tvN’s newest weekend drama Pro Bono is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Premiering on December 6, the series has captivated viewers and recorded impressive ratings after just two episodes. According to Nielsen Korea, episode 2, aired on December 7, achieved a nationwide household rating of 6.0%, with even higher numbers in the Seoul metropolitan area firmly establishing it as the second most-watched drama in its time slot.
The legal comedy drama stars Jung Kyung-ho as Kang David, a materialistic judge obsessed with status who unexpectedly finds himself reassigned to the least glamorous department of a top law firm: the pro bono team at O&Partners. Forced to handle unpaid public interest cases, Kang David begins a bumpy journey of transformation and growth, delivering both humor and emotional depth.
Pro Bono’s early success is credited to the synergy between the main cast and the production team. Jung Kyung-ho’s dynamic performance balances slick charm with character depth, anchoring the narrative with charisma and wit. Writer Moon Yoo-seok known for his grounded and socially-conscious legal dramas like The Devil Judge and Miss Hammurabi brings authenticity and impact to the script, drawing from his own experience as a judge. Director Kim Seong-yoon’s detailed and nuanced direction adds further polish.
True to its title, Pro Bono (meaning “for the public good”) dives into the lives of lawyers committed to serving the underserved. Future episodes will explore cases involving abandoned dogs, children with disabilities, and foreign female laborers transforming the series from a simple courtroom drama into a heartfelt commentary on marginalized communities.
Jung Kyung-ho’s portrayal of Kang David, once an ambitious elitist and now a reluctant public defender, has been praised for its balance of comedic flair and dramatic sincerity. Co-stars So Joo-yeon as the idealistic rookie lawyer Park Gi-ppeum, and Lee Yoo-young as the cool-headed firm CEO Oh Jung-in, round out a compelling ensemble that keeps the drama engaging and emotionally resonant.
With Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Typhoon Family already scoring big for tvN this year, all eyes are on Pro Bono to see if it can continue the network’s streak of weekend drama hits. As the show breaks away from conventional legal tropes and highlights stories of the socially excluded, viewers eagerly anticipate what emotional catharsis and societal commentary it will deliver next.
Pro Bono airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 p.m. KST on tvN.
Sources: daum