Law, order, and endless suspense – sound like something you could watch? Then, you’re in for a treat.
Whether you’re fascinated by the intricate strategies of lawyers or simply love a good dose of tension-filled drama, these shows have something for everyone.
And, the legal Kdramas in this list are as socially relevant and thought-provoking as expected, so you just know they’re going to be amazing.
So, sit back, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to find your next favorite Korean drama about the law!
Here are the best Kdramas about the legal system to watch right now:
1. Juvenile Justice
Sim Eun Seok, an elite judge with a prickly personality, finds herself in a predicament when she’s assigned to a local juvenile court.
Despite her deep dislike for juvenile offenders, she embarks on a journey to uphold justice while challenging conventional methods.
With an unwavering belief in her own brand of punishment, she navigates uncharted territory, defying norms and pushing boundaries.
As she walks the tightrope between her aversion to minor offenders and her dedication to fairness, Sim Eun Seok’s unorthodox approach made this legal Kdrama both fast-paced and impactful.
2. The Devil Judge
Set in a collapsed society, Head Trial Judge Kang is known as the “Devil Judge,” and his courtroom is a reality show where he mercilessly punishes the guilty.
A rivalry develops with ambitious Jung Sun Ah, while rookie Judge Kim Ga On and Police Officer Yoon Soo Hyun enter the scene.
If you’re in the mood where multiple engaging subplots interweave with the main legal narrative, then you’re going to love this one! It features law, crime, and everything in between.
3. Touch Your Heart
Oh Yoon Seo, a popular actress with poor acting skills, faces a career decline after a scandal, and to revive her image, she must work as a lawyer’s secretary for a few months.
Kwon Jung Rok, a cold-hearted attorney, reluctantly accepts her as his secretary, and this kicks off one of the most beautiful romances in a legal Kdrama I’ve watched in recent years.
Judge Park Cha Oh Reum, known for her empathy, joins the 44th Civil Affairs Department in Seoul where she clashes with Im Ba Reun, a principled and impartial judge, who disapproves of her sympathetic approach to cases.
This Kdrama made me cry an unfair number of times, so I just know you’ll love it.
In the style of many omnibus dramas, every episode of this Kdrama about law and crime focused on a different set of characters (some episodes even featured unique cases inspired by real-life events).
5. Hyena
Jung Geum Ja pushes boundaries between law and lawlessness, chasing success and money, while Yoon Hee Jae, a skilled and confident lawyer, caters to the elite, manipulating the law to their advantage.
In this Kdrama, you’ll be treated to a thrilling clash of egos, ethics, and courtroom drama as these formidable lawyers battle for power and victory.
6. Big Mouth
Park Chang Ho, aka “Big Mouth,” is an unsuccessful lawyer hired by the mayor as a double agent, who ends up framed as the notorious “Big Mouse” and sent to prison.
Go Mi Ho, his determined wife, then takes on the mission to prove his innocence and solve the case.
I’m not joking when I say the stakes were high in this one – super high as a matter of fact. Every character in this drama more than delivered, so if you’re in the mood for a powerful performance by seasoned actors, you’re going to enjoy this legal Kdrama.
Bong Sang Pil, a former gangster turned lawyer, seeks revenge for his mother’s death by taking on powerful individuals who think they’re above the law.
Ha Jae Yi, a suspended lawyer, joins him to pay off her father’s debts.
Together, they face off against influential judge Cha Moon Sook and ex-gangster CEO Ahn Oh Joo, and their common goal is to outsmart these formidable opponents in a dangerous game of power.
8. One Dollar Lawyer
Cheon Ji Hun, a stylish lawyer with a 1,000-won retainer fee, fearlessly challenges wealthy clients and their expensive lawyers.
Baek Ma Ri, a confident prosecutor’s assistant, encounters Ji Hun and her life takes an unexpected turn.
This is another absolutely fantastic legal Kdrama that addresses social issues and sparks conversations about the law – I know you’ll enjoy it!
9. Joseon Lawyer: A Morality
Kang Han Su, a devious lawyer, learns the value of true justice as he unintentionally becomes a hero to the people.
With the support of client Yi Yun Ju, Han Su transforms into an ethical advocate, reflecting his growth as both a legal professional and a person.
This historical legal Kdrama is adapted from the webtoon “Joseon Lawyer” by Jeongjae & Shim Gun, and if you’ve ever even imagined what a lawyer in the Joseon era would do, then you don’t want to miss this drama.
Woo Young Woo, a brilliant lawyer diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, faces social challenges while using her remarkable intellect.
In this Kdrama, she defies stereotypes, learns more about herself, and falls in love (with herself, a man, and the world).
Aside from this drama being one of my favorite Kdramas of all time, I can objectively assure you that it’s really that good.
Just like some of the other dramas on this list, each episode featured a min-story, and the themes of morality and justice were explored in a very nuanced manner.
Vincenzo Cassano, a former Mafia consigliere, returns to South Korea and teams up with lawyer Hong Cha Young.
Together, they take on a powerful conglomerate, serving up a taste of their own medicine with a side of justice.
I don’t think this Kdrama needs any introduction – I believe anyone who has been in the Kdrama space for even a second would have heard about it –, so watch this if you’re in the mood for a solid Kdrama about law and crime that will keep you on your toes.
Han Yi Han, a former elite surgeon, transforms into a determined lawyer specializing in medical litigation.
With his own medical license revoked, he seeks justice for victims of malpractice and negligence while unraveling the truth behind a tragic case.
Teaming up with a prosecutor who has personal ties to his past, they form an unstoppable force for accountability and truth in the world of medicine.
Medicine and the law? That’s a wicked combination if I’ve ever seen one, and I can tell you for a fact that it’s just as good as it sounds.
