1. Lawless Lawyer: The Masterpiece

LAWLESS LAWYER

THE MASTERPIECE

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LAWLESS LAWYER

THE STORY

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Lawless Lawyer is a drama masterpiece - a drama that will stand the test of time. It is a landmark drama of outstanding quality that has all the important powerful ingredients of freshness, uniqueness and creativity. It is a sumptuous feast of dazzling cinematography, imagery and symbolism.

Lawless Lawyer is set in the fictional corrupt and unjust world of Ki Seong. It is a compelling tale about a young man’s personal mission to avenge his mother’s murder and bring those involved to justice. For some time, the youthful Bong Sang Pil, the main character, allows himself the luxury of feeling vengeful but he is tested and toughened in his fight to change Ki Seong. His journey to maturity demands that he seeks justice instead of revenge. Bong uses his fists and technology to fight the law. His many spectacular and electrifying physical fights are some of the most famous series of fights in drama history. Out of the 16 episodes, there are at least 10 action and martial arts scenes. Bong Sang Pil is not the run-of-the-mill hero. He is a courageous revolutionary hero who makes a difference in the corrupt and unjust society that he lives in. Many heroes who use their fists do not appear to be gorgeous nor brainy. The very idea of a brainy, brawny, gorgeous, wealthy, well-dressed and humorous hero with a heart establishes a lightning-like hold on everyone’s imagination, including the male imagination. And, the women viewers are secretly thrilled that Bong Sang Pil, the archetypal women’s hero, a one-woman man, loves only the hot-headed and independent Ha Jae Yi passionately. Lucky lady. He has been devoted to her since his mother’s death! When his uncle is killed, he is devastated. His anguish is so raw that he loses a sense of time and surroundings. The bitter experience makes him see things in a different light. Bong cleverly recruits people whose traits and talents are used to full advantage to fight the criminals. This story spells out the courage, sacrifice, diligence and dedication of those men and women who help to turn his revenge into justice.

📷 In the end, the criminals particularly, the flamboyant and uncouth Mayor, Ahn Oh Ju, and the high and mighty Judge Cha Moon Sook who is from a rarefied social class, finally fall from grace. The drama reaches its suspenseful peak when the courageous but audacious Bong Sang Pil publicly and loudly rebuke the powerful and famous judge! When the puff is finally taken out of the imperious lady, the viewers perhaps have nothing but admiration for the lawless lawyer. Such a dramatic ending for the judge! Bong Sang Pil. A perfect man and perfect hero! What a stroke of prodigious judgement it was for the writer to create such a unique and intriguing character. Lee Joon Gi has become this extraordinary drama icon. When was the last time anyone had watched such a unique but shocking drama? The preconceptions of the typical hero have been totally destroyed by the Lawless Lawyer! What’s most interesting is that the lowbrows and the highbrows, the males and the females, the young and the old love the unconventional drama. What sets Lawless Lawyer apart from other legal dramas or the other dramas in general?

📷 If one wants to be searingly honest, Lawless Lawyer is an unconventional story. Everything fits together in a tautly paced story - the unique characters; the creative and intelligent writing, particularly, the interesting themes and humorous and witty dialogues; the attention to details, the amazing direction and cinematography; the thrilling action choreography; the wonderful wardrobe; the wonderful OSTs, the genuine chemistry between actors, the top-notch acting calibre of the main and supporting actors, particularly, Lee Joon Gi’s amazing acting (ranging from humorous to sad) and spectacular martial arts skills. Most importantly, all the actors who have been deftly chosen for the drama are likeable.

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LAWLESS LAWYER A MASTERPIECE A SUMPTUOUS FEAST OF DAZZLING CINEMATOGRAPHY IMAGERY AND SYMBOLISM

This drama masterpiece, Lawless Lawyer finetunes its message by the lavish use of symbolisms and imagery particularly, visual imagery and animal imagery, interesting colours and dazzling cinematography. These are some of the hallmarks of an absolutely entertaining and endearing drama. Humour adds to the magnetic appeal of the story. The yarn is set in the FICTIONAL city of Ki Seong in the twenty-first century so, it isn’t surprising to discover some FUTURISTIC or STATE-OF-THE ART elements that have been incorporated into the drama to spice things up. One significant mark of excellent storytelling, as showcased in Lawless Lawyer, is giving tantalising glimpses of the characters through its cinematography, imagery and symbolism. In Lawless Lawyer, the thrilling and exciting twists and turns, and the dizzying pace of the story that is reminiscent of a supercar racing on a zigzag road may have been a distraction. Therefore, such important details might have escaped the attention of the viewers. What aspect of the cinematography and what symbols or imagery strike the viewers the most? SYMBOLS Perhaps, we should begin with the many hazy scenes. The symbol of a hazy atmosphere like fog, smog, steam, clouds, gas or smoke is a common image especially in the earlier parts of the drama.  It may mean mental fog, confusion, conflict, corruption or injustice. THE PRELUDE 📷

At the beginning of the drama, many scenes involving gangsters are imbued with haze. In the Prelude, Bong Sang Pil had some trouble with Seok Gwan Dong over the latter’s accountant who was seeking greener pastures. Choi Dae Woong, his gangster uncle, appeared in a hazy mist which obscured the clarity of the atmosphere. The fogging up of the whole place implies conflict, tension and antagonism.

THE PRELUDE 📷

In another part of the Prelude, Bong Sang Pil invited his maternal uncle, Choi Dae Woong, to drink soju together. Bong had received a strange notebook from a mysterious sender. The contents of the book piqued Bong’s interest and curiosity as they were conneted to his mother’s murder. He told Choi of his decision to move to Ki Seong, which was against the wishes of his uncle. Choi, perhaps, feared that his reckless nephew would be drawn into an entrapment. The rising steam from the roadside food stall indicates a slight conflict of interests.

