Jung Kyung Ho is Lawyer in tvN's Upcoming Comedy Drama 'PRO BONO'

Jung Kyung Ho stars in new drama PRO BONO.
He just led the hit Chuseok film Boss.
A versatile actor dominating both screens now.

Get ready to see Jung Kyung Ho back in a suit, but this time, he's trading any dubious affiliations for the noble, and apparently confusing, world of pro bono law. The acclaimed actor is making his highly anticipated return to the small screen in tvN's upcoming weekend series, 'PRO BONO'.

Following his recent big-screen success, Jung is set to headline a drama that promises to blend lighthearted comedy with genuine heartfelt moments, all within the framework of a courtroom narrative. The drama follows a self-serving judge, obsessed with climbing the career ladder, who finds his life turned upside down when he unexpectedly becomes a public interest lawyer. Trapped in a small, profitless team within a giant corporate law firm, he embarks on a journey filled with comic mishaps and moving events that teach him the true meaning of justice and humanity. So, what's this new project all about and what can we expect from his character? Let's dive in!

Jung Kyung Ho Takes on the Role of a Lawyer in "PRO BONO"

In 'PRO BONO', Jung Kyung Ho takes on the role of Kang David, a character whose introduction is as clever as it is hilarious. The drama, scheduled to premiere on December 6th, recently dropped its first teaser, and it instantly captured viewers' attention.

The teaser opens with Kang David standing confidently in the middle of a busy street, dressed impeccably in a suit and holding up a sign that boldly reads “Pro Bono.” As passersby whisper and wonder, “What’s pro bono?”, he smiles knowingly. He then flips the sign to reveal a more direct, casual translation: “FREE Lawyer.”

This simple act brilliantly clarifies the term, which comes from the Latin "pro bono publico," meaning “for the public good”, as legal services offered without charge for the benefit of the underprivileged and marginalized communities.

However, the scene takes an unexpectedly comic turn. The public, seeing the words "FREE Lawyer," somehow misinterprets it as “FREE Hug,” and people begin embracing a flustered but amused Kang David one after another. He eventually shouts in confusion, “It’s FREE Lawyer, not FREE Hug!” followed by the exasperated, “You don’t know what Pro Bono is?!”

This smart and humorous teaser not only introduces the core concept of the show but also successfully sparks curiosity about Kang David's journey and the kind of heartwarming, comedic stories he will encounter.

The excitement doesn't stop with Jung Kyung Ho's leading man charm. 'PRO BONO' is backed by a powerhouse creative team. The director at the helm is Kim Sung Yoon, the visionary behind hit dramas like 'Love in the Moonlight,' 'Itaewon Class,' and 'The Sound of Magic'. He joins forces with writer Moon Yoo Seok, who previously penned the intense and critically acclaimed 'The Devil Judge' and the courtroom drama 'Ms. Hammurabi'.

This combination promises a series with a sharp script, compelling characters, and high production value. The cast lineup is equally stellar, featuring Jung Kyung Ho alongside So Ju Yeon, who plays an energetic law enthusiast named Park Gi Ppeum, and the emotionally resonant Lee Yoo Young. With a strong supporting ensemble including Yoon Na Moo, Seo Hye Won, and Kang Hyung Seok, the lively 'PRO BONO' team is set to deliver dynamic and unforgettable chemistry. The series is set to air as the follow-up to 'Typhoon Company', premiering on December 6 at 9:10 PM KST on tvN.

A Testament to His Box Office Power, The Success of "Boss"

This new drama role comes hot on the heels of a massive commercial success for Jung Kyung Ho. Just before gearing up for 'PRO BONO', he starred in the comedy-action film 'Boss', which became a bona fide hit during the Chuseok holiday season.

The film, directed by Ra Hee Chan, tells the story of gang members caught in a desperate and hilariously chaotic battle ahead of the selection of their next boss.

The unique twist? Each contender is desperately trying to give up the position in pursuit of their own personal dreams. The contenders include Soontae (Jo Woojin), the top contender who dreams not of running the mob but of conquering the nation with his Chinese restaurant, Mimiru; Kangpyo (Jung Kyung Ho), who has plenty of influence but has staked his life on mastering the tango; and Panho (Park Jihwan), the only one who truly desires to be boss yet is deemed utterly unfit by everyone. With an undercover cop, Taegyu (Lee Kyuhyung), infiltrating the scene, the fierce battle for who doesn't want the title spirals into unpredictable chaos.

'Boss' proved to be a box office juggernaut. According to the Korean Film Council, the movie soared past 1 million admissions in just five days after its release, officially surpassing the milestone on October 7. This achievement marked the fastest record for a Korean film released in October since the pandemic began.

During the Chuseok holidays, 'Boss' stood out as the only major comedy release, attracting 240,000 viewers on its opening day and climbing to the No.1 spot at the box office with a commanding 40.4% seat occupancy rate.

The film's success is largely attributed to its wildly unique and ironic premise, gang members who don't want to be the boss, coupled with its perfect timing as a lighthearted, family-friendly comedy option during the festive holiday season. It even held the top spot in real-time ticket reservations, solidifying Jung Kyung Ho's status not just as a critically acclaimed actor, but as a veritable box office draw. This one-two punch of a hit film and a highly anticipated drama cements Jung Kyung Ho's versatile and powerful presence in the entertainment industry as he seamlessly transitions from a tango-dancing gangster to a lawyer with a heart of gold.

Watch PRO BONO's teaser below:

Source: Allkpop, dispatch.co.kr, wikitree, YouTube/TVN Drama