Michelle Topham 
Esom and Yoo Yeon Seok’s new fantasy-themed legal drama Phantom Lawyer, Episode 1 aired on SBS in South Korea last night to excellent ratings for a first episode.
According to Nielsen Korea, Phantom Lawyer, Episode 1 grabbed 6.3 percent of the nationwide viewership on Friday night, and an also a very solid 5.6 percent from audiences in Seoul.
Those numbers mean the K-drama was the 6th most-watched show of the day nationwide, and the fifth most-watched show in Seoul.
It also means the 16-episode Phantom Lawyer is already on a path to perform better than its predecessor No Tail to Tell, which started off its 12-episode run with a lower 3.7 percent nationwide and a 3.6 percent in Seoul.
Phantom Lawyer production details
Phantom Lawyer stars Yoo Yeon Seok (When the Phone Rings) and Esom (Taxi Driver), with Kim Kyung Nam, Kim Mi Kyung, Choi Kwang Il, Jung Seung Kil, Jeon Seok Ho and Son Yeo Eun in supporting roles.
It is directed by Shin Jong Hon (movie Going My Home), and written by Kim Chul Gyu (director of Siren’s Kiss and Mother and Mom).
The fantasy K-drama is scheduled to air through May 2nd, 2026, with Netflix, Viki and Kocowa streaming it depending on your region.
And yep, one episode in, and I can say (so far) it’s a fun watch.
About the Author
Rachel M. Reeves