Joseon Attorney: Episodes 7-8
by solstices
Romance is in the air this week! But first, there’s a tricky case to win and a framed suspect to save. When his usual avenue of victory is blocked off, our hero must tap into his creativity to outwit his enemies and save his client.
EPISODES 7-8
So, the whole “Princess” thing? It’s a fake-out! Han-soo heard from the village elder that the person who intercepted the letter had been the princess, so he drunkenly mumbles that he has to find her and ask her about it personally. A flashback reveals that the young princess had simply been trying to be helpful, but Councilor Yoo had snatched the letter right out of her hands before she could deliver it to her father. Not long after, the king died.
Having witnessed the hug, Ji-sun advises Yeon-joo to stay away for her own safety. He’s aware of the circumstances surrounding Officer Kang’s death, and he’d rather she doesn’t get caught up in it. However, Yeon-joo won’t be swayed.
The next morning, Han-soo recalls his drunken antics. Not only did he mistakenly hug Yeon-joo, but he also made Ji-sun give him a piggyback ride, cheering him on as if he were his horse. Ha, Han-soo’s mortification is hilarious. (Also, how much do I love that Ji-sun actually played along?!)
Determined to meet the princess, Han-soo begins the trek back to Hanyang. However, Yeon-joo can’t help but fear what Han-soo may think if he finds out that she had a part to play in his father’s death. When they pass by a village festival, it’s the perfect opportunity to stall for time, and Yeon-joo fibs that it’s her birthday. Can’t they have fun just for today? Yeon-joo’s adorable pout gets Han-soo to give in, and they join in the festivities.
The main event is a wrestling competition, which naturally means we get an excuse to see Woo Do-hwan’s post-army abs. Bolstered by Yeon-joo’s enthusiastic cheering, Han-soo emerges as the champion, but he chooses the third-place prize. It’s a pair of flower shoes, for Yeon-joo’s birthday gift, and Han-soo bends down to put on the shoes for her. Aww, Yeon-joo is visibly affected by his thoughtful gesture.
Having gained strength from Yeon-joo’s comforting words that drunken night, Han-soo finally manages to overcome his water trauma. He tells Yeon-joo that her valiant rescue gave him courage to confront his fear of water, thanking her sincerely for her kindness. In return, Yeon-joo earnestly declares that her purpose in life will be to ensure that Han-soo can live a happy life, and her selfless sincerity clearly moves Han-soo.
This week, it’s Judge Choo’s turn to board the villain merry-go-round. His son CHOO DAE-SUNG (Jo Min-gyu) has just violently beaten a peasant to death in an aggressive and unreasonable outburst, after which Judge Choo framed his family servant for the crime.
Dae-sung is a real piece of work, but we also see that he suffers from tinnitus — brought on by a lifetime of hearing his father berate him for not being good enough. It’s no wonder Dae-sung grew up with an inferiority complex and a sense of elitism over the commoners his father looks down upon.
Back in Hanyang, Han-soo approaches Ji-sun for information about the princess, and Ji-sun puts off the conversation by assigning him the servant farmer’s case. It comes as a surprise to Ji-sun that Han-soo doesn’t know Yeon-joo’s true identity, and he’s trying to buy himself time to think his next move over by assigning a difficult case to Han-soo.
Needless to say, once Judge Choo finds out, he isn’t happy. A heartfelt conversation between Han-soo and Yeon-joo gets interrupted by a band of assassins, and our hero sustains several injuries. Thankfully, his life is saved by Yeon-joo — who valiantly stabs one of his attackers — and her bodyguard, who arrives in the nick of time.
Bloodstained but very much alive, Han-soo barges into Judge Choo’s residence. Slamming his bloody hand down onto the farmer son’s petition scroll, Han-soo boldly admits his true identity as Officer Kang’s son. Judge Choo can consider this a declaration of war — Han-soo will make him pay for his sins.
In a neat bit of editing, Han-soo flickers between his past and present selves. He’s doing this on the behalf of his younger self, but also to avenge the man he had to grow up into.
Afterwards, Yeon-joo tends to Han-soo’s wounds. They chide each other for jumping into the fray so recklessly, and in a moment of vulnerability, Han-soo confesses that he can’t bear to lose yet another loved one. After all this is over, he just wants to live a normal life. And get married. And have children. And — he kisses Yeon-joo, a quick chaste peck on her lips. He wants to do all that with her, so will she wait for him?
Clearly wanting nothing more than to reciprocate, Yeon-joo admits that she has something to tell him once this case is over. Will he wait for her, too? Of course, Han-soo agrees, smiling tenderly at the lady he’s grown to love.
