Lawyer Resigns from Corporate Firm, Reunites with Eccentric Colleague

Esom's character in 'Phantom Lawyer' trades elite status for moral compass, setting up high-stakes clash with former boss

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:23pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass fragments reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually illustrating the tension and fragmentation of the corporate legal world.The dramatic resignation of a high-powered lawyer shatters the veneer of the corporate legal world, setting the stage for a new chapter of spiritual justice.NYC Today

In a dramatic turn for the SBS legal fantasy hit 'Phantom Lawyer', elite attorney Han Na-hyun (played by Esom) has resigned from her prestigious position at the powerful Taebaek Law Firm, trading the safety of a corporate powerhouse for a moral compass that finally points true. This pivotal shift in the series' narrative clears the way for a more organic partnership with her eccentric colleague Shin I-rang (Yoo Yeon-seok), a lawyer who possesses the uncanny ability to be possessed by ghosts to resolve their lingering grievances.

Why it matters

The resignation of Esom's character marks a significant turning point in 'Phantom Lawyer', as it removes her from the corporate machinery of Taebaek and allows the narrative to further explore the clash between rigid legalism and spiritual justice. The chemistry between Esom and Yoo Yeon-seok's characters has been a primary draw for the show, which has already achieved double-digit ratings success by blending the procedural rigor of the law with the unpredictability of the supernatural.

The details

Han Na-hyun's departure from Taebaek Law Firm came after she prioritized the sincerity of the deceased over the interests of her firm's client, a research institute, leading to significant financial losses for the company. This act of defiance has now set up a high-stakes psychological game between Na-hyun and Taebaek's CEO, Yang Do-kyung (Kim Kyung Nam), who attempts to reel her back in with the offer of an overseas training opportunity in New York - a classic corporate play to control a talent that has become too unpredictable.

  • On March 13, 2026, 'Phantom Lawyer' premiered on SBS TV, airing Fridays and Saturdays at 21:50 KST.
  • In a pre-release clip for Episode 7, the power dynamic between Na-hyun and Taebaek's CEO is palpable as he offers her the New York opportunity.

The players

Han Na-hyun

An elite attorney who has resigned from her prestigious position at Taebaek Law Firm, trading the safety of a corporate powerhouse for a moral compass that finally points true.

Shin I-rang

A lawyer who operates out of a former shaman's office and possesses the uncanny ability to be possessed by ghosts to resolve their lingering grievances.

Yang Do-kyung

The CEO of Taebaek Law Firm, who attempts to reel Han Na-hyun back in with the offer of an overseas training opportunity in New York.

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What they’re saying

“The 'cold-blooded ace' of Taebaek Law Firm has finally hit her breaking point.”

— Chief Editor

“Unlike traditional legal leads, his character, Shin I-rang, serves as a vessel for a rotating cast of spirits—ranging from idol trainees to scientists.”

— Chief Editor

“Yoo has described this 'possession' setup as a liberating acting challenge, allowing him to adopt distinct gestures and habits for every ghost that takes over his body.”

— Chief Editor

What’s next

As the series progresses, the central question is no longer whether Na-hyun will win her cases, but how she will survive—and thrive—outside the shadow of Taebaek's influence.

The takeaway

By blending the procedural rigor of the law with the unpredictability of the supernatural, 'Phantom Lawyer' has avoided the fatigue often associated with the legal genre, offering a 'fresh' perspective that appeals to both traditional drama viewers and fantasy enthusiasts.