EPISODE 1 📷 Episode 1. When Bong Sang Pil returned to Ki Seong City with his side kick, Tae Kwang Soo, he was stuck in a traffic jam. Bong drove over a smoggy bridge which led to the fictional city of Ki Seong. His car was enveloped in smog, a mixture of fog and smoke. The grey smog had enshrouded the whole bridge. Visibility was poor. The drama draws us into the drab and gloomy atmosphere of the crawling traffic. The viewers are left in no doubt that the toxic fog spells danger. It symbolises the corruption and greed in Ki Seong city. The accident ahead of them foreshadows the future dangers and challenges in Bong’s life. EPISODE 1 📷

A circular frame which is held upright by strong cables circled the bridge. At a certain distance and angle, it looked like a net. Nets are usually used to catch fish. Ki Seong is a seaside city. A ‘net’ can be used to reel in all the fishes of the sea - big fishes and small fishes – the corrupt and unjust people or the criminals of Ki Seong. The reflection of the net on the windscreen of Bong San Pil’s car seemed to give the idea that he was caught in a trap. The traffic crawled to a stop. Bong Sang Pil was convinced that he was trapped in a time warp. He thought to himself, ‘When my mother died, time stopped for me.’ The fog therefore represents the darkness of his mind and heart. Bong Sang Pil, as the viewers would learn later, was bent on taking revenge on those who were involved in his mother’s murder. The fog, in this case, has moral connotations. Bong Sang Pil was so obsessed with revenge that he could not see easily through the fog in his mind. He would not be able to understand the repercussions of revenge until it was too late.

EPISODE 2 📷

There are two important nightclub scenes in the drama but they are radically different from each other. In Episode 2, the elegant and classy nightclub had a grand staircase. The atmosphere was hazy. The place was crawling with gangsters who were intent on stopping the court trial of Wu Hyeong Man which was presided over by the corrupt Judge Cha Moon Sook. Bong Sang Pil was his Defence Lawyer. (The other nightclub in Episode 14 is a gaudy and glitzy one). The murky darkness of the swanky nightclub in Episode 1 unsettles the viewer. It stinks of the corrupting influence of the underworld and speaks of impending dangers that would engulf Bong Sang Pil. Bong was there to rescue his beloved lady. One man against so many gangsters. Perhaps, when we look at the posh nightclub, we compare it with the elegant Judge Cha Moon Sook who has a strong corrupting influence on Ki Seong. The action sequence in this episode is shrewd and well-thought out. The build-up in excitement and tension in the hazy darkness is to be applauded. This is one of the scenes in the drama that illustrates the importance of great action choreography and judicious choice of setting. Things really perked up when the sexy and confident Bong Sang Pil made his grand entrance. He strutted down the wide staircase right into his very own spectacular nightclub show - a martial arts nightclub show where he showcased his powerful Sepak Takraw leg kick, his energetic pole dancing swing and his  explosive Ong Bak Flying Knee leap. The viewers are left in no doubt that Bong Sang Pil would be successful in rescuing the damsel in distress. The arrows pointing up symbolise his success.

EPISODE 2 📷

While Bong Sang Pil was at the nightclub in an attempt to save Ha Jae Yi, there is knuckle-biting tension back in the courtroom of Judge Cha Moon Sook. When it was apparent that Bong Sang Pil would be delayed by his fight at the nightclub, Tae Kwang Soo, his resourceful sidekick, masqueraded as a lawyer but was unfortunately exposed as a tattooed gangster. What ensued is a series of comical sequences that provides viewers a hearty laugh. Geum Gang and the other small-time crooks intruded on the court trial, causing a commotion. In a desperate bid to further delay the trial, Tae Kwang Soo sprayed a dense cloud of choking dust from a fire extinguisher, immobilising all the guards and disrupted the court proceedings. The dense clouds of thick non-lethal gas, which hung like a cloudy veil over the courtroom, indicate a court of corruption and injustice. It makes you feel nauseous. When the veil of choking fog lifted, Bong Sang Pil is revealed. An impressive scene. Bong in that scene represents justice. Bong introduced himself to the startled judge. His words were ominous, ‘The trial begins now, Judge Cha Moon Sook.’ EPISODE 2 📷

In Episode 2, Tae Kwang Soo narrated how Bong Sang Pil had fought some hoodlums and thugs to protect him. Bong had single-handedly fought off the violent gang who had targeted Tae as their victim. The ghoulish light and the foggy cloudiness of the place depict the violent and degenerate character of the underworld.

EPISODE 7 📷 Burning a car is a lethal method of destruction. Ahn Oh Ju had set Wu Hyeong Man’s car on fire to destroy some incriminating evidence against him. The exploding car and the smoking remains of the burnt-out car can be compared to Wu Hyeong Man’s violent death at the hands of Ahn Oh Ju’s minions which could not be stopped. Geum Gang's puny efforts of dousing the raging flames were futile.

THE PRELUDE 📷

In Episode 1, when Bong Sang Pil confidently stepped out of his supercar, the Chevrolet Camaro, a conspicuous symbol of wealth, intelligence, energy and power, and swaggered sexily to confront the corrupt traffic policeman, he was as dazzling as his supercar. It has to be stated here that Lee Joon Gi’s sophisticated appearance and confident bearing have received a good dollop of approval. He is electrifying and unforgettable. It hardly needs saying that viewers are thrilled by his fantastic interpretation of his character. The supercar plays an emblematic role in Bong Sang Pil’s fight for truth and justice. Whenever he sped along the highway to solve problems or raced to rescue his loved ones, including his lady love, he was always a force to be reckoned with.

THE PRELUDE 📷

Bong Sang Pil and Ha Jae Yi returned to their hometown, Ki Seong at the same point in time. Although they travelled along different transportation lines, they arrived at the same destination. Bong Sang Pil travelled by road in his supercar whereas Ha Jae Yi travelled by train. The transport lines are parallel to each other and this similarity implies parallel lives. The only difference is his supercar travelled faster. Bong Sang Pil and Ha Jae Yi were joined by fate. Both had lost their courageous mothers when they were young. One was murdered, the other had barely escaped with her life. They became colleagues and lovers. Later, they became partners of the Lawless Lawyer legal firm.

EPISODE 2 📷

In Episode 2, Judge Cha Moon Sook requested Ha Jae Yi to help her remove her judicial robes. She complained that her judge’s robes were the most uncomfortable clothing that she had ever worn. This foreshadows what would happen in the final episode of the drama. Judge Cha Moon Sook, a hardened criminal, committed many horrific crimes including murder. In the end, Ha Jae Yi and Bong Sang Pil played a crucial role in disrobing her.

