Pro Bono

In the high-stakes world of South Korean justice, where ambition often eclipses empathy, 'Pro Bono' bursts onto screens as a riveting legal drama that peels back the layers of privilege and prejudice. Premiering on tvN and Netflix on December 6, 2025, this series is helmed by acclaimed director Kim Seong-yoon—renowned for visually stunning hits like 'Itaewon Class'—and co-directed by Baek Sang-hoon. Written by former judge Moon Yoo-seok, the narrative plunges viewers into the transformative journey of a fallen elite, blending pulse-pounding courtroom battles with profound emotional introspection. The atmosphere is electric, shifting from the sterile opulence of judicial chambers to the gritty, heartfelt chaos of pro bono cases fought in underfunded corners of society. Captured with cinematography that contrasts gleaming skyscrapers against humble community centers, the series invites audiences to explore Seoul's diverse filming locales, from bustling law firms to poignant immigrant neighborhoods. At its core lies Kang Da-wit (Jung Kyung-ho), a razor-sharp judge whose meteoric rise was fueled by ruthless efficiency, materialism, and a social media-savvy persona that masked his arrogance. Fame and fortune defined him until an unforeseen crisis shatters his world, stripping away his bench and thrusting him into the unfamiliar realm of public interest law at a prestigious firm's pro bono division. Here, Da-wit must navigate cases for the voiceless—animal rights activists, disabled individuals facing discrimination, abused immigrants, and even cyber-harassed idols—each arc unpacking a fresh, societally charged conflict that tests his worldview. The narrative drive stems from his reluctant evolution, clashing with the firm's idealistic team and forcing confrontations with his own flaws amid mounting personal and professional pressures. The ensemble shines with depth and chemistry. So Joo-yeon stars as Park Gi-ppeum, the passionate law expert whose encyclopedic knowledge and unwavering dedication earn quiet reverence. Lee Yoo-young plays Oh Jung-in, the firm's powerhouse attorney bridging corporate polish with pro bono fervor. They are joined by a quirky and resilient team played by Yoon Na-moo, Seo Hye-won, and Kang Hyung-seok, forming a dysfunctional yet unbreakable unit. Supporting luminaries like Choi Dae-hoon, Lee Moon-shik, Sung Dong-il, and Kim Gab-soo add gravitas, portraying judges, rivals, and family figures whose interactions reveal tangled motivations. Their relationships evolve through banter, betrayals, and breakthroughs, humanizing the law's cold machinery. 'Pro Bono' masterfully weaves themes of redemption, social justice, and humanity's overlooked margins, challenging viewers on issues Korea grapples with today. It poses piercing questions—Can justice be bought? Does true success lie in acclaim or impact?—evoking tears, cheers, and reflection through clever twists and emotional soundtracks. Filmed across Seoul's vibrant districts, the series doubles as a portal to Korea's legal underbelly, spotlighting locations ripe for film tourism. Its significance lies in humanizing pro bono work, proving that in the pursuit of justice, humility is the ultimate verdict. For fans of meaningful storytelling, 'Pro Bono' is an unmissable gem in the 2025 K-drama landscape.