tvN’s highly anticipated courtroom drama “Pro Bono” has officially begun production, and the first script reading reveals a cast firing on all cylinders. Led by Jung Kyung Ho and So Ju Yeon, this upcoming legal series promises to blend humor with hard-hitting courtroom action—a combination that could make it December’s must-watch drama.
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“Pro Bono” Drama Essential Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Drama Title | Pro Bono |
| Network | tvN |
| Genre | Legal, Courtroom Drama, Comedy |
| Premiere | December 2025 |
| Director | Kim Sung Yoon (Itaewon Class, Love in the Moonlight) |
| Writer | Moon Yoo Seok (The Devil Judge) |
| Lead Cast | Jung Kyung Ho, So Ju Yeon |
| Supporting Cast | Yoon Na Moo, Seo Hye Won, Kang Hyung Suk |
| Theme | Materialistic judge becomes pro bono lawyer |
The Premise That Hooks You
“Pro Bono” follows the chaotic transformation of Kang David, a success-obsessed judge who unexpectedly becomes a public interest lawyer. The catch? He’s now trapped in the corner office of a large law firm’s pro bono team—a department with zero revenue and maximum challenges.
This fish-out-of-water setup provides fertile ground for both comedy and meaningful social commentary. How does someone accustomed to prestige and power adapt to serving clients who can’t pay? That tension drives the narrative forward.
The drama reunites director Kim Sung Yoon, celebrated for “Itaewon Class” and “Love in the Moonlight,” with writer Moon Yoo Seok, whose work on “The Devil Judge” showcased his ability to craft compelling legal narratives with moral complexity.
For more insights on upcoming K-dramas and entertainment news, explore our drama previews section.
Script Reading Highlights
The first script reading brought together the entire creative team and cast, revealing chemistry that already feels natural and vibrant. Here’s what stood out:
Jung Kyung Ho as Kang David: The veteran actor demonstrated why he’s perfect for this role, bringing witty charm and natural humor to his portrayal of a former judge grappling with his new circumstances. His ability to convey inner conflict through comedy suggests Kang David will be both frustrating and endearing—exactly what complex protagonists should be.
So Ju Yeon as Park Ki Bbeum: Radiating vibrant energy, So Ju Yeon brought immediate life to her character—a self-described “law enthusiast” who deeply invests in whatever captures her interest. Her performance during the reading brightened the atmosphere, hinting at a character who’ll provide both comic relief and genuine heart.
The Pro Bono Team: Yoon Na Moo (Jang Young Sil), Seo Hye Won (Yoo Nan Hee), and Kang Hyung Suk (Hwang Joon Woo) showcased distinct personalities and natural banter. Their lively reactions during the reading suggested the team dynamics will be a drama highlight—expect workplace comedy gold.
Stay updated on cast news and K-drama developments through our entertainment coverage.
Why This Creative Team Matters
The director-writer combination alone makes “Pro Bono” worth watching. Director Kim Sung Yoon has proven his ability to balance popular appeal with meaningful storytelling. “Itaewon Class” became a cultural phenomenon, while “Love in the Moonlight” demonstrated his skill with period romance.
Writer Moon Yoo Seok’s “The Devil Judge” explored justice system corruption through dystopian lens, earning praise for its bold narrative choices. His involvement suggests “Pro Bono” won’t shy from addressing real issues within the legal system, even while maintaining its humorous tone.
This combination promises a drama that entertains while making audiences think—the sweet spot for quality K-dramas.
The Pro Bono Concept in Context
Pro bono work—providing legal services free of charge to those who cannot afford representation—remains crucial in legal systems worldwide. By centering a drama around this concept, “Pro Bono” shines light on often-overlooked aspects of legal practice.
The International Bar Association emphasizes pro bono work’s importance in ensuring access to justice. “Pro Bono” explores this through entertaining storytelling, potentially raising awareness while delivering compelling television.
What to Expect
Based on the script reading feedback, viewers can anticipate:
Humor with Heart: The production team promised “entertainment and catharsis through a courtroom story that is humorous yet realistic”
Strong Character Development: The lead’s transformation from materialistic judge to dedicated advocate provides rich character arc potential
Ensemble Excellence: The pro bono team’s chemistry suggests workplace dynamics will rival the courtroom action
Social Commentary: With Moon Yoo Seok writing, expect meaningful examination of justice system inequalities
Jung Kyung Ho’s Continued Excellence
Jung Kyung Ho has built a reputation for choosing diverse, interesting projects. From “Hospital Playlist” to “Oh My Ghost Clients,” he consistently delivers nuanced performances. “Pro Bono” appears to continue this trend, offering him a role that balances comedy with deeper dramatic elements.
Fans can catch his recent work in “Oh My Ghost Clients” on Viki while awaiting “Pro Bono’s” December premiere.
December Drama Standout
With a December premiere planned, “Pro Bono” positions itself as year-end must-watch programming. The holiday season viewing typically favors feel-good content with substance—exactly what this courtroom drama promises to deliver.
Mark your calendars and prepare for what could be the legal drama that defines December 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new drama “Pro Bono” premiere?
“Pro Bono” is scheduled to premiere in December 2025 on tvN, though an exact date hasn’t been announced. The drama recently held its first script reading with the full cast and creative team, indicating production is underway. Starring Jung Kyung Ho and So Ju Yeon, it’s directed by Kim Sung Yoon (Itaewon Class) and written by Moon Yoo Seok (The Devil Judge).
What is “Pro Bono” about and who are the main characters?
“Pro Bono” is a courtroom drama following Kang David (Jung Kyung Ho), a materialistic judge obsessed with success who unexpectedly becomes a public interest lawyer. He finds himself trapped in a large law firm’s pro bono team—a department with no revenue. So Ju Yeon plays Park Ki Bbeum, a “law enthusiast” who joins the team. The drama explores themes of justice, social responsibility, and personal transformation while maintaining a humorous tone, as demonstrated during the enthusiastic first script reading.