Unfortunately, Judge Choo is far from an easy adversary. Instead of putting up a fair fight, he plays dirty, postponing the trial indefinitely and poisoning the farmer’s food. Forced out of his usual method of winning in a court of law, Han-soo racks his brains for an alternative solution.
Meanwhile, Ji-sun pays Dae-sung a friendly visit. Since their fathers are close, Ji-sun offers his help in getting Dae-sung off scot-free. This has to be a ruse, right? Ji-sun reaches into his sleeve for the victim’s autopsy report, without which Han-soo cannot win his case — but his sleeve is empty. Oh no, perhaps Han-soo stole it? If he presents it to the king, then it’s game over!
The very thought sends Dae-sung sprinting after Han-soo in a desperate rage. Chasing him all the way to the house where he’s supposedly having a meeting with the king, Dae-sung demands he hand over the autopsy report. Except Han-soo’s hands are empty, and so is the house. Our cheeky attorney deliberately riles the furious Dae-sung up, egging him on until he smashes a vase and raises a shard to stab Han-soo.
Just then, all the windows fly open. Turns out the house isn’t so empty after all — having pried Master Jo with bribes, Han-soo had prepared an audience for his show. Countless ministers eye the shell-shocked Dae-sung with disdain, having witnessed firsthand the extent of his violent tendencies.
Unwilling to let his father be executed for framing an innocent man, Dae-sung would much rather pay for his crime than drag his father down with him. He turns himself in, and when Judge Choo catches wind of this, he races down to confront his son.
Utterly defeated and resigned to his fate, Dae-sung points out that he’ll never be able to pass the state exam anyway — he’ll never be able to make Judge Choo proud. Spiraling into a fit of self-deprecating laughter, Dae-sung tells his father that before it’s too late, he should just have another son. Oof.
Following Yeon-joo’s advice, Hyul gives Dae-sung a light punishment on the pretext of saving Councilor Yoo’s face. As expected, the Sarim scholars vehemently oppose, giving Hyul the justification he needs to hold Dae-sung accountable for his crimes. Dae-sung is hanged publicly, and Judge Choo bears witness to it in stunned silence.
Consumed by grief, Judge Choo accuses Councilor Yoo of abandoning him after everything he’s done for his sake. Councilor Yoo isn’t apologetic in the least, and he drives the point in by trampling on Judge Choo’s gat. He has no need for a man who makes trouble.
In case you thought Councilor Yoo couldn’t sink any lower, think again. He isn’t content with simply cutting Judge Choo loose, and he pays a visit to Dae-sung’s grave. When the mourning Judge Choo turns around, Councilor Yoo drives his blade into him, remorselessly tying up this loose end for good. Look, he’s doing Judge Choo a favor — if he hurries, he might just be able to accompany his son to the underworld. Collapsing next to his son’s grave, Judge Choo breathes his last.
And so, the last member of our Terrible Triumvirate bites the dust. In a way, he too brought his own downfall upon himself — had he treasured his son, or had he not buried his son’s crime, perhaps he and Dae-sung might still be alive. Dae-sung certainly isn’t blameless, but he was sympathetic in his final moments, because he was as much a perpetrator as he was a victim of the cycle of abuse.
Just when we might think only the big bad mastermind is left, though, the show surprises us with yet another reveal. Throughout this week’s episodes, we’ve seen a finely-dressed young lady lurking from the sidelines. It’s a grown-up Eun-soo (Han So-eun), and she reports to Councilor Yoo (!!) that she knows her brother is alive (!!!!). They’ve clearly been in cahoots for a while, and I’m already dreading to find out what lies he’s fed her all this time.
This week, we also see how much of a positive influence our leads have on each other. Not only is Yeon-joo willing to close one eye to rule-breaking if it means saving someone’s life, but Han-soo also behaves in a more considerate and empathetic manner towards the farmer and his family. Part of the latter can be chalked up to how Han-soo sees himself in the devastated young son of the framed farmer, but I do think that part of it is him learning from Yeon-joo, too.
Talking about our lovebirds’ relationship development, how much do I love that their first kiss is so understated, yet so sincere? So impulsive, yet so heartfelt? It perfectly encapsulates their dynamic, keeping in line with how they’ve been subverting tropes and expectations all this while. They’re such a lovable, heart-fluttering pair!
