Law School: The Korean Legal Thriller That Tests More Than the Law
Law School: The Korean Legal Thriller That Tests More Than the Law
Introduction
Law School: The Korean Legal Thriller That Tests More Than the Law
Law School
is a cerebral, suspenseful Korean drama that puts students and professors at Korea’s top law school under the microscope — and under suspicion. When a respected professor is found dead, what follows is a tangled web of lies, ambition, justice, and the painful price of truth. With its sharp writing, layered characters, and tightly crafted mystery, this series offers more than crime — it offers an education in ethics, emotion, and the human condition.
Overview
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Title:
Law School
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Korean Title:
로스쿨
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Year Released:
2021
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Genre:
Legal Drama, Mystery, Thriller
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Main Cast:
Kim Myung-min, Kim Bum, Ryu Hye-young, Lee Jung-eun, Lee David, Go Yoon-jung
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Episodes:
16
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Episode Duration:
~65 minutes
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Available On:
Netflix
Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)
Professor Yang Jong-hoon
(Kim Myung-min) is a former prosecutor turned criminal law professor at the elite Hankuk University Law School. Known for his harsh demeanor, sharp intellect, and unapologetic teaching methods, he quickly becomes the center of chaos when a fellow faculty member — and his close colleague — is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As suspicion turns toward Yang, the institution’s pristine façade begins to crack.
At the heart of the story are his students, each battling their own personal demons while grappling with the weight of justice.
Kang Sol A
(Ryu Hye-young), a first-year student from a modest background, struggles with imposter syndrome yet proves time and again that empathy and persistence are just as vital as legal brilliance. Her classmate,
Han Joon-hwi
(Kim Bum), the school’s top student and nephew of the deceased professor, harbors a secret that threatens to derail both his future and the investigation.
As the students apply their evolving legal knowledge to real-world consequences, they begin to peel back layers of corruption, power struggles, and systemic flaws within the law they once idealized. Classroom hypotheticals morph into courtroom battles, with real stakes, real pain — and real consequences.
The series doesn’t just explore "who did it," but asks "why do we choose the law?" Each character’s decision — to speak, to stay silent, to seek vengeance, or to forgive — becomes a moral examination as much as a legal one. The characters' growth is seen not only in their legal acumen but in how they confront truth, injustice, and self-doubt.
As the mystery unfolds, alliances form and fracture. Some characters protect the law to uphold power, while others wield it to protect the vulnerable. The tension between these ideals becomes the true heart of
Law School
, making every revelation not just shocking — but deeply human.
Ultimately, the drama isn’t just about solving a murder — it’s about becoming the kind of person who dares to stand up for justice, even when the system seems designed to hide it.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
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Episode 1:
The mysterious death that sets the entire plot into motion — and throws the students into chaos.
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Episode 4:
Kang Sol A delivers a heartfelt argument in class, revealing her outsider status and emotional intelligence.
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Episode 7:
New evidence emerges that challenges the case against Professor Yang and shifts suspicion toward unexpected figures.
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Episode 12:
A key trial scene blurs the line between classroom hypotheticals and real-life consequences.
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Finale:
A satisfying legal resolution that also delivers catharsis, character growth, and moral clarity.
Memorable Lines
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Ep. 2
– "Law isn't about what’s fair. It’s about what’s proven."
— Professor Yang says this in his first criminal law lecture, establishing the drama’s tone of realism and skepticism.
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Ep. 5
– "You don’t have to be strong alone. That’s why we study the law — to stand up for each other."
— Kang Sol A comforts a classmate after a moment of crisis, reflecting the show’s emphasis on empathy over elitism.
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Ep. 10
– "The truth can’t always win. But it must always be told."
— Han Joon-hwi says this as he risks revealing a painful family secret in the name of justice.
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Finale
– "In this school, we don’t just learn the law. We learn who we are when it’s tested."
— Spoken by a graduating student during the final scene, capturing the spirit of their transformation.
Why It’s Special
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Realistic Legal Setting:
Courtroom scenes and lectures are grounded in real legal concepts, making the drama intellectually stimulating.
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Morally Complex Characters:
No one is fully innocent — or guilty. The characters evolve as their choices reveal deeper truths.
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Strong Female Leads:
Kang Sol A and Seo Ji-ho are multidimensional, courageous, and central to the investigation.
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Smart Dialogue:
The script is sharp, with courtroom logic and personal emotion intertwined throughout.
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Social Commentary:
Touches on issues like privilege, institutional corruption, family trauma, and academic pressure with nuance.
Popularity & Reception
Law School
gained a loyal fanbase for its mature tone, high production values, and fresh take on the legal genre. While it may not rely on traditional romance or melodrama, its grounded story and suspenseful pace made it a favorite among viewers who enjoy smart, character-driven thrillers. Critics praised the cast — especially Kim Myung-min’s stoic performance and Kim Bum’s emotional vulnerability — for bringing depth to a complex narrative.
The drama also sparked discussions in online forums about real-world legal ethics, systemic bias, and what it means to study law in a society that often fails to uphold it.
Cast & Fun Facts
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Kim Myung-min:
Revered for intense roles, his portrayal of Professor Yang blends intellectual authority with moral complexity. His performance anchors the show’s ethical core.
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Kim Bum:
Shines as Han Joon-hwi, giving depth to a character who navigates charm, trauma, and righteous fury. His return to mainstream drama was widely welcomed by fans.
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Ryu Hye-young:
Previously beloved as Sung Bora in
Reply 1988
, she brings warmth and resilience to Kang Sol A, a character many viewers saw as a realistic and inspirational underdog.
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Lee Jung-eun:
As Professor Kim Eun-sook, she adds emotional ballast and humor, proving once again her versatility post-
Parasite
.
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Lee David and Go Yoon-jung:
Their supporting roles brought complexity to peer dynamics, showcasing ambition, jealousy, and growth.
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Behind the Scenes:
Real law graduates were consulted to ensure courtroom and lecture scenes felt authentic, and several legal references used in class discussions were taken directly from real Korean legal cases.
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The show subtly critiques systemic elitism in legal education, which resonated with many real-life students in Korea and abroad.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
Law School
is a drama that challenges not just its characters, but its viewers. It reminds us that justice is never simple, and that truth requires courage — both inside and outside the courtroom. If you’re ready for a gripping ride through murder, ethics, and emotional growth, this is one legal drama that absolutely passes the bar.
Hashtags
#LawSchool #로스쿨 #KoreanDrama #LegalThriller #NetflixKDrama #KimMyungmin #KimBum #RyuHyeyoung #MysteryDrama #EthicalDilemma
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