EPISODE 2 📷

In Episode 2, it’s not a surprise that Judge Cha Moon Sook was furious and gave Go In Doo a tongue lashing for his pretty careless and lackadaisical attitude over the Ki Seong Mayor’s murder case. As the Defense Lawyer for Wu Hyeon Man, Go In Doo did not even pretend to defend his confused client. His motives were so transparent that everyone was aware of it. It was asinine of him to throw caution to the wind. Judge Cha warned him that Wu Hyeon Man might want to change lawyers. Irritated by his negligent behaviour and attitude, Judge Cha demanded that he prostrate before her. When he obediently acceded to her demand, she kicked him and he tumbled to the floor. 📷 In the background of Judge Cha’s office, a picture depicting a series of tumbling 3D cubes adorned her low cabinet.  The cubes are transparent. The image of the tumbling cubes mirrors Go In Do’s situation. He would soon be replaced by Bong Sang Pil as Wu Hyeon Man’s Defence Lawyer. Like him, the rest of the members of The Seven would be tumbling down from their high pedestal.

EPISODE 3 📷 Logo from Episode 7

In Episode 3, the Golden City logo is part of the backdrop in Ahn Oh Ju’s office. The logo of the ‘Golden City’ project is in the shape of a square. The name ‘Golden City’ is placed to the right where the square breaks in the middle. The logo looks like a capital G with the name ‘Golden City’ penetrating the square.

📷 In that episode, Seok Gwan Dong had meekly reported to his boss, Ahn Oh Joo, that he had failed in his mission to prevent Bong Sang Pil from attending the murder trial of Wu Hyeon Man. In his fury, Ahn Oh Joo, without warning, cruelly thrust a penknife into Seok Gwan Dong’s thigh.  The name ‘Golden City’ is the equivalent of the penknife being thrust into Seok Gwan Dong’s thigh by Ahn Oh Ju. Does it matter to the viewers that Ahn Oh Ju is almost inhuman?

EPISODE 3 📷

In Episode 3, after Director Oh had divulged the secret that Mayor Lee Young Soo was murdered because he had objected to the Golden City project, he stated categorically that he was not going to be involved in Wu Hyeong man's case when he got out of prison. He was going to live a quiet and peaceful life. Selfish though it may seem, Director Oh was just being realistic. It meant that it was Bong’s sole responsibility to help Wu Hyeong Man. When Bong Sang Pil’s shadow was cast on the prison wall, it seemed as if Bong Sang Pil was carrying a cross. The laundry post looked like a crucifix. This religious imagery excites the imagination. If Wu Hyeong Man was to be proven innocent of the Mayor’s murder, the burden of proof lay in the hands of Bong Sang Pil. Bong would have to sacrifice himself for the good of Ki Seong.

EPISODE 7 📷

In Episode 7, Wu Hyeong Man had been caught by Ahn Oh Ju’s men and was brutally tortured. Although Bong Sang Pil and Tae Kwang Soo were able to rescue him, they had arrived too late. The weary and worn Bong Sang Pil had been angry with the former lawman who had previously been drawn into Ahn Oh Ju’s murky pool of crime and corruption. But, the lawless lawyer had not expected to be truly heartbroken by his death. He was distraught and mourned Wu Hyeong Man’s death. The broken roof and rafters of the dilapidated building reflected his ‘tattered and torn’ heart.

EPISODE 12 📷

Ha Jae Yi was annoyed with Bong Sang Pil’s strange behaviour towards her. His love for her seemed to have cooled down considerably. He excluded her from all his legal matters. She suspected something was wrong but could not put a finger to it. In Episode 12, she tried to solve the mystery. When out on the beach, she demanded the truth from him but he refused to divulge any secrets. He couldn’t tell her that he had acceded to her mother’s demand that he should let her go. The beach setting is not baffling but appropriate for their meeting. There are many seagulls flying all over the beach. Seagulls are a symbol of the truth. EPISODE 13 📷

The sad story of Ahn Oh Ju in Episode 13 is told with a punch. You almost sympathise with the gangster. The powerful shot of Ahn’s solitary car in the empty parking lot is telling. It is symbolic of his aloneness and alienation from society. Ahn Oh Ju had fallen from his high pedestal, almost without any friends and surrounded by enemies everywhere. The police and prosecutors were searching for him because of the incriminating video which showed that he had given Seok Gwan Dong the orders to kill Choi Dae Woong, Bong Sang Pil’s uncle. As he had become an embarrassment to The Seven, Judge Cha Moon Sook took the opportunity to root him out. 📷 He had parked his car in the parking lot while he awaited news from Han Tae Kyeong, the Editor-in-chief. Nobody wanted to be in the same boat as him as his boat was sinking. Everyone wanted to distance themselves from him. Rats flee a sinking ship. EPISODE 16 📷

In the final episode, the prosecutors and lawmen had arrived at Judge Cha Moon Sook’s mansion to collect proof of her crimes. She was being led away to face her punishment in prison. The main room in her mansion bore evidence of their hurried search for incriminating documents. A framed photograph of Judge Cha and her father, which lay on the floor, was trampled underfoot by someone. The broken glass and frame signifies her broken life - the end of her career as a judge and the end of her ambitious dreams. She was probably delusional about her situation and probably could not make sense of what had suddenly happened to her life. NUMBERS

EPISODE 4 📷

Numbers feature importantly in the drama. The number 7 is a strong symbol in many cultures. In the bible, there are 7 deadly sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride. The Circle of Seven. Bong Sang Pil called the group of powerful but corrupt people in Ki Seong -  The Seven (7).

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Ironically, his Lawless Law Team also consisted of 7 members. But, with the addition of Ha Jae Yi, it became 8. And when the firm employed Geum Ja, it became 9. Interestingly, for the Koreans, 7 symbolises Luck. The number 8 is also a lucky number. Ha Jae Yi, the eighth member brought luck to Bong Sang Pil. Nine symbolises both power and longevity. Geum Ja, the smart and sassy ninth member, has been able to solve problems and get things done.

EPISODE 5 📷

Ahn Oh Ju was political candidate number 8 who was vying for the Mayor’s post. Eight, in East Asia, means prosperity or success. Ahn Oh Ju rose to become the new Mayor but his tenure as Ki Seong's Mayor did not last long.

EPISODE 6 📷

Later, the members of The Seven increased to eight (8) when Prosecutor Kang Yeon Hee was propelled to join the group. When the members were brought down by Bong Sang Pil’s justice league, Kang Yeon Hee was the only lucky and unscathed person in the group. COLOURS EPISODE 1 📷 📷

Yellow has different meanings for different cultures. It may have positive and negative connotations. In Episode 1 of the drama, it represents both cowardice as well as courage.  In Western culture, yellow represents cowardice but in Japan, yellow represents courage.

