Beyond the Bar (Korean: 에스콰이어: 변호사를 꿈꾸는 변호사들) is a 2025 South Korean television series written by Park Mi-hyun, directed by Kim Jae-hong, and starring Lee Jin-wook, Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Hak-joo and Jeon Hye-bin. The first season aired on JTBC from August 2, to September 7, 2025, every Saturday and Sunday at 22:40 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Netflix. The series was renewed for a second season.
Contents
Synopsis
An office drama about Kang Hyo-min, a rookie lawyer at Yullim Law Firm, who is upright and confident but awkward in social life. With the help of her partner, the cold but experienced and talented lawyer Yoon Seok-hoon, she flowers into a full-fledged lawyer.
Cast and characters
Main
Lee Jin-wook as Yoon Seok-hoon
A cold but experienced and talented lawyer.
Jung Chae-yeon as Kang Hyo-min / Kang Hyo-ju
Kang Hyo-min: A rookie lawyer at Yullim Law Firm.
Kang Hyo-ju: Hyo-min's older twin sister.
Lee Hak-joo as Lee Jin-woo
Jeon Hye-bin as Heo Min-jeong
Supporting
Kim Kang-min as Ji Gook-hyeon
Lee Ju-yeon as Choi Ho-yeon
Pyo Jae-beom as Oh Sang-cheol
Kim Yeo-jin as Kwon Na-yeon
Kim Eui-sung as Ko Seung-cheol
Park Jeong-pyo as Go Tae-seop
Hong Seo-jun as Kim Yul-seong
Kwon Ah-reum as Han Seol-ah
Lee Seung-yeon as Lee Ji-eun
Kang Sang-jun as Han Seong-chan
Production
Beyond the Bar is directed by Kim Jae-hong, who co-directed Revenant (2023), Love Scout (2025) and directed Flex X Cop (2024), and the script is written by Park Mi-hyeon. It is a co-production between SLL, BA Entertainment, Studio S and Story Allum Corporation. Kim Min-ji and Yoo Min-ho was assigned for the soundtrack of the series.
On April 1, 2026, Xports News reported that a second season was in development. In response to these reports, SLL stated that while a second season was discussed, specific details regarding the production schedule and returning cast members have not been finalized.
Release
The series premiered on JTBC on August 2, 2025, and aired every Saturday and Sunday at 22:40 (KST). It is also available for streaming on Netflix.