When tragedy strikes a prestigious college, students band together to solve the mystery. Throughout this journey, they find new meaning in their studies, facing trials and tribulations as a group while also tackling personal issues. Will they unite and uncover the truth? Will the law be shown to be fair and just?

The law is a shield for the innocent and a sword for the guilty. – Professor Yang Jong-hoon

The first episode was captivating and engaged me right from the start. It introduced all the main characters, showcasing their personalities and setting the tone for their actions throughout the series. I also appreciated the videography in the initial scenes; there were subtle hints that connected each character to their respective story arcs. When the tragedy hit, I immediately reflected on the beginning scene which caused me to analyze how the students all interacted with each other. Truly well done. Overall, the episode began explosively, quickly pulling me in!

Although I haven’t watched many legal dramas, I found the plot unique and entertaining. The storyline’s methodical approach—tying together a series of related events—instead of relying solely on connecting plots was interesting and enjoyable.

In the beginning, the blending of past and present scenes was a bit confusing and hard to follow. However, it improves as you progress through the first few episodes. I appreciated how the events and characters were developed in depth, rather than being overshadowed by the main storyline. This balance was refreshing.

That said, there were several holes in the writing, and some storylines were left unresolved. I felt that some parts dragged on, while others needed more elaboration. The last few episodes were somewhat lackluster, and I had hoped for more from both trials, which was quite a disappointment. However, the ending was endearing. I found it amusing where Kang Sol A ended up, while Han Joon-Hwi’s fate was exactly what I expected. I do wish the ending had provided some closure for other characters. For instance, I would have liked to see a resolution for Jeon Ye-Seul, such as her becoming a specific type of lawyer, or Seo Ji-Ho winning a trial that brings closure for him and his father.

Despite these minor flaws in the writing, the plot arcs and overall story ended well!

While the writing had its shortcomings, the acting was exceptional. Each character was portrayed brilliantly, which was to be expected with such a talented cast.

Kim Myung Min (Yang Jong-Hoon) excelled as a no-nonsense, arrogant law professor and emerged as one of my favorite characters. His ability to maintain an unimpressed and nonchalant demeanor was impressive and often had me chuckling. He confides only in his colleague Kim Eun Sook (Lee Jung Eun), whose personality is quite the opposite—tough, loving, and filled with joy for her students.

Ryoo Hye-Young (Kang Sol A), who gained admission to Hankuk University Law School through a scholarship, may not have a natural talent for law, but her determination and unique perspective on achieving justice make her an invaluable member of the team. While many found her character annoying, I always ended up rooting for her and enjoyed how caring her character was.

Kim Beom (Han Joon-Hwi), a top student with trust issues, harbors a surprising secret. Over time, as the school year progresses, he begins to open up and develop genuine care for his study group, particularly for Kang Sol A, helping to forge strong bonds among them. I really enjoyed how their study group stuck together. However, as the show went on and Kim Beom’s character developed, I felt a tad disappointed that his character didn’t do more. It seemed like he was overshadowed by the other story arcs.

Never stop questioning. Never stop fighting for what you believe in. – Han Joon-hwi

The supporting cast also delivered exceptional performances. Almost everyone in Han Joon-Hwi’s study group had their own story arc. Unfortunately, the writing left many questions unanswered, and several arcs lacked closure, leaving me curious about their futures and if they continued in law.

The chemistry between the characters was impressive. Despite the large cast, their interactions were authentic. There was a sweet flirtation between Kang Sol A and Han Joon-Hwi that made me root for some romance. Even a small acknowledgment at the end would have sufficed, alas, romance was not the main focus of the show. – sheds tear –

On the whole, the production quality was solid. Initially, the frequent transitions between past and present were slightly hard to follow, but they blended together well. At times, I couldn’t tell if I was watching a new scene or a past event/memory. Later in the series, some first-person perspectives added to my confusion, giving the impression that the characters were wearing cameras. Nonetheless, the cinematography was generally well done.

The soundtrack was decent, although the main song, “We Are,” became overbearing due its repetitive lyric “We Are” . However, the instrumental pieces were spectacular, making the OST perfect for a chill background listen.

I believe that anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will find this series worth watching. It truly was a lovely show that highlights how friendship, honesty, and hard work can lead to positive outcomes. It’s also a series that isn’t particularly binge-worthy, and I don’t consider that as something negative. Most episodes provide a sense of closure, which means you won’t feel an urgent need to dive into the next one immediately. This was perfect for me, as I could enjoy one episode each evening during the week and still get to bed at a decent time. If you have binged a drama until the wee hours of the morning, you probably understand.

Ultimately, I would still recommend this drama. Although the writing left me with some questions and a desire for more, the overall story was exceptional, and the acting was phenomenal. I give a hardy 7.5 out of 10 ⭐️.

As promised, the recipe I used to make my homemade kimchi comes from none other than the amazing Joanne Lee Molinaro aka The Korean Vegan. You can find her recipe here: THE BEST VEGAN KIMCHI (김치) RECIPE (EASY & HOMEMADE)

Next up: 악마판사 – The Devil Judge (2021)