Fans of the hit legal drama Good Partner were disappointed to learn that Nam Ji Hyun will not reprise her role as Han Yu Ri in the second season. It was SBS’s highly rated and most talked-about Kdrama of 2024. Therefore, Good Partner season 2 was announced in April by SBS.
On April 3, SBS confirmed the second season, saying
“‘Good Partner’ Season 2 is in production. Since it is still in the early stages, details such as the filming schedule, broadcast date, and cast have not yet been decided.”
On June 24, Daily Sports reported that Nam Ji Hyun and the production team of the SBS drama Good Partner had been in talks for her appearance in Season 2. But she ultimately decided to step down due to scheduling conflicts.
Season 2 has recently entered production and is expected to begin filming in the first half of next year. Meanwhile, it has been reported that actress Jang Na Ra is currently considering returning for Season 2 and is positively reviewing the offer.
As hard as it is to imagine the drama without Nam Ji Hyun, the reality is that she won’t be returning for the second season. Many viewers are now questioning whether the show can achieve the same level of success and ratings without her.
Good Partner (July-September 2024) follows the story of top divorce lawyer Cha Eun Kyung (Jang Na Ra) and rookie attorney Han Yu Ri (Nam Ji Hyun). Han is navigating her own first divorce while starting her legal career.
Written by a real divorce attorney, Choi Yoo Na, what sets Good Partner apart is its perfect balance, treating sensitive divorce matters with authenticity. The first episode scored a 7.8% rating and later climbed to a peak of 17.7%.
Jang Na Ra earned her first-ever Grand Prize at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards for her powerful performance in Good Partner. She played Cha Eun Kyung, a devoted divorce lawyer and mother fighting to protect her daughter.
Nam Ji Hyun received the Best Acting Award for her role as Han Yu Ri, a top law school graduate who unexpectedly joins the divorce team instead of her dream corporate team. Her character resonated with viewers, especially the younger generation, for honestly reflecting modern life and career struggles.
Other cast members include Kim Jun Han, Block B member P.O, Ji Seung Hyun, and Han Jae Yi.
On another note, Nam Ji Hyun is currently filming the upcoming KBS2 drama Dear Bandit, which is set to air next year. The series is a historical romantic comedy that tells the story of a woman who unintentionally becomes a thief and a Joseon-era prince who is pursuing her. Their fates take a surprising twist when they switch souls and begin to protect one another.