📷 Bong Sang Pil considered himself to be a coward for not protecting and helping his mother, Choi Jin Ae on the night that she was murdered by Ahn Oh Ju. Bong had never excused himself even though he was only 10 years old at that time and he had been haunted by it ever since. On that fateful night, Bong was wearing a bright yellow jacket when he fled from the murder scene. But, do you notice that his shirt tail is shaped like a ‘V’ when he climbed down from the window of his mother’s fourth floor office? It is a victory sign. It shows great courage on the part of the young Bong Sang Pil for climbing down the building. It was dangerous but he managed to escape at that time. Although he was caught by Wu Hyeong Man, he eventually escaped with Noh Hyun Joo’s (Ha Jae Yi’s mother) help.

EPISODE 2 📷

EPISODE 2 📷

Rain could be a symbol of ongoing misery and a gloomy feeling. It could also symbolise the washing away the old. Eighteen years later, Bong Sang Pil was all grown up. He was transformed into a courageous and fearless character. In Episode 2, Bong Sang Pil was soaking wet in a heavy downpour. Bong’s mother was murdered on a dark and stormy night, complete with flashing lightning and crashing thunder. On that rainy night, he was rescued by Noh Hyun Joo. But, the shocking murder of his mother had been stamped on his memory forever. The rain is a constant reminder of his heart-breaking past, which returns to haunt him every now and then. Bong is overcome by despondency and melancholy and swears vengeance on his mother’s killers.  The yellow towel that is draped over his shoulders implies courage and fearlessness. Yellow also symbolises honour and loyalty to his mother’s memory.

EPISODE 2 📷

Nam Soon Ja, though not highly educated, was a braggart who crowed about her wealthy background. Through her association with Judge Cha Moon Sook, she was able to accrue much power and wealth. Pompous, self-important and arrogant, Nam felt entitled to have the best of everything. In an incident in high school, Ha Jae Yi intervened when Nam barged into the classroom and abused the teacher. The arrogant mother demanded that her daughter, Kang Yeon Hee, should take precedence over other students and be given the highest mark. When the two women met again in a fashionable and elegant high fashion boutique, the imperious and patronizing Nam was effusive in her greetings. The luxurious and classy store mirror reflects a royal purple - signifying royalty, luxury, power, wealth. Judge Cha Moon Sook and Nam Soon Ja thought of themselves as royalty. Ki Seong royalty. They are arrogant, ambitious and have illusions of self-grandeur. EPISODE 5 📷

Coincidentally, when Choi Jin Ae was murdered and Noh Hyun Joo went missing, the young Ha Jae Yi wore a yellow raincoat when searching for her mother. Yellow here represents Ha Jae Yi’s energy, optimism and hope as she was hopeful of finding her mother. Her mother did not die but fled the country to save herself and her family. Ha Jae Yi’s hope turned into reality. Noh Hyun Joo was reunited with her family eighteen years later.

EPISODE 5 📷

Ahn Oh Ju, the mayoral candidate, used purple as his campaign colour. His staff and helpers wore purple campaign jackets. Purple suggests wealth. And, royalty. That was what Ahn Oh Ju, like Judge Cha Moon Sook and Nam Soon Ja, believed himself to be. Ki Seong royalty. What is amusing and eye-opening about this scene is that the viewers are told that Seok Gwan Dong had employed 100 part-timers to write positive reviews and exaggerated reports about the political candidate, Ahn Oh Ju. But, the mayoral candidate had wisely insisted that they be turned into permanent staff and given benefits. This clearly refers to the use of purple prose in reference to the large exaggerations, lies and highly imaginative political writings by the team of 100. The viewers are invited to marvel at Ahn Oh Ju’s shrewd thinking and cleverness at manipulating public opinion. No wonder he won the election! EPISODE 5 📷

Episode 5 is riveting. Bong Sang Pil seemed tired of the joker, Ahn Oh Ju, who had dropped by, not for a casual nor friendly visit but with the mission of goading and taunting him about having murdered his mother in that very office. Murder is sinful and should not be treated with levity but Ahn Oh Ju was flippant about it. Ahn Oh Ju, who looked like Dracula in his red shirt and black jacket, seemed to be sucking out Bong’s energy. His provocative words seemed to have taken the wind out of Bong’s sail. The red shirt he wore represents danger. On the surface, Bong seemed restraint. But, he was raging inwardly. He could hardly keep his emotions in check. He gave the older man a freezing look.

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After the gangster head had left, Bong held a paper weight in his hand. The ornamental office stationery was in the form of a miniature skyscraper with a sharp spire. What, if he had lost control! There is some red in the office background which signifies danger – Bong Sang Pil’s feelings of violence and wrath in his heart.

EPISODE 7 📷

After Ahn Oh Ju was elected as the Mayor, The Seven became the circle of eight. An official group photo was taken for the album. Kang Yeon Hee stood out as she was the only one wearing white while the others wore sombre colours. White implies purity. While not completely naive, Kang Yeon Hee was still morally upright and would remain above prosecution while the others collapsed like a house of cards.

EPISODE 8 📷

Red signifies good luck in the East. It is a popular colour in China. It also denotes joy, happiness, excitement and power. The boss of the Lawless Lawyer firm, Bong Sang Pil, and his employees celebrated the good news that Ha Jae Yi’s suspension as a lawyer had been lifted and she was accepted as the partner of the law firm. Hae Jae Yi wore red to denote her happiness and joy. Two others in the team also wore some red in their clothing to show that they shared her happiness.

SHADOWS

There is a clever use of light and shadows to tell the story of the lawless lawyer. The cinematographer has used shadows to great effect. The shots are breath-taking as they create dynamic and exciting stories.

