The wait is almost over for fans of unique Korean dramas. A new show is coming that mixes courtroom battles with ghosts, and it features one of Korea’s most beloved actors in a role unlike anything he has done before. Yoo Yeon-seok, known for his work in Hospital Playlist, is stepping into the shoes of a lawyer who gets possessed by spirits.
SBS’s new Friday-Saturday drama Phantom Lawyer is scheduled to premiere on March 13, 2026, at 9:50 p.m. KST . The series will also be available for international viewers on Netflix, making it easy for fans around the world to watch . This 16-episode fantasy legal drama promises a mix of comedy, mystery, and heartfelt moments as a lawyer solves cases for clients who are no longer living.
What Is Phantom Lawyer About?
The story centers on Shin Yi-rang, a late-blooming lawyer who struggles to find a job at a big law firm. He eventually opens his own small practice in Room 301 of the Okcheon Building in Seocho-dong . The problem? The previous tenant was a shaman. Once Yi-rang moves in, his world turns upside down because he suddenly starts seeing ghosts .
These are not just any ghosts. They are spirits with deep-seated grudges, known in Korean culture as han, who cannot move on to the afterlife until they get justice . When these spirits get emotional, they possess Yi-rang’s body. This leads to Yoo Yeon-seok playing multiple “alter egos” as different ghosts take over his character . One moment he might act like a loud middle-aged man, and the next, a cold-hearted scientist. The production team has even teased a scene where he appears in a hanbok, hinting that the spirits come from various eras .
He teams up with Han Na-hyun, played by Esom. She is the opposite of Yi-rang in every way. As an elite attorney at the prestigious Taebaek Law Firm, she has a perfect 100% win record . She is cold, rational, and only believes in evidence and the law . She does not believe in ghosts at all. The drama follows how these two opposites clash and eventually work together to solve mysteries and send the restless spirits off peacefully from the rooftop of their building .
Main Cast and Characters
The casting for Phantom Lawyer brings together a strong mix of talent. Here is who is playing whom:
- Yoo Yeon-seok as Shin Yi-rang: A kind-hearted but unlucky lawyer who opens his own office only to discover he can see and get possessed by ghosts. This marks his first full attempt at comedic acting since his debut .
- Esom as Han Na-hyun: The ace lawyer who has never lost a case. She became a lawyer to fulfill her late sister’s dream, which explains why she pushes herself so hard and keeps her emotions locked away .
- Kim Kyung-nam as Yang Do-kyung: The young and ambitious CEO of Taebaek Law Firm. He sees Yi-rang as a rival. Interestingly, he has a soft spot for Han Na-hyun and feels jealous when she gets close to Yi-rang .
- Jeon Seok-ho as Yoon Bong-soo: Yi-rang’s brother-in-law who becomes the office manager at the law firm. He is a struggling actor who works part-time jobs .
- Kim Mi-kyung as Park Kyung-hwa: Yi-rang’s mother who runs a butcher shop. She appears tough on the outside but is warm at heart .
- Son Yeo-eun as Shin Sa-rang: Yi-rang’s older sister .
- Lee Ah-rin as Yoon Da-bong: Sa-rang’s daughter .
- Jung Seung-gil as Father Matteo: A mysterious priest who becomes an important supporter of Yi-rang’s law office .
Phantom Lawyer Release Date and Time
Mark your calendars. Phantom Lawyer premieres on Friday, March 13, 2026. It will air every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. (KST) on SBS .
For international viewers, the show will be available on Netflix. Based on standard Netflix release schedules for Korean dramas, new episodes should be uploaded shortly after the Korean broadcast ends . Here is the global release breakdown:
- South Korea: Friday & Saturday, 9:50 p.m. (KST) on SBS
- USA (EST): Friday & Saturday, approximately 8:50 a.m. on Netflix
- USA (PST): Friday & Saturday, approximately 5:50 a.m. on Netflix
- UK: Friday & Saturday, approximately 12:50 p.m. on Netflix
- Canada: Friday & Saturday, approximately 8:50 a.m. on Netflix
- Australia (AEDT): Friday & Saturday, approximately 11:50 p.m. on Netflix
- India (IST): Friday & Saturday, approximately 6:20 p.m. on Netflix
The series is confirmed to have 16 episodes, and if it follows a typical weekly run, the finale would air around the first weekend of May 2026 .
What Makes This Drama Different?
A One-Man Acting Show
The biggest draw of Phantom Lawyer is Yoo Yeon-seok’s performance. Since his character gets possessed by different spirits every episode, Yoo gets to play a wide range of personalities . The production team at Studio S called it a “one-man acting show” and a “bold parade of alter egos” . Viewers will see him switch between genders, ages, and personalities in the blink of an eye, which promises both comedy and emotional depth.
The Clash of Opposites
The relationship between the two leads is built on contrast. Shin Yi-rang operates with his heart and listens to the stories of the dead. Han Na-hyun operates with her head and only cares about winning . Esom explained that she was curious to see how her cold character would change after meeting someone like Yi-rang . Watching a skeptic slowly accept the supernatural while a soft lawyer learns to be tougher is the core fun of the show.
The Rooftop Rituals
Unlike typical legal dramas that end with a gavel bang, Phantom Lawyer adds a spiritual layer. After winning cases for the ghosts in court, Yi-rang and Na-hyun go to the rooftop of their building. There, they perform a small ritual to send the souls off peacefully . This adds a gentle, emotional closure to each case that viewers rarely see in law shows.
Where to Watch Phantom Lawyer
You have two main options to catch this show.
- Television (South Korea): Watch live on SBS every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. KST.
- Streaming (Global): The international streaming rights have been picked up by Netflix . This means audiences in the USA, UK, Canada, India, Australia, and most other regions can watch the show with subtitles shortly after the Korean broadcast. It is the most convenient way for global fans to follow along.
Also Read:
Final Thoughts Before the Premiere
With just days left until the first episode, the buzz around Phantom Lawyer is growing. The combination of a fresh fantasy-legal genre, a stellar cast led by Yoo Yeon-seok and Esom, and the promise of hilarious possession scenes makes it one of the most anticipated K-dramas of March 2026. The show promises to deliver laughs, mystery, and tears as it tackles the stories of those who passed away with unresolved pain. Whether you are a fan of courtroom thrills or supernatural fantasy, this drama looks ready to offer the best of both worlds starting this Friday.
Also Read: IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s Perfect Crown Cast: A Complete Guide to Who Plays Who in the 2026 Romance
We bring you the latest updates from the world of entertainment right as they happen. Keep checking back with VvipTimes for more exclusive news and in-depth coverage of your favorite K-dramas and stars.
