The first broadcast of tvN's weekend drama 'Pro Bono' depicted the unpredictable journey of elite judge Kang Da-wit (Jung Kyung-ho), who fell from grace due to a bribery case involving an apple box worth 1.2 billion won, marking a pleasant start with the highest ratings.
The first episode of 'Pro Bono', which aired on the 6th, recorded an average of 4.1% and a peak of 5% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 4.5% and a peak of 5.3% nationwide, achieving first place in both metropolitan and nationwide ratings among cable and general programming channels during the same time slot. Additionally, it ranked first in the target demographic of 2049 male and female viewers among cable and general programming channels. (Based on paid platforms/Nielsen Korea provided)
Judge Kang Da-wit, head of the anti-corruption department, showcased his unique presence with an unexpected medium sentence, and could not hide his smile at the news that he would be recommended as a candidate for the Supreme Court by the court union. This was a moment that brought him closer to his lifelong goal of being promoted to the Supreme Court. Kang Da-wit gained public trust with his decisive ruling and demonstrated his impeccable ability to charm superiors with his adept social skills, ultimately achieving the best result by being named a candidate for the Supreme Court.
However, unexpectedly, a serious crack occurred in Kang Da-wit's daily life. The day after a drinking session with a long-lost hometown friend, an apple box containing 1.2 billion won was discovered in his car. Confused by the mysterious box, Kang Da-wit tried to resolve the situation himself but was shocked to find a video of himself moving the box.
Faced with the situation of having to resign from his judgeship due to the court president's anger, Kang Da-wit fortunately received a scouting offer from the new representative of O&Partners, Oh Jung-in (Lee Yoo-young), finding a new breakthrough. Kang Da-wit resolved to seize the opportunity to return to the courtroom by making a dazzling debut as a lawyer.
However, contrary to Kang Da-wit's expectations, Oh Jung-in assigned him as the leader of the pro bono team handling public interest lawsuits. Stepping into a shocking space where not a ray of sunlight enters, and even mushrooms are growing, Kang Da-wit faced his uniquely talented team members, including Park Ki-ppum (So Joo-yeon), Jang Young-sil (Yoon Na-moo), Yoo Nan-hee (Seo Hye-won), and Hwang Jun-woo (Kang Hyung-seok), unable to hide his bewilderment.
Denying the unbelievable reality, Kang Da-wit stepped outside the office and shouted, "I want to go back!" in a mix of despair, closing the first episode with his denial of reality. Attention is focused on whether the former judge and current public interest lawyer, Kang Da-wit, can adapt safely to his new environment.
'Pro Bono' captured viewers' attention by quickly depicting the process of national judge Kang Da-wit entering unexpected public interest litigation. The mystery of the 1.2 billion won apple box bribery case and the unusual first impression of the pro bono team heightened curiosity about the subsequent developments.
Actor Jung Kyung-ho (as Kang Da-wit) shone with his presence. His character's emotional journey, from calculated actions hidden behind a playful smile, the joy erupting when he became a candidate for the Supreme Court, to the despair upon seeing the apple box video, was portrayed with dense acting that anchored the drama.
Jung Kyung-ho's adaptation as a public interest lawyer can be seen in the second episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Pro Bono', airing tonight (7th) at 9:10 PM.