EPISODE 2 📷

Bong Sang Pil waylaid Go In Doo, the Defence Lawyer of Wu Hyeong Man, in the lobby of the courthouse and introduced himself to the latter. To the irritation of the veteran lawyer, Bong requested to take over as the Defense Lawyer for Wu Hyeong Man. It was a blatant attempt at stealing another lawyer’s client. Go In Doo did not mince his words in his scorching condemnation of the thick-skinned lawless lawyer for lacking integrity and failing to abide by legal ethics. Bong Sang Pil was not in the least embarrassed by Go In Do’s scathing remarks. Shadows are used artistically to show that Bong Sang Pil was being shamed when Go In Doo and his lawyers trampled all over his shadow. It signifies that he was being publicly put in his place, humiliated and held in contempt by his rivals. Take note that Go In Doo did not walk over Ha Jae Yi’s shadow. Shadows have the power to tell a story. EPISODE 2 📷

Bong Sang Pil’s side kick, Tae Kwang Soo, used a high-end drone with a built-in camera and microphone to record an audio video of Go In Doo’s conversation with Ahn Oh Ju as it hovered near Go In Doo’s office. The footage was used to prove to Wu Hyeon Man that he was being hoodwinked by his treacherous lawyer. Bong suggested that he should change lawyers. Using such incredible technology in this way is illegal in the eyes of the law. In this segment of the story, Tae Kwang Soo’s body had cast a shadow on the drone. The shadow is used to convey the message that Tae was committing an unlawful act and could be prosecuted.

EPISODE 4 📷

In Episode 4, someone from the fish market wanted to convey vital information about Wu Hyeon Man to Ahn Oh Ju. He was a witness of the Ki Seong Mayor’s murder and knew that Wu Hyeong Man was not the murderer of the former Mayor. He had seen the murderer who was taller and thinner than Wu Hyeong Man. The greedy individual wanted blood money but Ahn Oh Ju had no intention of rewarding him. The gangster boss wanted Seok Gwan Dong to push the unfortunate man off the building. Seok Gwan Dong was initially ignorant of Ahn’s intention. This is indicated by the fact that he was standing in the shadow of Ahn Oh Ju when his boss was talking to the man. When he moved to the left he was completely in the shadows. He was literally and figuratively in the dark. When Ahn signalled for him to attack the man, he was clearly shocked. After the murder, Ahn Oh Ju and Seok Gwan Dong’s shadows were next to each other’s, indicating they were two ‘beasts’ of the same kind and in the same boat. EPISODE 8 📷

There is another example of the use of shadows - in Episode 8. In this episode, Choi Dae Woong was with his gang members in the art gallery that he owned. He had made the decision to go to Ki Seong to help his nephew in his fight against Ahn Oh Ju and Judge Cha Moon Sook. There is a shot of Choi Dae Woong talking to Kwon Man Bae. He was standing within the shadow of the legs of a stool in the gallery. He did not step on the shadow but seemed to be trapped within the confines of that shadow. This shot foreshadows the trap being set for him; he would be ensnared in the office of Ahn Oh Ju without the means of an escape. It would subsequently lead to his death. EPISODE 15 📷 In an interview about her autobiography in Episode 15, Judge Cha Moon Sook indicated that her intention of penning her book was to share her gems of wisdom to help everyone in the world. The camera light casts a shadow of her profile on the wall, indicating that a shadow that follows her. The dark shadow symbolises her life which is filled with dark, dangerous secrets.

EPISODE 12 📷

There is also a play of light and darkness in the drama to highlight emotions.   In Episode 12, a video of Ahn Oh Ju instructing Seok Gwan Dong to murder Choi Dae Woong had surfaced on the Internet. Ahn proved to be a liability to The Seven. Chief Prosecutor Jang Sang Ik was instructed by Judge Cha Moon Sook to destroy him completely. A document profiling Ahn Oh Ju’s campaign funds was handed over to him by Go In Doo.     After leaving Judge Cha’s private chambers, Chief Prosecutor Jang Sang Ik’s face was inscrutable. In the first place, Chief Prosecutor Jang Sang Ik had disapproved of Ahn Oh Ju’s mayoral candidacy. He felt that Ahn lacked the necessary political acumen to be the Mayor; he was sceptical about his credentials. Jang  was also antagonistic towards him because Judge Cha chose Ahn Oh Ju instead of him to be the Mayor of Ki Seong. The alternate use of soft and harsh light traces Jang's features and highlights his facial expressions. Initially, his expression was deadpan but as he moves away from Judge Cha’s private chambers, the malicious man finally broke into a sinister smile. EPISODE 14 📷

In Episode 14, an impressive black and white image, which pays homage to Chiaroscuro, shows the silhouette of a tense Bong Sang Pil kneeling in front of a gloating Ahn Oh Ju who was aiming his gun at Bong’s head. Ahn Oh Ju had held Ha Jae Yi against her will in the warehouse. Bong Sang Pil had arrived to rescue her. He was forced to fall to his knees but in the end, Ahn Oh Ju promised to appear as a witness in the final court trial if Bong consented to fight with him.

📷 Power Play. That special shot is a powerful image of dominance and submission in the general sense. The Powerful and The Powerless. There is nothing erotic about it. Forget your Fifty Shades of Grey. Bong Sang Pil was forced into submission. The younger man’s compliance meant that Ahn Oh Ju was more powerful than him. The fallen Mayor meant to humiliate and belittle Bong but he found no pleasure in it.

THE MYRAID OF FLASHING COLOURED LIGHTS

EPISODE 4 📷 The drama is suffused with flashing, eye-scorching multi-coloured lights, a dominant element throughout the drama. The flashing lights can also be described as blindingly brilliant. The myriad of flashing colours came from Bong Sang Pil’s projector in his private quarters upstairs where he often studied the projected images of the Seven and their victims on his futuristic interactive wall. The common colours appear to be blue and red. Blue represents wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith and truth. Red symbolises violence, danger, wrath, stress and anger. EPISODE 5 📷

In Episode 5, Bong Sang Pil’s uncle, Choi Dae Woong had advised him against revenge. ‘Revenge calls for more revenge’. His advice fell on deaf ears. The flashing blue represents wisdom and truth which Bong Sang Pil had failed to understand.

