Law and The City is clocking in on July 5, and your new favorite legal K-drama might just be about… lunch? Starring Lee Jong-suk, Mun Ka-young, and a dynamic ensemble of five young attorneys, this relatable office dramedy swaps courtroom drama for everyday chaos in Seoul’s Seocho legal district, where the real action happens between stacks of paperwork and steaming bowls of soup.
What is Law and The City about?
Set in Seoul’s bustling Seocho legal district, Law and The City follows five salaried associate attorneys from different law firms working in the same office building. As they juggle heavy caseloads, constant client demands, and the grind of daily office life, what keeps them grounded is simple—their lunch breaks. Whether it’s spicy tofu stew or late-night pizza, their shared love of food has earned them the nickname “The Associate Attorneys Avengers.” Despite the intense pace of their work lives, their lunch table becomes a space where stress fades into teasing, workplace chatter, and a rare sense of camaraderie.
Written by practicing attorney Lee Seung-hyun and directed by Park Seung-woo, the series promises realism from South Korea’s legal field, mixing warmth and slice-of-life storytelling. Consider it a coming-of-age story for adults, where courtroom battles are secondary to figuring out how to get through the day.
Meet the Cast and their Characters
Lee Jong-suk as Ahn Ju-hyeong
Ahn Ju-hyeong has spent nine years at Kyungmin Law Firm, making him a rarity in a world where lawyers often move on after five. He relies on logic, sharp legal knowledge, and facts to win cases. He’s respected across the Hyungmin Building not only for his skill, but also as the person everyone turns to in a crisis. While others chase promotions or independence, he finds strange comfort in stability. But when Kang Hui-ji enters the picture, old feelings and new challenges might push him out of his comfort zone.
Mun Ka-young as Kang Hui-ji
A first-year associate at Law Firm Johwa, Kang Hui-ji steps into the legal world with a mission: focus on people, not just cases. She dreams of helping clients emotionally as well as legally. Hui-ji doesn’t hesitate to approach anyone, including Ahn Ju-hyeong, for help. Passionate and outspoken, she’s the group’s danmuji—sweet, tangy, and essential. Mun Ka-young calls her character “lovable and courageous,” and hopes viewers will enjoy the show as they would a comforting meal with friends.
Kang You-seok as Cho Chang-won
Chatterbox. Mood lifter. Dessert personified. Working at Law Firm Chunggong, Cho Chang-won treats the office like a social club. Though lighthearted on the outside, his easygoing attitude hides mounting fatigue and questions about his career path. “This is a warm, everyday drama,” Kang You-seok shares, adding that the chemistry among the five attorneys is its biggest charm.
Ryu Hye-young as Bae Mun-jeong
After failing the bar ethics exam once, Bae Mun-jeong now serves at Kyungmin Law Firm. She’s blunt, deeply caring, and obsessed with lunch spots. Known as the “meal captain,” she scouts the best eats and leads the lunch table rituals. “She’s like Cheongyang chili in soybean paste stew,” Ryu Hye-young quips, combining boldness with heart. She even made a visual transformation for the role, cutting her hair short to reflect Mun-jeong’s laidback and lovable vibe.
Im Seong-jae as Ha Sang-gi
The money-minded blogger. Ha Sang-gi works at Law Office Hojeon and doubles as a wannabe food influencer, hoping for free lunch sponsorships. “He’s an ordinary guy with quiet dreams,” says Im Seong-jae. Though often seen as pitiful-yet-cute like a rolled omelet, his character’s evolution is one to watch. He brings subtle humor and warmth to the team dynamic.
Supporting Characters
The Hyungmin Building houses lawyers and hosts a mix of management styles that shape our five attorneys’ journey.
- Yeom Hye-ran plays Kim Hyung-min, the elusive building owner whose name graces the office tower and a scholarship foundation, but has never been seen by her tenants.
- Sung Yu-deok (Lee Seo-hwan) leads Law Firm Chunggong with a profit-first mindset, taking on any case that pays.
- Kang Jung-yoon (Jung Hye-young), managing partner of Johwa, blends warmth and professionalism, treating junior lawyers like true colleagues, though she can switch tones when needed.
- Na Kyung-min (Park Hyung-soo), head of Kyungmin, is cool and indifferent, rarely interacting with associates Ahn Ju Hyeong and Bae Mun Jeong.
- Kim Ryu-jin (Kim Ji-hyun), who runs Hojeon, is fierce, efficient, and known for rewarding hard work. Her tight partnership with Ha Sang-gi keeps things running smoothly, even during all-nighters.
Overall, these leadership styles set the stage for the internal conflicts and camaraderie that make office life unpredictable and very human.
What Makes Law and The City Stand Out?
It’s Not Just a Legal Drama, It’s a Life Drama
Forget dramatic trials and moral monologues. Law and the City is about the real stuff: office politics, unpaid overtime, silent lunches, and subway commutes. It’s a rare legal K-drama that prioritizes conversations over explosive courtroom scenes.
The ‘Meal Mate’ Concept
One of the show’s most unique elements is its “shared meal” series. Each weekday highlights a different lunch or dinner—from pork cutlets to pizza—emphasizing food as comfort and therapy. These scenes reveal everything from unspoken fatigue to emotional healing, portraying food as a window into their souls.
Subtle Romance and Real Connection
The romantic tension between Ahn Ju-hyeong and Kang Hui-ji adds emotional depth without overwhelming the story. Their late-night work sessions and stolen glances hint at something deeper, perhaps a second chance at connection.
Real-Life Details That Hit Home
The drama also captures how small workplace moments—commuting, arguing over food seasoning, or saying “beer after work?” can carry emotional weight. Whether it’s Cho Chang-won’s endless chatter, Bae Mun-jeong’s impulsiveness, or Ha Sang-gi’s double life as a blogger, each character feels lived-in and real.
Their shared frustrations, victories, and daily exhaustion will strike a chord with office workers everywhere. These are not superheroes in suits, they’re everyday people just trying to survive the workweek.
When and Where to Watch
Law and the City premieres July 5 at 9:20 p.m. KST on tvN and will be available for streaming on Disney+.
Which of these “Associate Attorneys Avengers” do you relate to most? Share your favorite character or your go-to comfort food while watching Law and The City on our Instagram and X/Twitter!
Featured Image Credit: Viki
