If you’ve been waiting for a slice-of-life legal K-drama that doesn’t feel overly dramatic or textbook procedural, Law and the City might just be your next favorite watch. With a mature tone, relatable characters, and a touch of mystery, the show doesn’t try too hard — and that’s exactly what makes it work. Law and the City Episode 1 takes its time to introduce us to the characters and their world, and by the end of it, you’re already curious to know more. It’s smart, grounded, and honestly, it hits differently.
Law and the City Episode 1: Main Cast
Law and the City Episode 1 Recap
The story kicks off with An Ju-hyeong, a lawyer who’s been in the field for 9 years and is clearly over it. We see flashbacks of clients who lie, cheat, and drain him emotionally. He’s reached a point where he reminds himself — he’s not here to make friends, just to win cases. His life, however, isn’t all doom and gloom. He has a close group of lawyer friends — Sang-ki, Chang-won, Mun-jeong, and Dong-wook — and they’re kind of friends who meet every day for lunch, complain about work, and find comfort in each other’s company.
Law and the City Episode 1 Recap: Lee Jong suk
Ju-hyeong takes on a new case involving a blind accountant, Park Kyeong-heon, who previously accepted an assault charge just to avoid trouble. Now, he wants to appeal because he’s at risk of losing his license. The more Ju-hyeong digs, the more suspicious things seem, like the fact that Park and the supposed victim, Kim Seung-guk, once lived at the same address.
Meanwhile, we meet Kang Hee-ji, a confident and warm young lawyer who gets hired at Don-wook’s old firm. She stumbles upon some photos of Ju-hyeong, and it looks like she’s seen a ghost — clearly, they have history. She’s also not afraid to break norms, like attending her client’s ruling just to be there for them emotionally.
Law and the City Episode 1 Recap: Mun Ka-young
Back in court, Ju-hyeong finds a way to help Park without exposing his private life. He calls them “roommates” instead of lovers, letting the facts speak for themselves. After the trial, Park thanks him, but Ju-hyeong, in his typical cold tone, says, “I didn’t believe you. I just built the strongest case.” The episode ends with a mysterious woman entering a high-stakes meeting with law firms’ CEOs, and you instantly get villain vibes. Ju-hyeong later meets his friends for dinner, and just then, Hee-ji walks in. The way he looks at her says everything — this isn’t just a coincidence.
Law and the City Episode 1 Review
This premiere really surprised me in the best way. It doesn’t rely on flashy twists or over-the-top drama. Instead, it quietly builds a story around real people doing a tough job in an even tougher world. Lee Jong-suk nails the role of Ju-hyeong — calm on the outside but clearly carrying a lot inside. His cold, logical approach contrasts beautifully with the warm, casual scenes he shares with his friends. That slice-of-life energy? It’s so comforting to watch.
Law and the City Episode 1 Review:
Hee-ji’s entrance was intriguing too. She’s smart, empathetic, and clearly has a personal past with Ju-hyeong. Their chemistry already hints at something deeper, but thankfully, the show doesn’t rush into romance — it leaves space to let things unfold naturally. The first legal case with Park Kyeong-heon was handled with so much sensitivity. It’s not just about whether someone’s guilty or not — it’s about what people choose to reveal or hide, and why. That kind of storytelling pulls you in without shouting.
Final Thoughts
Law and the City Episode 1 sets the tone just right. It’s thoughtful, character-driven, and has enough heart to keep you invested. The mix of professional burnout, close-knit friendships, and unresolved relationships makes the drama feel grounded and emotionally real.
If you’re into legal dramas that are more about people than just the law, and if you love stories where friendships matter just as much as the main plot, this show is absolutely worth checking out. It’s got just the right amount of tension, warmth, and mystery to keep you hooked. I’m definitely watching Episode 2 — are you?
It is Streaming on Viki