EPISODE 5 📷

In the same episode, Ha Jae Yi finally learnt that the hidden truth about Bong Sang Pil. She exposed the secret of their entwined past, the elaborate truth which he was finally compelled to share with her. The blue colour represents the truth. EPISODE 8 📷

In Episode 8, Ahn Oh Ju had threatened to hurt a person whom Bong Sang Pil loved. This was because Bong Sang Pil had destroyed one of his allies, Bank President Son Sung Sik. Bong immediately assumed that Ahn wanted to hurt Ha Jae Yi but he was terribly wrong. Blue represents the wisdom, intelligence and truth that Bong Sang Pil lacked. His uncle, Choi Dae Woong, had warned him against taking revenge. ‘Revenge calls for more revenge.’ Bong learnt this piece of wisdom too late. Ahn Oh Ju had targeted his uncle, Choi Dae Woong, not Ha Jae Yi. His uncle’s life had to be sacrificed in order for the words of wisdom to sink in. EPISODE 11 📷

The time came for the Lawless Law team to target Judge Cha Moon Sook - to expose the truth about her dark secrets and bring her to justice. In Episode 11, Bong Sang Pil and Ha Jae Yi were confident that they would be able to bring her down. Blue represents their wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith and truth.

EPISODE 12

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Blue represents the revelation of the complicated truth in Episode 12. It finally dawned on Bong Sang Pil that the sender of the notebook was Judge Cha Moon Sook. Judge Cha Moon Sook had lured Bong Sang Pil to Ki Seong to help her destroy Ahn Oh Joo. Bong had become the unwitting tool of the mastermind of the murders. Red symbolises the anger towards himself for being ignorant of her devious scheme. EPISODE 6 📷

The bright shining light behind Bong Sang Pil as he descends the stairs in Episode 6 signifies his happiness after bedding his lady love. The drama is surprisingly chaste. Bong Sang Pil was reluctant to make any moves on Ha Jae Yi. It was the strong lady who made the first move. The bed scene is sizzling because the ladies get to see Bong Sang Pil’s dazzling bare shoulders. Women, young and old, are yelping with glee: everyone is wildly thrilled and electrified. The director had been smart enough to have served up a truly unforgettable scene. The removal of their outer clothing, their jackets, and their shoes in Episode 6 implies the deed which was done the night before. EPISODE 11 📷

The conflict between Bong Sang Pil and Ha Jae Yi in Episode 11 is shown by the camera angles which focuses on the sunlight. Ha Jae Yi indicated her wish to see Judge Cha Moon Sook by herself and to question her about the reason for lifting her suspension as a lawyer. Bong tried to dissuade her from going there alone as he knew that her hot temper and confrontational ways might lead to problems. Indeed, he was right. Ha Jae Yi did not mince her words when she rebuked Judge Cha when she spilled the secret about the ugliness behind the mask that Judge Cha wears. Take note of the focus of the camera before and during their argument. The bright sunlight wedged between them is used to draw attention to their difference in opinions. EPISODE 16 📷

Ahn Oh Ju may have lit a fire to burn his paper money but the fire represents the destruction of his life. Would burning real money mean that a person cannot bring anything with him to the next world? Nothing. That is why the Taoists burn fake paper money for the dead. Ahn had been playing with fire and now, he was burnt. Destruction. He had destroyed himself. Ahn Oh Ju had lit a fire in Wu Hyeon Man’s car to destroy incriminating evidence against him. He had also sent his thugs to kill the former law officer. That probably came back to haunt him. The image of fire here is synonymous with punishment.

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In their final face-off at the harbour, one of the best scenes in the drama, the bright sunlight, which is wedged between Bong Sang Pil and Ahn Oh Ju, is used to draw attention to their on-going conflict even at the latter’s final moments. Bong Sang Pil’s fury was reflective of his emotional state. It could not be stemmed. Yet, he cried. Memories of his mother’s murder came flooding back. They were tears of rage and they were tears of heart-break. Bong Sang Pil was only human. For Ahn Oh Ju, the only recourse was to end his life in the place where he was born. The seaside was his beloved place from the womb to the tomb. Ahn Oh Ju wanted to live and die on his own terms. When Ahn Oh Ju committed suicide, Bong Sang Pil was not jubilant but it did probably give him a sense of closure. CONTRASTS

EPISODE 1 📷

Bong Sang Pil had newly returned to Ki Seong and had parked his supercar in front of the old building that once housed his mother’s legal office. The Old and Listless versus The New and Powerful. In Episode 1, the drama contrasts Bong Sang Pil’s new, powerful, athletic, performance-driven supercar, the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro, with the rundown 40-year old five-storey building in Ki Seong. The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro was a force to be reckoned with but the old building was in danger of falling down. His mother’s former law office, which was on the fourth floor, was the one that he intended to occupy. The grey building, which was cloaked in dirt, looked listless and cold. It was getting pretty drab and old and badly needed a new coat of paint. EPISODE 4 📷

Holiness versus Evil. The drama cleverly juxtaposed hypocritical worshippers and a house of worship. Judge Cha Moon Sook and her righthand woman, Nam Soon Ja both wearing veils were having a hushed conversation in a Roman Catholic church in Episode 4. The topic of conversation was Ahn Oh Ju. Nam was shocked and confused about Judge Cha Moon Sook’s choice of a criminal for the post of Mayor. To them, nothing is sacred. The setting is a place of holiness and worship, and yet the two villainous schemers chose the sacred place to conduct their evil discussion on the election of an evil candidate. It seemed strange that the diabolical criminal mastermind is a woman.

EPISODE 5 📷 Episode 5

📷 Episode 8

In Episode 5 culture is contrasted with coarseness. What is quite startling is Choi Dae Woong, the most powerful gangster boss in Seoul, actually owned an art gallery. Ha Jae Yi had visited him there to check him out. The coarse lifestyle of  Choi Dae Woong and his strange taste for culture seemed ironic. The art gallery, which was adorned with beautiful paintings, was swimming with gangsters who would be more comfortable in a cheap and tawdry nightclub. The juxtaposition of culture and uncouth gangsters, though dressed in their Sunday best, is interesting, one would say. It appears that it is an earnest attempt on Choi’s part to return to mainstream society and go the straight and narrow path. It seems a bit of a let-down when he was murdered by Seok Gwan Dong. REFLECTION The drama is also peppered with a series of images of reflections on mirrors, glass windows and Plexiglas.