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Tags: Bona, Cha Hak-yeon, Joseon Attorney, Song Geon-hee, Woo Do-hwan
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1 larelle79
April 25, 2023 at 11:10 AM
Woo Do hwan can have chemistry with a stale bowl of oatmeal. The proposal was *chefs kiss*. The warmth across Han soo's face when he spoke of marriage and kids.
Yeah Woo Do hwan has it. The man just has a ton of talent.
And kudos to all the veteran actors who delivered up until now. It is is a who's who of 'oh yeah, he in was in...'.
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kiara
April 26, 2023 at 6:09 AM
He is the main reason why some of us are watching or still watching. 😂
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2 Snow Flower
April 25, 2023 at 11:11 AM
Is this an episodic show (case of the week)? Or is it one continuous story? I am curious about it, but I strongly dislike episodic dramas.
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Kurama
April 25, 2023 at 11:18 AM
Both of them in the same time. There are cases on one or two episodes but ML chose those cases because they're connected to his past.
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Snow Flower
April 25, 2023 at 11:39 AM
Thank you! I will give it a try.
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kiara
April 26, 2023 at 6:11 AM
I’m glad you are giving it a try.
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3 Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
April 25, 2023 at 12:33 PM
Tip of the Day for Judge Choo: remember the phrase "heir and spare". Just because it isn't in the Confucian classics doesn't mean it's not important.
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4 Kafiyah Bello
April 25, 2023 at 1:38 PM
The OTP is super adorable. The rest of the drama is kind of blah for me, at least we got to meet his sister.
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Dylan [Suffering from Judge from Hell brainrot]
April 29, 2023 at 7:18 PM
I was hoping to see his sister bc I was so confused where she went. now we met her, but what at cost? hope the next few episodes aren't too angsty on that front T-T
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5 lapislazulii
April 25, 2023 at 3:17 PM
That was the cutest proposal ever!! It was so adorably delivered - it looked like Han-su was short circuiting a bit trying to figure out how to say what he wanted to say and do what he wanted to do so the broken sentences and then the impulsive and chaste kiss had me squealing because it seemed so natural and not script-y. I also like that niether one of them are doing the tried and true method of being in denial about their feelings for x reason for 10 episodes or going cold turkey on the other because of some kind of noble idiocy (yet). They've not been shying away from making it known how much they care about one another which is a YAY because it means more cute OTP moments for our audience eyeballs to witness.
I think I said this last week but it was just further cemented this week - I'm really only in this for our main four protagonists & Ji-sun, and in particular for WDH and Bona who are carrying the show for me. The plot isn't bad but it's not super interesting either so this is very much a character & actor driven drama for me.
Also when I'm not making heart eyes at WDH, I love watching what Dong-chi and Lady Hong are doing in the background because there's always some goofy happenings going on while our main leads are having A Moment in the foreground.
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DancingEmma
April 25, 2023 at 3:33 PM
@lapislazulii: Agreed. I just wish that in ep 7, Yeonjoo didn’t have to deliver those lines about dedicating her life to make Hansoo happy which bothered me as it was not consistent with a character who has shown a commitment to social change albeit while being a princess. I understand that she feels guilty and has also fallen for him but to present her as this servile individual was not romantic to me in the least. I wanted her to say that they will work together and protect each other as best as they can.
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lapislazulii
April 25, 2023 at 5:20 PM
That bit stuck out a to me too - I think I just chalked it down to some kind of translation nuance that was missed because the wording of it sounded awkward too in the subtitles. Maybe we'll have to do a bit of mental gymnastics to say YJ 'making Han-soo happy' = continuing to help those that can't help themselves with the law.
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DancingEmma
April 25, 2023 at 5:28 PM
Yep. Let’s hope. My korean isn’t advanced enough to have followed it and the subs were a bit weird for sure.
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nokdudu
April 26, 2023 at 6:23 PM
Totally agree on this. I'm mostly enjoying this drama in a "brain off here to have fun" kind of way, but this nagged at me. I think if they had kept it as her vowing to protect Han Soo (which she says later) I wouldn't have minded, because I do enjoy that little bit of role reversal with the FL having all the info, the status, some more power, and vowing to "be a villain" if need be to protect the ML.
Like others I'm wondering if it was a wonky translation thing. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt! :P
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DancingEmma
April 26, 2023 at 7:28 PM
@nokdudu: I agree.
Btw, I love your user name on multiple levels including that it makes me laugh and reminds me of Nokdu.
