Phantom Lawyer: SBS’s New Fantasy Courtroom Drama Introduces Characters Through Animal Symbolism
SBS is preparing to launch its highly anticipated new Friday–Saturday drama Phantom Lawyer, a series that blends sharp courtroom battles with mystical storytelling. Written by Kim Ga‑young and Kang Cheol‑gyu, and directed by Shin Joong‑hoon, the drama promises to continue SBS’s legacy of refreshing legal thrillers while adding a unique twist: characters are introduced through symbolic comparisons to animals, highlighting their instincts, personalities, and hidden strengths.
At the heart of Phantom Lawyer is Shin I‑rang, played by Yoo Yeon‑seok. Known as the “possessed lawyer,” he cannot ignore the grievances of the dead. His character is likened to a squirrel—overflowing with energy, empathy, and responsibility. Just as a squirrel moves quickly in times of crisis, Shin I‑rang reacts instinctively to injustice, prioritizing emotion over calculation. His tendency to treat cases as human stories rather than mere legal battles becomes the driving force of the drama’s narrative.
Opposite him stands Han Na‑hyun, portrayed by Esom, the cold and elite ace lawyer of Taebaek Law Firm. She embodies the eagle—strategic, sharp, and relentless. Unlike Shin I‑rang’s emotional approach, Han Na‑hyun relies on data, logic, and precision. Once she sets her target, she dives in with unwavering focus, much like an eagle swooping from the skies. The inevitable clash and eventual partnership between these two contrasting lawyers is expected to be one of the most compelling aspects of Phantom Lawyer.
Supporting characters also enrich this symbolic ecosystem. Yang Do‑kyung (Kim Kyung‑nam) is compared to a raccoon, hiding cunning strategies behind a playful exterior. Yoon Bong‑soo (Jeon Seok‑ho), Shin I‑rang’s brother‑in‑law and office manager, is the hardworking bee who keeps the law office running smoothly. Father Matteo (Jung Seung‑gil) is described as a gentle yet resolute sheep with hidden claws, embodying quiet strength and conviction. Meanwhile, Shin I‑rang’s mother, Park Kyung‑hwa (Kim Mi‑kyung), is portrayed as a tiger—unyielding, fierce, and protective, yet deeply loving beneath her stern exterior.
The production team explained that these animal metaphors were chosen to make each character’s instincts and traits more intuitive for viewers. By highlighting their differences—emotion versus calculation, gentleness versus ferocity—the drama emphasizes how conflicting personalities can collide and eventually unite in pursuit of justice. This dynamic interplay is expected to heighten both tension and warmth, offering audiences a fresh take on the courtroom genre.
With its unique blend of supernatural elements, emotional storytelling, and sharp legal battles, Phantom Lawyer is set to deliver a one‑of‑a‑kind adventure. The drama premieres on March 13 at 9:50 PM KST, and fans are eagerly awaiting how these animal‑inspired characters will navigate cases that bridge the world of the living and the dead.
Read: Phantom Lawyer: SBS Drama Reveals Yoo Yeon Seok’s Family Roots