THE PRELUDE 📷

Reflection on the glass window of the supercar. In the opening scene, which is one of the most amazing scenes, the traffic policeman knocked urgently on the window of Bong Sang Pil’s car. Bong had been speeding on the highway. A startling discovery. The policeman’s image had merged with Bong’s image. This gives a humorous feel to the scene. The drama seeks to show us that Bong Sang Pil and the traffic policeman were similar. They were both unethical, wily and tricky. Bong Sang Pil and the traffic policeman were two sides of the same coin. Previously, the lawman had been flagging down wayward drivers and demanding bribes from them. In this episode, he also wanted a bribe from Bong Sang Pil to drop the speeding charges against him. The lawyer used his car camera, which was linked to his handphone, to record their conversation. There was no doubt that the law officer was corrupt and greedy but the lawless lawyer was no better. Both were unethical in their own ways. The policeman was corrupt and Bong Sang Pil was simply bad for using deception to trap him. He was morally wrong in that he used entrapment by baiting the lawman to commit the crime of taking bribes. This entertaining scene provides a cautionary tale. It is an auspicious beginning. The audience loves the bad boy. They have a hearty laugh over his humorous antics. As a matter of interest, this scene is extraordinary and memorable because Bong Sang Pil doesn’t look like the Lee Joon Gi that we know of. It is a strange but exciting feeling. This scene would lay down the law for all actors to follow – they have to slip into their character as soon as the drama starts. Lee Joon Gi has actually morphed into somebody else! EPISODE 2 📷

Seok Gwan Dong paid the older gangster boss, Ahn Oh Ju a visit upon his return to Ki Seong. They were rivals in the past and Seok had chosen to move to Seoul. Now that he had lost his business in Seoul due to Choi Dae Woong and Bong Sang Pil’s interference, he had hoped to change his fortunes by serving Ahn Oh Ju. Dramatic image. Note the dispersal of the sun’s rays through the open vertical blinds and their clear reflection on the reflective surfaces of the marble floor and the marble table. This serves to show us that the two gangsters reflect each other and would soon be in a beneficial partnership.

EPISODE 3 📷

The viewers are told in Episode 3 that Bong Sang Pil had been thrown into prison for three days because he had demanded for the recusal of Judge Cha Moon Sook in Wu Hyeong Man’s trial. Mirroring effect. Transparency and Reflectivity. In the prison, when prisoner Bong Sang Pil leaned towards the Plexiglas to talk to Ha Jae Yi, the reflection of Bong Sang Pil’s face almost merged with Ha Jae Yi’s face on the Plexiglas. The magical moment captivates one’s imagination. The shot shows that they were obviously on the same page. Bong smiled. He was confident of Ha Jae Yi’s lawyering abilities and he did not have to tell her exactly what to do. She instinctively knew that she had to step into his legal shoes to find facts to help vindicate Wu Hyeong Man of the Mayor’s murder and expose the criminals in the trial. She, too, smiled.

EPISODE 3 📷

In Episode 3, Ahn Oh Ju seemed caught up with his delusional dreams of building The Golden City. The ambitious mayoral candidate was admiring the incredibly amazing Golden City hologram in his office. That futuristic holographic image is so cool! But notice the reflection of his back in the various images when he was lost in his reverie. Does it mean that he would be forced to turn his back on the project, the ‘baby’ he had decided to nurture? To his utter dismay, the project could not take off. Viewers would soon learn that after Judge Cha Moon Sook’s fallout with Mayor Ahn Oh Ju, she had instructed the city council to put the project on the back burner.

EPISODE 6 📷

Night time. It was impossible see through the glass windows on the  half-way landing where the statutes of Lady Justice and Judge Cha Byung Ho stood. The image of the ceiling of the courthouse was reflected on those windows probably because of the dark tint of the glass. In the morning, people standing on the landing of the courthouse can see the external surroundings but people outside the building cannot look in.  At night, if the internal lights were switched on, people outside the building would be able to see some parts of the building. Judge Cha Moon Sook proved to be even more ambitious than her father, Judge Cha Byung Ho. She was determined to be the Chief Justice or even higher.  In this shot, the windows are not transparent. The view is blocked. Does the blocked view and reflected light mean that her ambition would be thwarted? EPISODE 9 📷

This prison shot in Episode 9, is similar to the prison shot in Episode 3 in that faces merge. Bong Sang Pil provided evidence to the Prosecution to prove that Bank President Son Sung Sik was corrupt. Son ended up being the fall guy for Ahn Oh Ju’s criminal activities. Since Bong had destroyed his partner-in-crime, Ahn Oh Ju was determined to kill someone whom Bong loved. When his uncle, Choi Dae Woong, was murdered by Ahn Oh Ju, the latter framed Bong Sang Pil for the murder. Bong was thrown into jail. Ahn Oh Ju visited Bong Sang Pil to gloat and crow over his pain and helplessness. He rebuked Bong for his vengeful ways. 📷 Ahn Oh Ju’s reflection on the Plexiglas had merged with the face of Bong Sang Pil. This shot shows that both were equally vengeful. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. EPISODE 12 📷 This shot in Episode 12 is quite beautiful. Bong Sang Pil’s mind is all messed up because Noh Hyun Joo, Ha Jae Yi’s mother, had demanded that he should give up her daughter. Bong had been too reckless and his actions had been impulsive and risky. The fact that he was clashing with Ki Seong’s all-powerful titan, Judge Cha Moon Sook and gangster-cum-Mayor, Ahn Oh Ju made Noh Hyun Joo fear for her daughter’s safety. The messy reflected images from the outside betrays Bong Sang Pil’s troubled feelings. EPISODE 14

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Nam Soon Ja is detained for questioning in the interrogation room. It is a familiar scene in any police drama. She denied all criminal charges. Her arrogance was plain for all to see in the lit room. Self-Reflection. If she looked at her own reflection, she could see her own arrogance and darkness which were reflected on the two-way mirror that separated the interrogation room from the adjacent observation room.