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nokdudu
April 26, 2023 at 8:02 PM
Lol awh thanks!! The result of struggling to come up with a username while listening to the Tale of Nokdu OST 🙈
6 Bunny Sonaki
April 25, 2023 at 9:05 PM
Though I can't point it out clearly, something makes the show fall flat for me. Also, I don't particularly appreciate how Ji-sun doesn't have a proper role yet though we are half way through. 8 episodes on just lord Yoo seem too stretched for me. This drama perhaps was better being 12 episodes.
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Kareoz
April 26, 2023 at 12:58 AM
Yes agreed. On the surface it seems like it has all the right ingredients - nice connected stories clearly building up, good actors, nice cinematography.
Yet somehow it isn't deeply engaging - maybe if we had had more of Ji Sun, or perhaps a bit of angst about class boundaries, broken engagements etc (though maybe that is too come)??
I'm not sure but not as griping as other sageuks.
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DancingEmma
April 26, 2023 at 1:14 AM
I might be alone on this but I find the actor playing Jisun not charismatic at all. When you are orbiting around a ridiculously charming actor like Woo Dohwan, you either have to bring your A game or be overshadowed. It is a pity that a stronger actor wasn’t cast as Jisun and given a more substantive narrative arc.
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Bunny Sonaki
April 26, 2023 at 2:12 AM
I saw him before as a cameo in Secret royal inspector and Jo-yi and in a secondary role in Bad and crazy. It might be that it is early for him to take a main role or it might be a plot problem. Not sure. But he feels flat for me.
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Kurama
April 26, 2023 at 3:17 AM
Yeah, I agree. N (Cha Hak-Yeon) is not very charismatic on screen. I think it's best role was in Children of Nobody. It suited him.
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Midnight
April 26, 2023 at 3:28 AM
I'm not watching this show, but I loved his acting and his roles in Sassy Go Go and Familiar Wife. Maybe his roles were more side character than main?
On the other hand, his filmography tells me that I have seen nearly all of his shows, but the fact that I don't remember him at all probably proves that he is unfortunately not very charismatic... or still a bit green.
Bunny Sonaki
April 26, 2023 at 2:10 AM
Same here. The premise is interesting, the actors are doing a good job but something is missing. Perhaps getting more of Ji-sun or making Yeon-joo face more difficulties sneaking out would hype things up. Who knows?
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7 loveblossom🌸
April 25, 2023 at 9:38 PM
These were some compelling episodes! Less humor (still LOLed), but packed an emotional punch. Like seeing the little kid fiercely writing the letter & little, teary-eyed Han Soo doing the same back then.
Just like the other minions, Judge Choo was taken out. However, his character was showed a more human side by the end of his story. His crimes were too bad though. I kept thinking of Choi Moo Sung in The Nokdu Flower when he played a leader for the good people!
Master Jo is kinda interesting because he's a bad guy who'll snatch up bribes & opportunities from either side so he remains shifty and ambiguous. Han Soo makes use of him for now. Master Jo enjoys being in a high position so I imagine he may be promoted or get more benefits since Judge Choo is gone. I wonder if he will double cross Han Soo though and firmly stick with Councilor Yoo at some point.
It's unexpected that Eun Soo is possibly on the evil side! If so, will she remain evil until the end? Doubt it... The angst between sister and brother will still something different to add to the story.
Han Soo keeps talking about that ordinary, happy life. He better get it.
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Dong Moon Loves Jung Hee
April 27, 2023 at 4:14 AM
Master Jo seems more opportunistic than evil. I’m pretty sure he’ll turn out to be good in the end.
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8 KS stuck on 🥰 Aegiya KHAAJA🥰
April 25, 2023 at 9:43 PM
this is my first WDH drama (yes i sadly never thought i'd like him) but i am sold now... this bouy has acting capabilities and then his chemistry with Bona (that confession, that proposal and that KISs) he is killing it... like i was any less fallen for him cause of antics, cuteness and adorableness but that kiss thing made me enter WDH rabit hole....
so now i binged 17 epi (30 mints) of Tempted in last 24 hours while sleeping just 5 hours last night... So WDH IS something i should keep in my heart n eyes forveer...
now as most important things is out.. back to drama and its plot...
its good.. its decent but way too predictable.. i liked till last weeks epi but this week how easily thing fall in place for Han Soon to get his enemies trapped is way toooo simple... may be i am used to of all thriller suspense stories here things look like kids game and Han Soo is just on the run until the biggest roadblock the lady he loves is The Princess and till then he is having all the fun and revenge too.
hope things improve.. oh yes even if not WDH n Bona are there so i am n for their chemistry till the end and yes i need a better kiss too.. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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9 DancingEmma
April 26, 2023 at 1:18 AM
Has anyone else noticed the above description, “ A Joseon nobleman works as an attorney with twisted motivations”. The drama mentioned thst he came from a middle class family and not nobility. He has been dressing in silk robes as a lawyer but he is not part if the nobility as we currently know.
