While Law and The City is nearing its end, another Kdrama, Beyond the Bar (formerly Esquire), is on its way. Starring Lee Jin Wook and Jung Chaeyeon, the series follows a sharp, emotionally distant senior lawyer and a socially awkward but passionate rookie. Kim Jae Hong, who previously helmed Flex X Cop and Revenant, serves as the director of the series.
Produced by SLL and B.A. Entertainment, it airs on JTBC and will stream internationally on Netflix. The drama explores real legal cases, internal firm conflicts, and mentorship-driven character growth.
‘Beyond the Bar’ Release Date
Beyond the Bar starring Jung Chaeyeon and Lee Jin Wook is slated to begin airing on August 2, 2025. New episodes will be broadcast on JTBC every weekend at 10:40 p.m. KST. The show will also be released on Netflix, with two episodes available each weekend.
The show will run for six weeks, wrapping up with its final episode on September 7, 2025. Each episode will run approximately 60 minutes, and the drama consists of 12 episodes in total.
Plot Overview
It tells the story of Yoon Seok Hoon (Lee Jin Wook), a top lawyer at Yullim Law Firm known for his sharp mind and cold, no-nonsense attitude. He keeps his distance from others and focuses solely on winning cases. Things start to shift when Kang Hyo Min (Jung Chaeyeon), a rookie lawyer with strong ideals but poor social skills, joins his team.
From the start, their approaches clash, Seok Hoon relies on logic and control, while Hyo Min believes in emotion and fairness. Despite the friction, they are forced to work together on tough cases, and over time, their relationship changes. Seok Hoon begins to mentor Hyo Min, helping her become more confident and skilled, while she slowly challenges his way of thinking.
Cast and Characters
- Lee Jin Wook as Yoon Seok Hoon – A cold, methodical litigation leader. Lee previously starred in Sweet Home, Dear Hyeri, and more recently appeared in Squid Game seasons 2 and 3.
- Jung Chaeyeon as Kang Hyo Min – An inexperienced lawyer with strong ideals but poor social skills. Formerly a member of I.O.I, Chayeon has proven her acting skills in many notable dramas such as Family By Choice, The Golden Spoon, and The King’s Affection.
- Lee Hak Joo as Heo Min Jeong – A calm mid-level associate and former mentee of Seok Hoon. Hak Joo is known for her roles in Newtopia, The Potato Lab, and Parole Examiner Lee.
- Jeon Hye Bin as Lee Jin Woo – A late blooming lawyer who is eager to prove herself. Her notable acting credits include Liver or Die, Life on Mars, Leverage, and more.
Supporting Characters
- Kim Yeo Jin as Kwon Na Yeon – Seok Hoon’s ex-mentor
- Kwon Ah Reum as Han Seol Ah – Hyo Min’s loyal friend
- Kim Eui Sung as Ko Seung Cheol – Founder of Yullim Law Firm
Additional characters include Go Tae Seop (head of the corporate team), law school friends of Hyo Min, and Hyo Min’s parents, her mother a law professor, and her father a judge.
Beyond the Bar Trailer
In the Beyond the Bar trailer, Lee Jin Wook’s character is described by colleagues as “all business” who has no time for “‘chit-chat”.
JTBC has released a trailer showing courtroom drama, power struggles, and early tension between Seok Hoon and Hyo Min. Character posters also reveal a clear contrast between Seok Hoon’s calm, controlled personality and Hyo Min’s nervous but determined expression.
Related Dramas
Fans of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Juvenile Justice, or Law and The City may enjoy Beyond the Bar for its focus on mentorship, realistic legal cases, and complex office politics. Other legal dramas to watch include Suspicious Partner, The Law Cafe, Good Partner, Law School, and more.
For updates, teasers, and additional content, viewers can follow the official platforms of JTBC and Netflix.