EPISODE 16 📷

Like Episode 3 and 6, the shot in Episode 16 shows the merging of faces to indicate similar emotions. Nam Soon Ja had been arrested for her crimes. Prosecutor Kang Yeon Hee had visited her mother in prison. In an earlier episode of the story, mother and daughter did not see eye to eye on the mother’s arrest. However, during her second visit, Kang Yeon Hee‘s antagonistic feelings towards her mother had vanished. Both cry over the sad situation. Their shared opinion was that Kang Yeon Hee should take the straight and narrow path in the new chapter of her life. The reflection of Kang Yeon Hee’s face on the Plexiglas merged with her mother’s face to show total agreement with each other. THE LADY JUSTICE STATUE THE PRELUDE

📷 Bong Sang Pil and Ha Jae Yi paid a visit at different times to the courthouse in Seoul. Ha Jae Yi wondered about justice after her suspension from law practice and her dismissal from her job. Before Bong Sang Pil left Seoul for Ki Seong he also went to the courthouse. You may not be able to understand why people are drawn to the Lady Justice statue but the cast figure is indeed intriguing. The Lady Justice statue in the Prelude wears a blindfold, holds a balance in her right hand and a sword in her left hand. The sword points downwards. The blindfold represents impartiality. The balance or scales of justice symbolises objectivity. The sword conveys the idea that justice can be swift and final. The Lady Justice in question crushes a serpent underfoot. The snake symbolises evil. The message is justice triumphs over injustice, corruption, bias and intimidation. What is Lady Justice? In a word, neutral. There is an important question about the position of the sword. In some episodes, Lady Justice raises her arm to wield the sword upwards. In others, her sword is pointed downwards. Historically, pointing a sword downwards represents  ‘rest’, ‘peace’ or ‘end of conflict’. Pointing it up indicates ‘battle’ or ‘conflict’ or ‘the readiness for battle or conflict’. 📷 In this image, Lady Justice is ‘resting’. Bong Sang Pil’s battle for justice had not yet begun. Bong’s mother’s death had haunted him. People might say that time heals everything. In Bong’s view, those people who thought in that way had never been hurt before. Time did not heal his emotional wounds. Like the blindfolded Lady Justice, the steely-eyed lawyer stared unseeingly ahead of him. THE PRELUDE

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The Lady Justice statue in the Ki Seong District Court points her sword up indicating a ‘battle’ or ‘conflict’ is about to begin or lawyers are ‘ready for battle or conflict’. When Judge Cha Mook Sook ascended the stairs, sunlight struck the scales of justice. Objectivity in judicial cases is highlighted. But, would there be objectivity with the lady judge?

EPISODE 4 📷

In an attempt to enhance her power and standing, Judge Cha Mook Sook allowed the sycophantic mayoral candidate, Ahn Oh Ju, to place a statue of her father in her court, the Ki Seong District Court. Imagine Lady Justice, a traditional symbol of justice and the statue of Judge Cha Byung Ho, a dishonourable judge, being placed side by side in the courthouse in Episode 4. Do you notice that Lady Justice has her arm raised with the sword pointing upwards? Judge Cha Byun Ho’s statue also raises his gravel with a long handle. The two seemed to be up in arms and doing battle. In Episode 4, Bong Sang Pil arrived unexpectedly with the fixer who had been secretly requested by Ahn Oh Ju to seek the services of a killer to murder Mayor Lee Young Soo. The images speak volumes about the occasion. The public unveiling of the life-size statue had an inauspicious start. It was the beginning of uncommon conflicts in the Ki Seong District Court. EPISODE 7 📷

In Episode 7, when Ahn Oh Ju emerged triumphant as the new Mayor, he was met at the landing of the Courthouse staircase by Judge Cha Moon Sook. Notice that the golden statue of Judge Cha Byung Ho appeared to be more shining than the Lady Justice statue which lacked the lustre and shine of the other statue.  Lady Justice had been relegated to the background. Does it mean that the situation evinced the triumph of evil over good?

EPISODE 7

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In Episode 7, when Judge Cha Mook Sook announced that she had requested the Bar Council to lift Ha Jae Yi’s suspension from law practice, Judge Cha had expected some reciprocal gesture of gratitude from her. To her utter shock, Ha Jae Yi declared war. She would investigate and expose Judge Cha Mook Sook’s crimes and take her to court. While waiting for his lady love, Bong Sang Pil was looking at the Lady Justice statue in the lobby of the courthouse. Lady Justice seemed to be crushing the serpent underfoot. Ha Jae Yi was doing the same. Trampling on Judge Cha Moon Sook. And squashing her hopes of breaking through the glass ceiling in the judicial world. The position of  Chief Justice. EPISODE 8 📷

In Episode 8, Ha Jae Yi argued with Prosecutor Kang Yeon Hee about law and prejudice while walking up the courthouse staircase. The conflict between a prosecutor and a lawyer. 📷 The statues seemed to be in conflict too. EPISODE 11 📷

When Judge Cha Moon Sook delivered her verdict concerning a violent rapist and murderer in Episode 11, she had meted out the death penalty. The death sentence was not the real issue here. Judge Cha Moon Sook was not really concerned about law and justice. She took advantage of the situation to rise to the top of her profession in the judiciary as she coveted the position of Chief Justice. This shot calls attention to the light shining on Judge Cha Byung Ho’s head. Evil had triumphed over good again. EPISODE 16

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It is easy to scoff at Judge Cha Moon Sook for her arrogance and over-confidence when she met the two young lawyers in the courthouse. Ha Jae Yi declared confidently that it was to be her last trial as a judge. Judge Cha Moon Sook was unconvinced. Focus on Judge Cha Byung Ho’s statue. When Judge Cha Moon Sook climbed the stairs, her father’s statue seemed to be crowned with bright light, showing her optimistic and triumphant mood. EPISODE 16 📷

After their triumph over Judge Cha Moon Sook in the final trial in Episode 16, Bong Sang Pil and Ha Jae Yi looked up at the statue of Lady Justice. Judge Cha Byung Ho’s statue had already been removed. The Lady Justice statue seemed to be suffused with light. Good had triumphed over Evil. Justice had prevailed.

EPISODE 2 📷

Study the animation of the Ohju Group name in Ahn Oh Joo’s office carefully. As seen from the inside of the office, the name ‘Ohju’ moved from left to right. It would seem strange for the name to move from the right to the left on the reverse side (Looking at the front of office). You would be surprised because the name is spelled with the English alphabets, so it should be read from the left to the right and the animated name should move from the left to the right. Go In Doo boasted of being the best lawyer. Ahn Oh Ju wanted him to ensure that Wu Hyeon Man remained in jail. If the direction of the animation is contrary to conventional practice, does this mean that Go In Doo is not the best lawyer and would fail in his plans? Bong Sang Pil would prove to be the best lawyer and would be able to prove Wu Hyeon Man’s innocence in the Ki Seong Mayor’s murder case.

EPISODE 7 📷

In Episode 7, the same thing happens. The name moved from the left to the night. That was when he wanted to thrash up Seok Gwan Dong. It shows that Ahn Oh Ju's act is controversial.