opportunity... At first I was excited to see a side story with the CEO Gang. We could have seen all the CEOs bonding together and growing together as people, having probably a cute rivalry going on. (They did try to do that at one point when two CEOs were opposites in a trial, but that one felt just very dumb and not explored further.) I was hoping her and the whole ceo gang would have become real friends, somewhat like our main group. But no. There was nothing. The merger happened, then our lady leaves to pursue her dreams (I mean, good for her) and everything goes back to its place, as if nothing happened. Then why even go through the merger to begin with? Whyyy?

The chairwoman was supposed to be an important character, but she was basically just used as filler... The story with that one guy, who was an absolute POS, was inconsistent and boring. I understood that the guy was probably someone who profited from her at some point (probably from her foundation) and used that in bad ways, which is why she tried to stop him. But this was not explicitly shown, we just had to guess it... If the writers wanted to go in that direction, maybe a quick backstory of her past, where she saw the good in him and wanted to help him out, but then seeing him making all the wrong choices without being able to stop him would have been interesting to watch. Or at least would have explained their relationship. Or they could have just like...not done that? Like, why was his story SO important? Why was that character necessary for our chairwoman to be interesting? I found her plenty interesting to begin with. I mean, the lady has A LOT of money and is actually a badass yet altruistic chairwoman of a (probably) large conglomerate, with a passion for law. How is she not interesting enough?

I thought at first it was hinted that she sponsored some of the main characters, but turns out she only sponsored Ha Sang Gi. I was certain it would be revealed that she also sponsored Hui Ji back when her dad was having money issues after getting scammed, because she always looked at her sweetly, but no. This was absolutely not explored. I mean, how else could Hui Ji have become a lawyer when her dad had lost everything, to the point where she could no longer study piano and yet still manages to pay for her tuition for law school without any issues? That would have been interesting to explore. Huiji is known to be a huge social butterfly, they could have had a very cute relationship together, like with Ha Sang Gi towards the end. But our lady never properly bonded with anyone, even though it seemed like she was dying to be a part of it. I felt really sad for her, because I do love her.

Overall, I do believe the drama was not bad and was still enjoyable to watch. But it wanted to do a lot. Probably too much. But failed in every aspect.

Side note - I absolutely love Mun Jeong's hubby, the sweetest. (Now, THAT's chemistry !)

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“Can’t help but come by often.”

Finally, I have finished the drama. Well and it was a miss but it played well. It was one where I hanged on but no clippings caught me. I was blown away. But came back. Yes, I did enjoyed most of it and admit the flaws. This was a case where there were a a lot of evidences and witnesses but they were kind of too much and irrelevant. I liked the happy happy friendship vibes also the drop bit of romance. For the rating

**7.8ish/10 but I’ll give an 8**

It is a rating which was pushed up at start of very last episode. I had my hopes down during the last quarter. It was just I was being pushed with so much of information, that I was stopping it at times. But, wrapping up something plays a lot to me. Even the dramas with bestest acts and writing fail to merge the lines at end. This drama really gave me a good insight at end. For my part of review, I’ll discuss the factors below,

> The end
It started with Seochodong and terminated to see you around there. I was captivated by this circle. The start had the lines emerge which looked coincident and together but as story progressed they went parallel. The Seochodong was the converging lens. “You’ll be comfortable here”, Mr. Ahn said. As, whatever and however excruciating it is. It’s home. It’s a reunion. Maybe a hug? The detach was just for something new. I am glad it wasn’t the drama where they just go like “here we go again” trope. But rather I saw a new line at end of circle. There were changes. Which were necessary to move on. Cause to move on, motions shall be possessed.

> The Friendship
The drama showcased friendship in a more natural and engaging way. There were many moments where I thought, “Ah, I have experienced this”, you much to say but you keep it in. They were always there supporting each other, yet had storms of their own, still calmed down others. But eventually, they did poured it. “When you can’t hold, I’ll be there. When you stop, I’ll be there.” Writer didn’t pushed the friendship rather made it grow. It cooked on a low flame, like the hotpot.

> Perspective
During a case, ML and FL were arguing over case in initial episodes. I was annoyed by MLs thought, like FL, but as he polished the case. I was AWED. It was a new eye. Towards end, the case of grandmother. How well fl took it, she wasn’t there to prove her innocent and chug the case. But, make her hidden soul shine. Grandma did murdered, but circumstances which lead to it shall not be taken lightly [Ik it’s not fair, I have no right to say it, but things don’t stand own their own there’s something behind]. I was myself at barbaric consultation with my inner self I did thought for a while. You may too!

