Phantom Lawyer (Korean: 신이랑 법률사무소) is an ongoing South Korean legal fantasy television series co-written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Cheol-gyu, directed by Shin Joong-hoon, and starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Esom. The series follows Shin Yi-rang, a determined lawyer who opens his own firm in a former shaman's office, gaining the ability to see and be possessed by ghosts. With help from elite lawyer Han Na-hyun, he resolves spirits' unresolved issues, navigating a world of law and the supernatural. It premiered on SBS TV on March 13, 2026, and airs every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Netflix, Viki, and Viu.

Synopsis

Shin Yi-rang struggled with bar exams after his father, a disgraced prosecutor, died. He eventually opens his own practice in room 501 of the Okcheon Building, a space used by a shaman, and starts seeing ghosts. Yi-rang's first client is Lee Kang-pung, an ex-gang member who died due to surgical negligence. The surgeon, Lee Jung-seok, was acquitted by lawyer Han Na-hyun, who had an unexpected change of heart during the trial. Yang Do-kyung, a lawyer at Taebaek, will do anything to impress his father, Chairman Yang Byung-il. He is even gone so far as to order the destruction of evidence – a hard disk with EMR data that could incriminate Lee Jung-seok. Thanks to Han Na-hyun, Shin Yi-rang won a pivotal trial for Lee Kang-pung's family. She then helped uncover the truth behind idol trainee Kim Su-a's death, bringing closure to the young girl's grieving family.

Cast and characters

Main

Dreaming of creating the best law firm in Korea, he opens a firm in Room 501 of the Okcheon Building, a former shaman's house, where his life changes. As he meets ghosts and hears their stories, Yi-rang starts resolving their unresolved issues, helping them move on.

  • Esom as Han Na-hyun Hwang Hyun-jung as Na-hyun

Taebaek Law Firm's Ace Lawyer. Her life is torn apart after an accident kills her sister Sohyun, leaving her with crushing guilt. Discovering Sohyun's diary, she learns of her sister's dream to become a lawyer. Driven by guilt, she fulfills her sister's dream, rising to ace at a major firm. She becomes a top lawyer, undefeated until a loss brings her face-to-face with Shin Yi-rang.

Supporting

Shin Yi-rang's family

  • Kim Mi-kyung as Park Gyeong-hwa Kim Kang-hee as young Gyeong-hwa

Yi-rang's mother

Yi-rang's older sister

Yi-rang’s Brother-in-Law

  • Lee A-rin as Yoon Da-Bong

Yi-rang's niece

Han Na-hyeon's family

Na-hyeon's deceased older sister

Taebaek Law Firm

  • Kim Kyung-nam as Yang Do-kyung, the CEO of Taebaek Law Firm
  • Yeon Ji-hyung[ko] as Kim Hyun-woo, a prosecutor
  • Han Seo-in

Special appearances

Yi-rang's deceased father who was accused of corruption.

Production

Development

The series is directed by Shin Joong-hoon, co-written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Cheol-gyu, and produced by Studio S and Mongjakso.

Casting

In September 2024, Yoo Yeon-seok was reportedly cast as the lead to play a lawyer who can see ghosts. In December, Esom was reportedly cast as the female lead alongside Yoo.

On November 18, 2025, according to MK Sports, Yeon Ji-hyung[ko] has been cast. On November 26, the casting of Yoo and Esom as the leads was officially confirmed.

Filming

Principal photography began in early 2025.

Release

Phantom Lawyer was originally scheduled to premiere on SBS TV in the second half of 2025, but then it was moved to the first half of 2026. In November 2025, it was reportedly scheduled to air in January 2026. On December 31, 2025, a special teaser video was released, and it was confirmed to premiere in March 2026.

By February 2026, the series was confirmed to be broadcast on March 13, 2026, and would air every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Netflix, Viki, and Viu internationally.

Viewership

SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910111213141516
11.1651.6801.5061.8201.6061.9551.4901.7241.2761.2461.248TBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep.Original broadcast dateAverage audience share (Nielsen Korea)
NationwideSeoul
1March 13, 20266.3% (6th)5.6% (5th)
2March 14, 20268.7% (2nd)9.2% (2nd)
3March 20, 20267.8% (3rd)8.1% (2nd)
4March 21, 20269.1% (2nd)9.3% (2nd)
5March 27, 20268.7% (2nd)9.0% (1st)
6March 28, 202610.0% (2nd)10.6% (2nd)
7April 3, 20267.6% (3rd)7.3% (1st)
8April 4, 20269.5% (2nd)9.4% (2nd)
9April 10, 20266.7% (5th)6.5% (4th)
10April 11, 20266.6% (4th)6.7% (3rd)
11April 17, 20266.5% (5th)6.4% (2nd)
12April 18, 2026
13April 24, 2026
14April 25, 2026
15May 1, 2026
16May 2, 2026
Average
In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.

External links