Phantom Lawyer: Yoo Yeon Seok Transforms into Ghost-Seeing Attorney in First Stills

First stills reveal Yoo Yeon Seok’s haunting new role in Phantom Lawyer.

JTBC has unveiled the first stills of Yoo Yeon Seok in its upcoming drama Phantom Lawyer, set to premiere on March 13. The series introduces a unique blend of legal drama and supernatural mystery, following the story of Shin Yi Rang (Yoo Yeon Seok), a lawyer who unexpectedly gains the ability to see ghosts, and Han Na Hyeon (Esom), an elite attorney. Together, they use the law to resolve the grievances of clients who are far from ordinary.

Yoo Yeon Seok’s Transformation

The newly released stills highlight Yoo Yeon Seok’s striking transformation into Shin Yi Rang. In one image, he appears as a polished professional, dressed in a sleek, well-tailored suit that radiates warmth and confidence. In stark contrast, another still captures his haggard appearance as he prays, burdened by the ghosts he sees against his will. This haunting moment takes place inside Okcheon Building, Room 501 — the mysterious location where his journey begins.

Shin Yi Rang’s Character Arc

Shin Yi Rang is portrayed as a late-blooming lawyer who grew up in Seocho-dong. Despite his determination to start a new chapter in his career, he faces repeated rejection during law firm interviews, living a life marked by constant setbacks. Yet his compassionate nature shines through — he cannot ignore even small acts of hardship, such as an elderly woman selling vegetables on the street. His mother affectionately calls him a “softie,” underscoring his gentle disposition.

Yi Rang’s life takes an unexpected turn when he unknowingly leases an office that was once a shaman’s house. After settling in, he begins to see ghosts, forcing him into cases that defy both law and logic. Unable to turn away from those in need, he gradually steps deeper into their stories, navigating a world where the supernatural collides with the legal system.

Production Team’s Insight

The production team emphasized that Shin Yi Rang is not a hero with innate powers but rather a man whose personality drives him to help others. “Shin Yi Rang is neither a character with special abilities nor a hero from the outset. It’s his personality — he simply can’t turn his back on people — that ultimately leads his life down a different path,” they explained.

They further praised Yoo Yeon Seok’s performance, noting his ability to bring depth and versatility to the role. “Yoo Yeon Seok has shown many different sides of himself across a wide range of projects, and in this drama, he convincingly brings Shin Yi Rang to life. Audiences will see him deliver his first comic performance alongside possessed, one-man multiple-role acting that subtly shifts depending on each backstory. This drama will showcase a new side of Yoo Yeon Seok unlike anything he has shown before.”

Premiere Details

Phantom Lawyer will premiere on March 13, with details about its global OTT release yet to be announced. With its intriguing premise, strong performances, and supernatural twist, the drama is poised to captivate audiences who enjoy both legal storytelling and ghostly mysteries.

Read: Ghostly Justice: Yoo Yeon Seok & Esom Team Up in SBS’s “Phantom Lawyer” Teaser!