> Parallelism, Cinematography and Eggs
The strings which connected today’s Fl and ML with the ones young in their youth a making it run in a congruity was well. Some transitions were smooth. There was a scene at end of ep 1, where camera focuses on a half filled beer glass, suggesting that there is something still bubbling. Their backstory was fresh, where the leads had a different charm.
The earthquake things which came at the entry of FL and building owner suggested changes and unseen initiatives. There were so much small of details and eggs scattered here and there, but I’ll keep it short.
I enjoyed subtle boxing and lines of division used throughout. Honourable mentions were the subway scene of ML and Fl which was at end of an episode. And in the one of the last few eps, there was a scene where they all were eating a restaurant where they order gyoza with something. And camera moves out boxing them in groups. Which indicates some similar thought alignment and likability. In most meetings of Fl and ML boxing was used to describe the intimacy.

> Acting, Plot and Theme
Acting was well. I really like the actresses acting and it was my first time with ML. But my fav ones are 2nd FLs husband and Attorney or I should say Prosecutor Cho. I clicked with Cho as he’s one at centre yet shadowed. Talkative yet one left not talked. I was annoyed at once when all leads were just cutting him off. Actor was well. I enjoyed each aspect of acts and didn’t felt it went low enough. Ofc few misses were there.
Plot, not much of a plot was there. It was just like new episode new talk with side stories wiring around.
Theme, the law based theme and everything was just not too much great either bad but wasn’t avg. The subtle calming tone catalysed by food like a warm hug did some for me. Their interactions were always so much of inviting and exhilarating. I find no obnoxious things about this tone. Whereas the serious, volatile nature during cases was fine. Not much of talk.

For ost, I only enjoyed “can I love you” by doko other ones didn’t really reached to my ear. Should’ve used them better imo.

Misses
> Too much at once
> Some cases were left at void
> I don’t think it classifies as Romance, cause I got a bare minimum of Romance. (Not to mention the screen time of leads.)
> Should’ve given more screen to pregnant phase to deepen it at end.
> Was perplexing at time. Writer might’ve been rambling stuff at one point.
> No gravity was created for cases, like come yes ah go
> Would’ve liked more of a proper context of Building owner. At least a support system underneath. (Or she was meant to be like that idk but ya)

That’s all!!!
My nutshell review would be, give it a chance. Just don’t go with a lot of hopes. And you won’t be disappointed, we can’t really hope dahlias in brisk of winter dusk. Bustling and hustling life’s of attorneys fighting inside out. New ideas and ideologies scattered waiting to be induced. Happy watching! I am open for discussions, critics and more of your thoughts!!! Cyaaaa till thennn new drama comes idk what I’ll watchhh! Hearts!

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Friends and lawyers in the beige city

This drama gathers a really lovely cast mostly old familiar faces that I have seen in law dramas before. The drama has a slight hospital playlist meets law school vibe but without the drama and suspense of law school and without the deep friends to lovers tension of hospital playlist as the romance and plot is as beige as Kang Hui Ji (Mun Ka Young) suits.

Basically taking something that could have been great but making it a bit draggy and with a complete lack of spark. The episodic nature of this was just flat and most of the stories where neither new or especially interesting, giving me the feeling of Iv seen this before done better. That said the drama does have enough moments of brilliance to push it towards the 8 star rating and those are:

1. The meals the group of friends share in this and the way those five interact and bond as a group Shows some of the sweetest moments of friendship to be seen in all of dramaland.
2. The married couples plot-line, the way they interact, the support and the playfulness of their relationship.
3. The work wife/husband dynamics between An Ju Hyeong (Lee Jong Suk) and Bae Mun Jeong (Ryu Hye Young) platonic friendship between genders that just works so well and makes you (or at leas me) wish you had one of those at work too.
4. The bromance between Cho Chang Won (Kang You Seok) and Ha Sang Gi ( Im Sung Jae) I could probably have watched a spin off with just those two.

So to sum it up this is probably more of a 7,75 than an 8 but worth a binge for the characters just don´t expect a mind blowing romance or an interesting plot and you will be fine

P.S the PPL in this was lovely with both Kopiko, Subway and a bunch of drnks... made me feel so familiar...

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A comforting drama about friendship, and lawyers.

I came here because I heard there's Lee Jong Suk and Moon Ka Young staring as the main leads and was intrigued. Even tho I came for the romance, I stayed because of the friendship and cases instead. This show displayed meaningful moments of friendship, love and acceptance. It also beautifully dives into the life of a lawyer and showed different perspectives of cases and ordinary people. This kdrama shows a series of cases waiting to be solved by our lawyer friend group and in the same time developing their relationship with eachother while also discovering one's self. I would have to say the whole romance backstory part of the leads wasn't necessary to make this drama a hit and it actually made me think they had no chemistry at all at the beginning of the series. However they started to grow on me after they got together and helped eachother out. It wasn't a typical exes to lovers kdrama storyline but instead was resolved quite quickly with no super hard feelings. Although I will have to say it was quite weird to budge in the Hong Kong backstory part cuz it wasn't really that neccesary and instead got abandoned after they got together, like there's no more references about it.
This drama didn't make their romance a big focus, but instead made it naturally happen with no fuzzy drama like other shows do. If you only came for romance, this isn't really the show for you. But if you are willing to give it a chance, please stay longer because everything else is going to make up for it.

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