When a prestigious judge accidentally becomes a street hugger instead of a lawyer, you know you’re in for a wild ride! tvN’s upcoming legal comedy Pro Bono has dropped its first teaser, and it’s absolutely hilarious. Jung Kyung Ho stands on a street corner holding a “Pro Bono” sign, only to flip it over revealing “FREE legal representation”—but things go hilariously wrong when confused passersby think he’s offering free hugs instead. This delightful chaos sets the perfect tone for December’s most anticipated K-drama.
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Pro Bono: Essential Drama Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | December 6, 2025 |
| Air Time | 9:10 PM KST (Fridays & Saturdays) |
| Finale Date | January 11, 2026 |
| Total Episodes | 12 (70 minutes each) |
| Network | tvN / Netflix (Simultaneous release) |
| Genre | Legal Comedy-Drama |
| Director | Kim Sung Yoon (Itaewon Class, Love in the Moonlight) |
| Writer | Moon Yoo Seok (The Devil Judge, Miss Hammurabi) |
| Lead Cast | Jung Kyung Ho, So Ju Yeon, Lee Yoo Young |
| Production Status | Script reading completed |
The Perfect Casting: Hospital Playlist Star Goes Legal
Jung Kyung Ho plays Kang David, a materialistic former judge turned public interest lawyer. The Hospital Playlist star brings his signature charm to this character who goes from being a legal influencer with hundreds of thousands of social media followers to working in a sunless hallway at a zero-revenue pro bono team.
So Ju Yeon plays Park Gi Ppeum, a passionate public interest lawyer who dives deeply into anything that captures her interest. Her character represents the idealistic side of law—defending human rights, realizing social justice, and helping citizens who believe in the law’s beauty. Lee Yoo Young rounds out the main cast as O Jeong In, adding another layer to this legal ensemble.
From Judge to Public Defender: A Fall From Grace
The teaser brilliantly captures Kang David’s predicament. In the video, he stands holding a “Pro Bono” sign, but when confused people ask what it means, he flips it to show “FREE legal representation”. However, because “FREE” is in English and “legal representation” in Korean, he accidentally attracts a crowd thinking he’s giving free hugs. His flustered response—”No, free legal representation. Not free hugs! Don’t you know what ‘pro bono’ means?”—perfectly encapsulates his character’s frustration at this dramatic career shift.
Dream Team Behind the Camera
The drama is written by former judge Moon Yoo Seok, who previously created The Devil Judge and Miss Hammurabi. His real legal experience brings authenticity to the courtroom proceedings while maintaining comedic sensibility.
Direction is led by Kim Sung Yoon, who successfully helmed Love in the Moonlight and Itaewon Class. This creative partnership promises a show that balances humor with genuine legal insight, exploring what it means to practice law for the public good rather than profit.
What Makes Pro Bono Special?
Unlike typical legal dramas focused on high-stakes corporate law, Pro Bono explores the often-overlooked world of public interest lawyers. The title comes from the Latin phrase “Pro Bono Publico,” meaning “for the public good”—representing legal services provided free to those who can’t afford representation.
The drama promises realistic yet delightful court stories, examining how a career-obsessed materialist learns empathy and the true meaning of justice. It’s a redemption arc wrapped in comedy gold.
Where to Watch
Pro Bono will air on tvN every Friday and Saturday at 9:10 PM KST starting December 6, 2025. International viewers can stream simultaneously on Netflix, making it accessible worldwide. The drama follows Typhoon Family in tvN’s weekend slot.
While waiting for the premiere, catch Jung Kyung Ho in Oh My Ghost Clients available on Viki.
For more K-drama updates and entertainment news, explore our Korean drama coverage and streaming recommendations.
FAQs
Is Pro Bono based on real legal cases?
While Pro Bono features fictional storylines, writer Moon Yoo Seok is a former judge who brings authentic legal experience to the script. He previously created The Devil Judge and Miss Hammurabi, both praised for their accurate portrayal of Korean legal systems. The drama aims to showcase the realities of public interest law—where lawyers provide free legal services to those who cannot afford representation—while maintaining an entertaining, comedic tone rather than documentary-style realism.
Will Pro Bono be available on Netflix outside Asia?
Yes, Pro Bono will stream simultaneously on Netflix when it premieres on tvN on December 6, 2025. While initial reports suggested potential geographic limitations, current information indicates broad international availability across most Netflix regions, including North America, Europe, and beyond Asia. Netflix typically announces specific regional availability closer to premiere dates, so check your local Netflix for confirmation as the release approaches.
