JTBC 'Esquire' Records 7.5% Viewership...Jung Chae-yeon Achieves First Solo Argument Success to Reach Weekend No. 1

JTBC's weekend drama 'Esquire: Lawyers Who Dream of Being Lawyers' achieved a viewership rating of 7.5% with Jung Chae-yeon's touching story of her first solo argument success, securing the top spot among weekend miniseries.

Weekend Miniseries No. 1, 7.5% Viewership Rating

The 5th episode of 'Esquire' aired on the 16th recorded a viewership rating of 7.5% in the metropolitan area and 7.2% nationwide (based on Nielsen Korea paid households), ranking it first among weekend miniseries. This was the result of Jung Chae-yeon (Kang Hyo-min) successfully completing her first solo argument with the help of team leader Lee Jin-wook (Yoon Seok-hoon), capturing the hearts of viewers.

Jung Chae-yeon's First Solo Argument, Turning Crisis into Opportunity

Jung Chae-yeon took on the defense of an amateur painter who was sued for allegedly imitating the works of a world-renowned artist at her sister's request. With only a week left until the trial, she felt the pressure of her first solo argument and ultimately sought help from Lee Jin-wook.

Lee Jin-wook initially responded coldly, saying, 'It's your case, so handle it yourself,' but in reality, he provided generous support by arranging mock argument sessions and reviewing her preparation the day before the hearing, even listening to her presentation.

Letting Go of Preconceptions to Find the Essence of the Case

However, Jung Chae-yeon's first argument did not go as expected. The client struggled to answer questions due to a cognitive disability and, under pressure from the opposing counsel, admitted to imitation, leading to a bleak outlook.

In a moment of crisis, Jung Chae-yeon recalled Lee Jin-wook's advice to 'see the essence of the case without preconceptions' and sought a breakthrough. She matched her client's eye level and eased the tension with a gentle tone, carefully comforting rather than blaming for hiding the disability.

A Twist Achieved Through Genuine Argument

The client, feeling Jung Chae-yeon's sincerity, opened up and shared a hidden story. Although he missed his father, who left him and his mother during childhood, he had secretly included his face in his artwork, fearing it would upset his mother.

This one statement from the client became crucial evidence revealing that the world-class artist had actually imitated the amateur artist's work and attempted to frame him for false charges, allowing Jung Chae-yeon to taste a thrilling victory in her first argument.

Lee Jin-wook's Special Recognition, 'Kang Hyo-min Lawyer'

After the trial, Lee Jin-wook smiled faintly at Jung Chae-yeon's transformation, having found a breakthrough and achieved victory with a heartfelt argument, surprising everyone by calling her 'Kang Hyo-min Lawyer.'

As he informed the newcomers that 'Esquire' is a title for lawyers and said, 'Let's live up to that name,' it was particularly meaningful that he was the first to refer to Jung Chae-yeon as a lawyer. Jung Chae-yeon responded with a bright smile, saying, 'I will work hard,' showing her firm determination for future growth.