Beyond the Bar Episode 1 Review: Good Start But Nothing Unique

Beyond the Bar Episode 1 Review: Good Start But Nothing Unique | Leisurebyte

Director: Kim Jae-hong

Date Created: 2025-08-02 20:30

Editor's Rating:
2.5

Beyond the Bar (also known as Esquire) is JTBC’s new legal drama premiering on August 2, 2025, airing every Saturday and Sunday. Directed by Kim Jae-hong and written by Park Mi-hyun, the series follows the tense and often unpredictable world of litigation at the elite Yullim Law Firm. At the centre is Yoon Seok-Hun (played by Lee Jin-uk), a brilliant partner lawyer known for his cold demeanour, razor-sharp reasoning, and unshakable confidence in court.

Beyond the Bar Episode 1 has a runtime of 60 minutes.

This new Korean drama has 16 episodes and will be released every Saturday and Sunday.

Beyond the Bar Episode 1 Recap

The premiere of Beyond the Bar opens with a glimpse into the power corridors of Yullim Law Firm, a prestigious legal institution where five sharp-minded lawyers lead the charge. Ko Seung-cheol sits at the top as managing partner, while Seo Yeon-su heads Financial Law with elegance and precision. Jung Ji-ung leads Antitrust, and Hong Do-yun oversees Corporate Law. Then there’s Yoon Seok-hoon, the cold and calculated head of Litigation, known for his piercing logic and zero tolerance for mistakes.

It’s recruitment season at Yullim, and the firm is abuzz as entry-level candidates pour in, hoping to land a spot in one of Seoul’s most formidable firms. But not everyone gets off to a great start. Kang Hyo-min, one of the applicants, arrives flustered and late to the group interview. Her shoes are scuffed, there’s a stain on her shirt, and her nerves are showing. She barely walks through the door before Seok-hoon, unimpressed, dismisses her entirely.

However, Hyo-min is not as dishevelled as she appears. As the episode reveals, she’s no stranger to the legal world. The daughter of esteemed Chief Judge Kang Il-chan and Professor Choi Eun-hee of SNU Law, Hyo-min has both the pedigree and intellect. She’s not just smart on paper either — she previously won the 12th National Law School Mock Trials and brings with her a strong sense of justice and clear moral convictions.

Despite her rocky start, Hyo-min is given a second chance and re-enters the interview process. She quickly turns things around by showcasing her logical reasoning and legal insight, impressing the partners with her performance. She earns her place in the firm and joins the official Induction Day, where the new recruits are introduced to their respective departments.

While most of the senior partners offer warm welcomes, it’s Seok-hoon who delivers a reality check. He gives a blunt, honest speech about the harsh truths of working in litigation, warning the rookies that half of them will be cut after probation. He leaves no room for sugar-coating, declaring that only results will secure their place at the firm. It’s an intimidating start, and many quickly reconsider their choices — but not Hyo-min. Drawn to the challenge, she chooses litigation, much to Seok-hoon’s annoyance. He doesn’t trust her and sees her as unreliable, still holding her initial tardiness against her.

We’re also introduced to the rest of the litigation division. Kim Yul-seong heads the team while Heo Min-jeong, an associate, has been carrying much of the recent success. Although they stay mostly in the background this episode, their presence hints at bigger roles to come.

Hyo-min is not alone among the rookies. She’s joined by her outspoken friend Guk-hyeon, as well as Sang-cheol and Ho-yeon. While the others avoid litigation, they’re thrown into the deep end regardless.

Hyo-min’s first assignment is tied to an advisory case for Gangdong City Gas. After submitting her report, she attends a shareholder meeting and notices something odd — a consistent drop in revenue from just one area: Onpyeong. Curious and unconvinced by surface explanations, she decides to investigate further.

Taking a bold step, Hyo-min travels to Onpyeong Hot Springs to dig deeper. However, she disappears for two days without informing anyone, sparking outrage from Seok-hoon. She returns dripping wet and full of excuses, much to his fury. But before he can discipline her, she lays out the results of her fieldwork.

Hyo-min explains that Onpyeong’s hot springs, which operate around the clock, should be among the largest consumers of gas. Yet their reported usage has mysteriously declined. She reveals that gas has been systematically siphoned off, amounting to over 2.4 million cubic metres stolen — a discrepancy worth nearly 3.8 billion won. She backs her findings with concrete evidence and swiftly turns the case in Yullim’s favour.

In court, Hyo-min’s confidence shines, and even Seok-hoon can’t help but take notice of her courtroom finesse. Still, he’s far from impressed. He acknowledges the win but reminds her that brilliance is no excuse for carelessness. Her behaviour must improve if she’s to remain on the litigation team.

Beyond the Bar Episode 1 Review

Beyond the Bar kicks off with a promising and dynamic first episode. We’re quickly introduced to the elite environment of Yullim Law Firm, where sharp suits, sharper minds, and a zero-tolerance attitude set the tone. The drama does a great job of building up the intensity from the get-go. Rookie lawyer Kang Hyo-min immediately stands out, not just for her late arrival and messy appearance at the group interview, but for her boldness and brilliance.

Her rough edges make her feel real, and it’s refreshing to see a female lead who is both awkward and fiercely intelligent. Her clash with the icy Yoon Seok-hoon adds some great tension, and it’s clear that their relationship will be key as the story unfolds.

What makes this premiere episode work so well is its mix of character depth and legal intrigue. Hyo-min’s determination, despite being written off at first glance, is both inspiring and entertaining to watch. The writing smartly weaves in her backstory, being the daughter of respected legal professionals, without making her success feel handed to her. Instead, we root for her as she uncovers gas fraud in a complex case and proves her worth in the courtroom. Seok-hoon may be unimpressed for now, but we can already sense that this rivalry has the potential to evolve into a compelling mentor-mentee dynamic. Overall, it’s a strong, engaging start.

Beyond the Bar is streaming on Netflix.

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