Phantom Lawyer is a supernatural legal drama that follows a first-time independent lawyer that gives voice to a peculiar type of client—the dead. When rookie lawyer Shin Yi-rang (Yoo Yeon-seok) experiences difficulties applying for jobs due to his family background, he opens his own practice in a space previously used by a shaman, thus opening his eyes to the world of spirits. Aided by souls of the dead, Yi-rang’s soft heart and strong moral compass leave him no choice but to use his job to aid them into moving on peacefully to the afterlife.
Here is SEA Wave’s High Five review of this supernatural legal drama.
A New Spin
If you think about legal dramas, you would almost immediately assume it to have a serious tone. However, Phantom Lawyer gives a fresh twist on the genre by incorporating supernatural elements into the show. After the newly opened for business Atty. Shin Yi-rang accidentally lights a shaman’s old incense burner, he gains the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. He now feels responsible to give a voice to the dead who were not able to get the justice they deserved. Watch out for how this attorney will handle his different ghost clients in and out of the court.
Entertaining Performances
Still from SBS
After the success of his previous drama, When the Phone Rings, and even winning the Best Actor Award, Yoo Yeon-seok is back as a ghost-seeing lawyer. Shin Yi-rang is left helpless when his clients are overwhelmed with emotion and end up possessing him. Be ready to witness not just one new character but rather a few more quirky sides that ascertain this actor’s acting prowess.
Actress Esom is also participating in this project with the role of Han Na-hyun, the cold-hearted ace of a big law firm who has never tasted defeat. You will be delighted to meet the other characters in the series as well, including a very adorable niece, a shaman turned priest, and maybe even a short encounter with a cute dog.
Social Commentary
Still from SBS
Phantom Lawyer may be a work of fiction, but the cases explored in the show do reflect real societal concerns. I would say that this is one of the factors that make it more relatable and even heart-wrenching to watch, albeit presented through a supernatural lens. The ghosts painfully represent people who were ignored, failed, or forgotten by society even before their demise. The reality mirrored in the show was able to balance perfectly well with its fantasy elements which made it feel grounded.
No Dull Moment
Still from SBS
Mostly focusing on death and injustice, but still giving a complete emotional experience to its viewers. The writers definitely knew what they were doing to tug on one’s heartstrings. They served a complete package by providing a good amount of laughter, heart flutters, and even a few tears with its diverse topics and smooth flowing storyline. There was indeed no dull moment on the show!
A Story on Closure and Moving On
Still from SBS
Death is a very tricky event; the passing on of a person can be seen as their release from suffering, and yet the people that remain are left shattered in pieces. Legal dramas usually end after a criminal is rightfully charged or a verdict is announced. In this series, justice feels more complete as the emotional wounds of those left behind can finally reach the closure that they need, and the deceased can finally rest in peace.
The Phantom Lawyer reminds viewers that justice is not simply about punishment—it is also about healing. Closure is not just the cases won. It is about acknowledging pain, uncovering the truth and finally being able to move on.