Possessed lawyer drama ‘Phantom Lawyer’ nears double digits, reviving SBS Friday-Saturday lineup
Posters for "Phantom Lawyer" / Courtesy of SBS
SBS appears to have found its momentum again as its latest legal-fantasy drama “Phantom Lawyer” gains traction, with ratings climbing steadily toward the coveted double-digit mark — a turnaround after a recent slump in the broadcaster’s prime Friday-Saturday slot.
Premiering on March 13, the series follows a “spirit-possessed lawyer” who resolves the lingering grudges of the dead, alongside a cold, success-driven elite attorney. Blending courtroom drama with elements of Korean shamanism — a belief system that continues to inspire trending content — the show has drawn attention for its unusual premise and emotional storytelling.
Scenes from "Phantom Lawyer" / Captured from SBS
The drama stars Yoo Yeon-seok, whose performance has been widely discussed online. Playing the titular character, he portrays multiple personalities through possession scenes, effectively taking on a near multirole performance that anchors the series.
The numbers reflect growing buzz. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode recorded 6.3 percent viewership, rising to 9.1 percent by its fourth episode on Saturday. With word-of-mouth spreading on social media, the show is now on the verge of breaking into double-digit ratings — a key benchmark in Korean television.
The performance is particularly notable given its predecessor in the same time slot, “No Tail to Tell,” which struggled in the 3 percent range before ending its run. Expectations had been high for SBS’ Friday-Saturday lineup, following hits such as “Taxi Driver 3,” “Love Scout” and “Buried Hearts,” but recent results had been uneven.
The success of “Phantom Lawyer” suggests a rebound, with its mix of legal drama, supernatural themes and character-driven narratives resonating with viewers. The recent popularity of shamanism-themed storytelling across Korean entertainment has also contributed to the show’s early momentum.
With ratings continuing to rise and online discussions intensifying, attention is now turning to whether the series can sustain its growth and solidify itself as another hit for SBS.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.