This Kdrama doesn’t skimp on the thrills, and I just know you’ll enjoy it.
13. Again, My Life
Adapted From the novel series “Again My Life” by Lee Hae Nal, Kim Hee Woo, a determined public prosecutor, is killed during a corruption investigation.
Miraculously revived, he returns to the university to uncover the truth behind his death.
Teaming up with Kim Hee Ah, they delve into a shadowy group of influential elites linked to his demise.
This is another Kdrama that I believe doesn’t need an introduction – it’s that good, and the veteran cast was simply awe-inspiring.
That said, if you’re in the mood for a Kdrama where politics and the law merge, you’re going to enjoy this one.
14. Divorce Attorney Shin
In the world of divorce, Shin Sung Han stands out as a skilled lawyer who resolves even the trickiest cases.
Despite the irony of his name, which means “sacred” in Korean, he navigates through the messy realities of divorce with finesse.
Supported by his two close friends, Jang Hyung Geun and Jo Jung Sik, who are also in their forties, Shin Sung Han finds comfort in their camaraderie.
And, with his expertise and compassion, he continues to excel in his profession, tackling each client’s challenges head-on.
15. Defendant
Park Jung Woo, a dedicated prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, faces a bewildering twist of fate when he wakes up one day and discovers himself confined to death row with no recollection of how he got there.
Plagued by temporary amnesia, Jung Woo embarks on a desperate quest to reclaim his lost memories and exonerate himself before his final moments arrive.
Time ticks away, and with every passing second, he races against the clock to unravel the truth and reclaim his freedom. Thrilling, gripping, you name it – this legal Kdrama literally had me hooked to my seat.
Seo Jin Woo’s hyperthymesia grants him an exceptional memory, and when his father is wrongfully accused and faces death row, Jin Woo uses this remarkable ability to prove his innocence and save him.
Have you ever watched a Kdrama that “stayed” with you long after watching?
This is it for me. I recommend this Kdrama to everybody and it really does check every single box for a complex, fast-paced Korean legal thriller drama.
17. Whisper
Shin Young Joo, a charismatic female detective, handles small-time criminals while burdened by her family’s debt.
Despite her tough exterior, she has a compassionate nature. Lee Dong Joon, an empathetic and brilliant judge, lends a sympathetic ear to the vulnerable.
Together, they tackle a massive corruption case involving Taebak, the nation’s top law firm.
Little do they know that their investigation will unveil one of the most significant scandals in history.
There are so many good things to love in this Kdrama, but one of the reasons I watched this drama until the end was the female lead.
I love strong female lead roles in Kdramas, so you just know I absolutely gobbled this up.
18. Stranger
Emotionally detached prosecutor Hwang Shi Mok, known for his sharp intellect, teams up with Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin to combat corruption within the prosecutors’ office and solve a serial murder case.
Together, they bring logic and intuition to unveil the truth and restore justice.
If you like intricate plot twists, suspenseful cliffhangers, and gripping legal investigations, this Korean legal drama might just be a perfect next watch. Guys, Stranger is really, really interesting and this isn’t an exaggeration.
19. Bad Prosecutor
Jin Jung and A Ra are fearless prosecutors fighting for justice in a corrupt world.
While Do Hwan, an ambitious elite prosecutor, embraces power and wealth.
Their intertwined stories reveal the battle between righteousness and corruption, and the story in this legal Kdrama unfolds as their personal lives intertwine with their professional struggles.
20. Welcome 2 Life
In the fantasy drama “Welcome 2 Life,” a self-centered lawyer unexpectedly finds himself in a parallel universe after a mishap.
Now living as a righteous prosecutor, he uses his legal skills to aid those in need.
Welcome 2 Life is a tale of transformation and second chances in a world beyond imagination, and I just know you’ll love it if you enjoy intriguing character dynamics and powerful storytelling.
No Chak Hee, an ambitious attorney at a prestigious law firm, faces a setback when a case goes awry, leading to a year-long suspension.
Determined to reclaim her position, she takes on a job as a public defender. There, she crosses paths with Jwa Shi Baek, a brilliant colleague with a mysterious side.
Though initially at odds, they unite to investigate a serial murder case, uncovering hidden truths and developing trust.
As their unlikely partnership deepens, they navigate the complexities of the legal system and unravel personal secrets along the way.
There’s a strong emphasis on the leads in this drama and if you enjoy character-driven narratives that are equal parts relatable and compelling, I have a good feeling you’re going to enjoy this drama.
22. Witch’s Court
Ma Yi Deum, a materialistic and fierce female prosecutor, is assigned to a special task force for sex crimes.
Joining her is newbie prosecutor Yeo Jin Wook. Together, they solve crimes with their grudging chemistry, using their unique skills to crack cases and deliver justice.
This is another amazing legal Kdrama that managed to deliver a stunning combo of romance, suspense, intrigue, political machinations, and mystery – I have a good feeling you’ll enjoy this one.
23. My Lawyer, Mr. Jo
Jo Deul Ho, a once-promising star prosecutor, finds himself losing it all as he takes a brave stand against rampant corruption.
However, he doesn’t let adversity define him.
Embracing a fresh start, he reassembles the shattered pieces of his life by becoming a lawyer at a humble neighborhood law firm.
With unwavering determination, he champions the cause of justice and steadfastly defends the innocent.
And, that’s a wrap on this post!
Being in the legal profession myself, I’m a bit partial to every single drama on this list, so if you’ve gotten to this point and you’re thinking that I might be overselling, I’m not (promise).
If you genuinely enjoy legal Kdramas and you’re looking for more recommendations of the best of the best, then these dramas really do deserve a spot on your watchlist.
