Jung Kyung-ho Proves Versatility in 'The Pro Bono', Shifting from Judge to Public Interest Lawyer

Actor Jung Kyung-ho is demonstrating his power as an all-around actor, unconstrained by genre, in the tvN weekend drama ‘The Pro Bono’.

In the drama’s premiere episode on the 6th, Jung Kyung-ho, playing Kang Da-wit, a national judge, portrayed the character's journey into a new reality as a public interest lawyer after an unexpected turn of events. His multi-dimensional portrayal instantly boosted the viewers' immersion.

Initially, Kang Da-wit appeared unfazed by intense media questioning as he arrived at court. He left a strong impression by delivering a decisive verdict in a high-profile corporate chairman's trial. Afterward, upon noticing a surge in his SNS followers, he humorously danced to Psy's 'Celebrity', revealing a relatable, contrasting charm that shed his stern demeanor.

However, a sudden crisis emerged when an apple box found in his car hinted at allegations of bribery, threatening his judicial career. In this moment, another facet of Kang Da-wit surfaced. Faced with irrefutable video evidence presented by an enraged chief judge, Kang Da-wit was instantly consumed by shock and horror, collapsing under the weight of the situation. Later, contemplating his mother's words about the necessity of success while standing on the rooftop, his bitter expression as he faced a future that might fail her expectations left a poignant lingering feeling.

Following a tumultuous series of events, Kang Da-wit reluctantly submitted his resignation and embarked on a new path as a public interest lawyer, aided by Oh Jeong-in (Lee Yoo-young), CEO of Oh & Partners. His attitude, though initially lamenting the shift from high-profile cases to unpaid pro bono work, was captivating due to his quick wit and decisive actions. Notably, his audacious proposal to Oh Jeong-in – promising an above-average win rate in exchange for a recommendation for the Supreme Court nominee position – vividly cemented Kang Da-wit's bold character.

Thus, Kang Da-wit's dynamic narrative, transitioning from a nationally recognized judge to a public interest lawyer in a humble law firm office, comes alive through Jung Kyung-ho's nuanced performance. His convincing portrayal of Kang Da-wit's inner turmoil, driven by a past pursuit of success, and his wavering emotions amidst uncontrollable circumstances, allows for a deeper understanding of the character's complex nature.

Viewers have responded enthusiastically to Jung Kyung-ho's perfect character transformation in ‘The Pro Bono’. Fueled by this positive reception, the drama achieved a peak viewership rating of 7.3% within just two episodes, marking a promising start. Attention is now focused on the new charms Jung Kyung-ho will unveil as Kang Da-wit in ‘The Pro Bono’.

Kang Da-wit's story as he fully embraces his role as a public interest lawyer will continue in the third episode of tvN's Saturday-Sunday drama ‘The Pro Bono’, airing on the 13th (Saturday) at 9:10 PM.

Netizens are praising Jung Kyung-ho's acting, with comments like 'Jung Kyung-ho's acting is insane,' 'The difference between him as a judge and a lawyer is amazing,' and 'As expected, Jung Kyung-ho is an actor you can trust.' The drama 'The Pro Bono' has become a hot topic, achieving a peak viewership rating of 7.3% in just two episodes.