Yoo Yeon Seok and Esom recently sat down with Harper’s Bazaar Korea to discuss their upcoming drama Phantom Lawyer and the challenges of bringing their characters to life.
Phantom Lawyer is a quirky yet heartwarming legal drama that follows Shin I Rang, a lawyer who can see ghosts, and elite attorney Han Na Hyun as they resolve the lingering grievances of their most unusual clients through the law. Blending supernatural elements with courtroom storytelling, the series promises both humor and emotional depth.
Yoo Yeon Seok spoke about portraying Shin I Rang, particularly the scenes in which his character becomes possessed by different spirits. He shared that he approached the role without hesitation, embracing the opportunity to completely immerse himself in the concept. He reflected that chances to let go so fully as an actor do not come often, which made the experience especially meaningful.
Drawing from his past experience in musicals, Yoo Yeon Seok recalled being fascinated by performers who seamlessly transitioned between multiple roles on stage. However, Phantom Lawyer marked his first time embodying such a wide range of characters within a single project. To prepare for scenes in which Shin I Rang is possessed by various figures, from an aspiring idol to a scientist, he closely observed the actors portraying the ghosts and listened to recordings of their performances. He then incorporated their gestures and mannerisms into his own acting. He noted that unlike most dramas where actors gradually grow comfortable with their roles, this set constantly felt new and unfamiliar due to the ever-changing dynamics.
When asked what he hopes will never change about himself as an actor, Yoo Yeon Seok emphasized his desire to continually challenge himself. He expressed a wish to keep choosing characters he has never portrayed before, experimenting with different genres, and even taking on villain roles after playing protagonists. He added that he believes his fans support his efforts to explore diverse sides of himself and that he intends to continue trusting that encouragement moving forward.
Esom, who plays elite lawyer Han Na Hyun, also shared her reflections on the character. As a top attorney from a major law firm who assists Shin I Rang, Na Hyun appears composed and rule-bound. Esom explained that while preparing for the role, she repeatedly questioned why Na Hyun chooses to live while concealing her emotional wounds and whether she truly needs to adhere so strictly to the rules. Through deeper reflection, she came to realize that beneath the surface, everyone carries loneliness and scars, and ultimately, everyone is simply human.
Regarding what the drama left her with as an actress, Esom stated that she has no regrets. Because Na Hyun was not an easy character to fully understand, she engaged in numerous discussions with the director throughout production. Each time a new script was released, she reviewed every line carefully with him, a process that continued through all 16 episodes. She remarked that in many ways, she worked with the same meticulous dedication as her character, determined to shape Na Hyun thoughtfully and without leaving anything undone.
Yoo Yeon Seok and Esom’s full pictorial and interview can be found in the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar Korea. Phantom Lawyer is set to premiere on March 13 at 9:50 p.m. KST.
