"The creator of 'Law And The City' offers insights into the elements that propel a Korean drama to popularity"
Producer Kim Ho-jun has made a significant mark in the K-drama industry with his latest production, "Law and the City". The drama, which originally aired on tvN in Korea and is now available on Viki.com in the U.S., has become a global sensation, setting records in 150 regions on various platforms.
Kim Ho-jun decided to produce "Law and the City" to break free from creative stagnation and connect with viewers through stories grounded in everyday life. The drama distinguishes itself by focusing on ordinary professionals facing realistic conflicts, rather than overly dramatic or heroic narratives, giving it a restrained tone that adds to its charm.
One of the key elements that made "Law and the City" a success is its strong ensemble cast. The drama features talented and relatable actors such as Lee Jong-suk as a fact-driven lawyer, Moon Ga-young as an idealistic second-year lawyer, Kang You-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Lim Sung-jae.
The visual direction of the drama, under the meticulous attention of director Park Seung-woo, is also noteworthy. It is visually polished, yet grounded, emphasizing subtle storytelling over melodrama. In fact, Park Seung-woo's attention to detail is evident in the drama, with Kim Ho-jun himself crediting him for this aspect.
Another strategic move was the use of on-location shooting in Hong Kong. This not only attracted curiosity but also added visual appeal to the drama. The romance arc in "Law and the City" led to the filming in Hong Kong, recapturing scenes of a previous meeting between Lee and Mun's characters.
The script for "Law and the City" was written by Lee Seung-hyun, a practicing attorney, which grounded the story in reality. The careful pacing of character arcs and episodic structure also contributed to its success, maintaining audience engagement over time without relying on sensationalism.
Kim Ho-jun compares producing a drama to nurturing a plant, stating that it sometimes takes a while to see a drama's true potential. This is evident in "Law and the City", as it taps into a growing global appetite for relatable slice-of-life stories within professional settings, expanding beyond typical K-drama genres like high romance or action.
The drama has sparked real debate in the legal community due to its basis on a controversial real-life case. In fact, Kim Ho-jun has two favorite scenes in "Law and the City": one in Episode Two and the ending of the sixth episode. In Episode Two, his favorite scene is where Ju-hyeong and Hui-ji argue over a legal precedent about banks forcibly collecting loans from low-income housing residents. The ending of the sixth episode, according to Kim Ho-jun, is another favorite scene, where Sang-ki, faced with the harsh reality of having to prove his poverty, visits the humble diner where his mother works, eats a bowl of soup, and quietly breaks down in tears.
The role of a chief producer, as stated by Kim Ho-jun, includes selecting the director, casting, budgeting, securing the programming slot, and setting the overall creative direction. Despite the challenges, Kim Ho-jun has successfully managed to create a drama that resonates with both domestic and international audiences.
Local police had to step in to help with crowd control during the filming of "Law and the City" in Hong Kong, a testament to the drama's popularity. With its focus on the human side of professional work, nuanced emotional storytelling, and well-crafted ensemble performances, "Law and the City" has created an appealing, authentic legal drama consistent with modern audience preferences globally.
Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang You-seok, Ryu Hye-young, and Lim Sung-jae, the talented cast members of "Law and the City," add to the drama's realistic portrayal, making it more relatable to viewers globally. In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, technology platforms like Viki.com play a crucial role in bringing such dramas to a wider audience, bridging the gap between various cultures and lifestyles.