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Bunny Sonaki
April 26, 2023 at 2:59 AM
Yeah, he is of middle class.
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kiara
April 26, 2023 at 6:05 AM
Han Soo’s father was a government official who worked closely with the king. His position implies that he was a nobleman.
When the king died, he lost his position and was demoted into a commoner.
I’m not expecting accuracy with the character’s attires, but I think Han-soo’s hanboks are mostly made of ramie or a mixed of ramie and silk. If you look closely you can see the lining on the materials. I believe it was not uncommon for both nobles and middle class to wear ramie hanboks, especially when it’s hot and humid.
@sicarius what say you? Joseon fashion is your thing.
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10 FormAnOrderlyQueue
April 26, 2023 at 3:01 AM
There are a few things that this drama needs - more intricate plots, more backstory for a few, better wigs... - but I couldn't care less because WOO DOHWAN, and that's a hill I will die on. He is stellar. Hansoo is such a 3D character in his hands, from the zany idiot to the blistering ball of anger to the vulnerably sincere suitor to the child in tears. Hansoo's got angst coming his way - messed up sibling and potential fiancee who's not mentioned she's a royal - but I'm fully confident the king will step up at the 11th hour to save the day. Have we got enough material for another 8 eps? Not sure, but another month of WDH doing his thing is pure joy.
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DancingEmma
April 26, 2023 at 3:45 AM
Spot on. Woo Dohwan has some range and many actors including Korean ones either are not innately gifted like him or have not worked hard on their craft. He is a joy to watch, and even if the camera didn’t love him as much, he would still be a compelling actor.
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11 Kurama
April 26, 2023 at 3:28 AM
Dramas are like mayonnaise, you can have all the ingredients and still it doesn't work:
- The story takes place outside the palace ;
- The main actors are good ;
- The love story is cute ;
- The veteran actors are great ;
- The ML job is kinda new for a sageuk ;
- The different places are beautiful ;
- There is a cute donkey !!!
But still, I'm not curious about the story. There is no excitation about what will happen in the future episodes.
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12 nokdudu
April 26, 2023 at 6:32 PM
All the !!!!!!s about the sister reveal were pretty much me watching. Why hadn't I ever considered that this kind of twist could be coming? 😯 I just assumed we'd be getting a tearful reunion at some point in the last act of the show. But this is SO much more interesting and I'm here for it!
It's interesting to see some people say this would've worked better as 12 eps because here I am thinking, "dang, there's so much more I want to happen in just 8 more episodes!" 🙈 Have I just gotten too used to watching sageuks where episodes go by with seemingly nothing happening? (Looking at you, Our Blooming Youth. Which I enjoyed but ooooof, that pacing 😬)
I will agree though this drama *is* missing a little bit of spark. I think they could've heightened the intrigue/mystery elements a bit. And though I'm glad they side-stepped a love triangle, maybe that angst would've had people more riled up/energetic about the story.
That said, I'm still enjoying this more than the other fusion sageuks that have been airing lately and I'm looking forward to the ride to the end!
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13 Toodlepip
April 27, 2023 at 3:13 AM
While I'm enjoying the OTP and their scenes, I'm tuning out of the story in general. How many more serendipitous potential law cases can pop up for the hero to help him along? Found myself losing interest in these episodes except when the OTP were in it.
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14 Dylan [Suffering from Judge from Hell brainrot]
April 28, 2023 at 8:33 PM
look, I've enjoyed this drama a lot so far, but I'm not looking forward to the next 8 episodes of angst over the brainwashed, traitorous sister. I hope they handle that in a satisfying way.
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15 bong-soo
May 11, 2023 at 6:27 PM
On JOSEON ATTORNEY catchup mode and completed episode 8 tonight. So I am half way through the drama. A few quick thoughts.
I am thoroughly enjoying Woo Do-hwans’s performance as Attorney Kang Han-soo. I want to call his performance a tour de force (so far). He really having a ball playing this part. The ratings be d*mned. Episode 7 and 8 review:
Episode 7: Woo Do-hwan exposed (so to speak).
Episode 8: Dae-sung (son of Judge Choo). Justice was finally served because of his crime but the writer fleshed out his character enough so for me anyway he ultimately came across as a pitiful young man. Choi Min-kyu gave a nice performance as Dae-sung and in AsianWiki it is listed as only his second credit.
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