Finale ratings peak anchored by relatable office struggles and the "Abnormality Five’s" bond. Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young’s Hong Kong past, filmed with technical precision, became a standout narrative device. Director Park credited cast closeness: "Actors’ real-life chemistry made their on-screen affection effortless."
tvN's weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' (Law and The City) concluded its run on a triumphant note, achieving its highest viewership ratings on its final episode (August 10th). This warm and resonant drama captivated audiences with its potent blend of the unshakeable friendship among five junior lawyers dubbed the "Abnormality Five," its authentic portrayal of office worker struggles, and its assured, sensitive direction.
More than just a legal procedural, it became a mirror reflecting the everyday anxieties and small victories of modern life. The drama delved into weighty social issues like voice phishing scams and school violence not for sensationalism, but to uncover profound human emotions within realistic contexts.
Writer Lee Seung-hyun articulated this intent clearly:
"I believe that even within stories that are close to reality, there are dramatic emotions that we often overlook. I wanted to show the small but warm hearts of people striving for a better outcome, even if only a little, from their respective positions."
This focus on relatable dilemmas and the quiet heroism of perseverance struck a deep chord.
Source: tvN
Director Park Seung-woo highlighted a key ingredient to the show's success: the actors' genuine connection.
"Because the five actors had become truly close, creating chemistry was easy. Thanks to this, the five characters' mutual concerns and affection for one another were perfectly expressed. I, too, found filming them incredibly endearing," he shared.
He also emphasizing how the cast's off-screen bond translated into on-screen magic, making the camaraderie of the "Assos" lawyers feel incredibly real and endearing.
The Writer's Vision: Realism, Resonance, and Romance
Source: tvN
In post-drama reflections, writer Lee Seung-hyun and director Park Seung-woo offered insightful glimpses into the creation of 'Seocho-dong'. Lee expressed profound gratitude for the audience connection, viewing the creative process as a dialogue:
"I think creating a project is like talking to the audience or viewers. I was happy that the viewers seemed to have responded with their own unique answers, and I'm grateful for all the love I've received."
He deliberately chose cases close to everyday life to ensure the legal setting didn't alienate viewers from any profession. Explaining the drama's international appeal, despite law being a localized field, Lee noted:
"I believe the dilemmas and emotions our main characters face are relatable across borders."
His focus remained on universal human experiences within a specific professional world. Director Park echoed the sentiment of careful preparation, especially for the drama's visually distinct overseas sequences, driven by a desire for authenticity in depicting Korean office life globally.
The Hong Kong Dream Sequence: Lee Jong-suk & Moon Ga-young's Past Glow
Source: tvN
Among the many memorable elements, the romantic past of Ahn Joo-hyung (Lee Jong-suk) and Kang Hee-ji (Moon Ga-young) became a standout, particularly their youthful trip to Hong Kong. Writer Lee Seung-hyun revealed the poignant contrast driving these scenes:
"I wanted Joo-hyung and Hee-ji to have an experience like a midsummer night’s dream in a completely different place in the distant past. Just as their past memories feel more beautiful and precious because of the reality that the two of them are living in Seocho-dong now, I wanted to bring out the power of that contrast."
This intention framed Hong Kong not just as a location, but as a symbol of lost innocence and unfettered dreams for the now world-weary lawyers. Director Park Seung-woo meticulously brought this vision to life.
"I hoped that the scene would allow viewers to recall a scene from their own memories while watching the two people's past, or to look forward to a day when such a moment will come," he explained.
The filming involved significant effort to differentiate the past visually:
"Before the main shoot, we discussed even the most detailed details with the staff, and we worked hard to differentiate it from present-tense filming, down to the camera filters and lighting methods."
He recalled the iconic kiss scene filmed beside the Mid-Levels escalator, born from a spontaneous shot discovery, and the challenging yet effective windy scene in West Kowloon Park that captured the pair's youthful shyness perfectly.
As the curtain falls on 'Seocho-dong', its creators hope it leaves a lasting, comforting imprint. Director Park expressed his wish that viewers now feel like part of the extended 'Seocho-dong' family.
"After the final episode, I hope the main characters of 'Seocho-dong' will no longer be the five characters, but a six-person cast, including me, who cried and laughed with them."
Writer Lee Seung-hyun envisions the drama as a lasting refuge, "I hope 'Seocho-dong' remains a drama that viewers can revisit whenever they need comfort and empathy. I hope Assos's choice brings comfort and even a little courage to viewers."
Their heartfelt messages, combined with the drama’s authentic portrayal of struggle, friendship, and the bittersweet glow of the past, solidify 'Seocho-dong' as a meaningful chapter in K-drama that celebrated resilience and the warmth found in shared journeys.
Source: Chosun Biz, tvN drama
That dreamy vibe reminded me of BTS’ ‘Spring Day’ MV! The way he looked at Hee-ji… 우리 오빠 진짜 대박 
Now I need to rewatch those scenes before my afternoon lecture…
The way they cared for each other felt so natural, like watching real friends instead of just characters. That chemistry made the whole story even warmer for me.