Profile
Drama: Witch at Court (마녀의 법정)
Network: KBS2
Episodes: 16
Release Date: October 9 – November 28, 2017
Runtime: Mon & Tue 22:00
Plot
A materialistic female prosecutor who does not hesitate to use personal attacks, fabricate evidence, and incite perjury in order to win her case is assigned to special task force for sex crimes. A newbie prosecutor also joins the task force, and together they solve crimes with a grudging chemistry.
Main Cast
Jung Ryu Won – Ma Yi Deum
Yoon Hyun Min – Yeo Jin Wook
Jeon Kwang Leol – Cho Gap Soo
Kim Yeo Jin – Min Ji Sook
Review
I would describe this drama as frustratingly convenient, yet enjoyable to watch. The legal cases during the first few episodes are real, but i feel that they focused on the criminal too much that they didn’t equally focus on the victims. Also the legal cases were not written well, it felt like the writers just needed to conveniently write a few sexual assault cases then quickly resolve them and move on to the next plot. It also felt frustrating that the villain seems to have magical powers to know each and every thing that is happening with the leads. He can pop up anywhere, kidnap anyone, steal anything, kill anyone. I dont think anyone is that invincible in real life. But if you dont take the whole case and story seriously and just focus on the 2 main characters and enjoy the ride, then like me, you will probably finish this show in 2 days. Lol.
Favorite character – to be honest, i didn’t like Ma Yi Deum that much, but i love that she is a flawed heroine. I dont like how she is unethical most of the time. It’s different when you’re smart enough to circumvent the law legally vs breaking the law. And i agree with Min Ji Sook when she said that you must be incompetent if you need to resort to underhanded tactics to win. While i also felt frustrated that a criminal may get away because of lack of evidence, but a competent prosecutor can find another way, another time (or maybe the writers just needed to polish the story better). More than Ma Yi Deum, my favorite is the actress herself, Jung Ryu Won. I watched her previously in History of Salaryman and King of Dramas and she is just as amazing in this drama. She seems to act well as a smart and tough lady. I also liked Jin Wook, he maybe a little soft which is reasonable considering he is new to his role. But i like his integrity and empathy to the clients and as a prosecutor.
Favorite pair – Yi Deum and Jin Wook works well together because they complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Aside from that, they seem to jibe well and knows how each other is thinking and feeling without having to say it directly. I honestly wished there were more kisses and less teasing but it’s okay, the romance level was just apt for the drama that is focused on taking down Gap soo.
Hatest character – Of course, Cho Gapsoo. Character was not really developed well for the audience to have sympathy for him. All we see is a guy who is hell bent on becoming mayor through lobbying and blackmailing other people. We dont even know his background or why he wants to be mayor. And he is willing to risk everyone around him just to reach the top. So that scene where he was crying and seeing Sang Ho at the mountain was pure BS to me. I dont even feel bad for him. and Yes, excecution was the best for him. i wonder how long it takes from the time you get convicted for execution to the actual execution itself? The final court scene where Ma Yi Deum was shouting that Gapsoo has shown no remorse and should be given death penalty, i felt was also too dramatic. Plus the mom suddenly gaining her memory back in the court room was too contrived. Did I feel satisfied with ending? Yes but the feeling is more “it’s about time. i’m exhausted. finally it’s over because I can’t stand Gapsoo suddenly winning his hand again”
Most underdeveloped character – Lawyer Heo. I look at her and all i see is opportunistic lady. for someone who is supposed to be the best lawyer in H&J law firm, and ending up losing every single case in the drama is just laughable. No wonder she has to use her tricks or switch alliances to move up because she is not that good.
Bravest character – i would have to say, it’s Jin Yeon Hee. She could have been killed had she been discovered in Kingdom, but she was willing to risk her life to catch Gapsoo.
Most undeserving death – Baek Sang Ho. Sure, he has been Gapsoo’s right hand man and may have done lots of bad things, but i dont think he deserved to die. I mean, his brother, Minho is not even worth saving – he is also a bad guy and he deserves to go to jail (not probation) and even after he got out, he even dared to set a condition for Yi Deum before he hands over the journal when he should be helping and repenting for what his actions did to his brother.
Favorite scenes – two scenes when Ma Yi Deum was crying. First while she was sleeping and she was holding Jin Wook’s hand to her cheek was seriously touching. And another scene where she went to a place and couldn’t find her mmom or seomthing and she started crying again. oh and the cute drunk banter between Jinwook and Yi Deum is gold.
Most confusing part of the story – is how Yi Deum and JiSook can just become special investigation team handling Gapsoo’s case. First of all, they are no longer prosecutors so how the heck were they given the special case? Second right after they finished the case, they just went back to being lawyer (though Ryu Won became a prosecutor again). This is one of those storylines that makes the story feel so contrived and convenient. Another thing is how Ryu Won is not able to handle the case of her mom’s abduction, but Jin Wook is handling the case where his mom is involved?? Again, doesn’t make sense and i feel like it was just written into the scene to be dramatic and evoke some story for Jinwook.
Other questionable storylines – How the HJ group was able to pass off and change all possible evidence from Taegyu to Minho. Too much fakeness. Oh, and when Gapsoo’s eyeglasses fell and got crushed, and you see him struggle to see, yet the next scene we see him driving his own car and kidnapping the mom. See what i mean? too convenient.
But seriously, despite the semi-rant and listing all the things wrong about the drama, i still enjoyed watching it. Maybe because i just came from watching the superbly written Defendant that i am unintentionally comparing the two. But you can try watching this show just to see Jung Ryu Won in action.
KDrama Dreaming 