The Korean legal fantasy drama series, which is titled both Phantom Lawyer and Shin and Law Office, is directed by Shin Joong-hoon. The story follows Shin Yi-rang, a lawyer who starts his work in the former site of a shaman’s shrine. Soon, Shin acquires the ability to see spirits and is possessed by them during trials, which gives him the power to defend deceased people. Yi-rang uncovers the secrets behind unsolved mysteries along with cool and professional lawyer Han Na-hyun.

Cast: Yoo Yeon-seok, Esom, Park Sung-hoon, Kim Jae-hwa, Lee Seung-joon

Total Episodes: 16

Released Year: 2026

Phantom Lawyer Episodes 1–4 Guide

A clever fusion of supernatural fantasy and courtroom legal drama is introduced in the first four episodes. Shin Yi-rang establishes his modest legal practice in room 501 of the Okcheon Building after being shunned by prestigious corporate law firms because of a shadowy family. He had no idea that a shaman had previously lived in the unit. Soon after moving in, Yi-rang realizes that he has the ability to see the specters that are still inhabiting the human world.

While others would probably run away, Yi-rang has the empathy to listen to their woes. However, there is a downside to this new ability: every time a ghost speaks through him, Yi-rang is briefly possessed by the spirit, adopting its manner of speaking and behavior. Particularly against Han Na-hyun, an ambitious top attorney at Taebaek Law Firm who solely relies on facts and logic, this special dynamic produces chaotic yet brilliant courtroom showdowns.

Yi-rang manages two significant court cases brought forth by restless spirits during the first four episodes. His loving family, which includes his mother and witty brother-in-law, adjusts surprisingly quickly to his spectral visitors while he is going through these difficulties, providing a cozy, humorous setting that counterbalances the victims’ tragic pasts.

Phantom Lawyer Episodes 1–4 Explained (Spoilers)

Episode 1: The Spirit’s Plea & Courtroom Possession

When Shin Yi-rang first starts his legal practice, he encounters Lee Kang-pung, a tough former gangster who recently passed away during what was meant to be a standard medical procedure, as his first ghost client. Han Na-hyun, the star lawyer at Taebaek Law Firm, and the hospital conceal the fact that Kang-pung’s death was the result of egregious surgical negligence.

Yi-rang files a lawsuit to assist Kang-pung’s bereaved family in obtaining justice and compensation. Yi-rang is momentarily taken over by Kang-pung during the trial. The judge and Na-hyun are shocked when the timid lawyer changes his attitude and begins acting like a loud and aggressive criminal.

Episode 2: Finding Evidence

Yi-rang is looking for physical proof of medical negligence with the help of Kang-pung’s spirit.He learns that Yang Do-kyung, a powerful attorney at Taebaek Law Firm, ordered the destruction of evidence, namely a hard drive holding Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

After discovering dubious inconsistencies in the medical team’s defense, Na-hyun has a change of heart during a scene that includes a confrontation in a warehouse and important testimony. Justice is served and Kang-pung’s soul can rest in peace when Yi-rang prevails in the trial on behalf of Kang-pung’s family.

Episode 3: The K-Pop Trainee’s Regret

The tragic death of idol hopeful Kim Su-ah just as she was going to make her debut, means she becomes the latest ghostly figure to appear to Yi-rang in Room 501. Su-ah expresses regret that someone from the entertainment world has ‘stolen’ the song she spent so much time to create and if she really made this happen, this stole her dream of becoming an idol.

Yi-rang, who is determined to discover what happened, takes on Su-ah’s case. However, helping her ghost is anything but easy because Su-ah’s spirit takes over Yi-rang, changing her into a teenage girl as well. As a result of the connection left behind by Su-ah, Yi-rang learns all Su-ah’s feelings, memories and experiences, thus since she starts understanding the reality of the entertainment world and the burdens Su-ah suffered from until her last day.

At the same time, Yi-rang’s caring family happily meets Su-ah’s ghost and provides her with a warm welcome. While Yi-rang is hurrying to get to the bottom of the case, her family prepares delicious tteokbokki for Su-ah, thus making her feel comfortable.

Episode 4: Truth Exposed & An Unlikely Bond

Yi-rang examines the agency’s contracts and copyright logs in great detail. Su-ah takes control of Yi-rang during a confrontation with the agency’s executive in order to voice her unspoken suffering and expose the exploitation of the industry.

Su-ah has closure and her legacy is restored thanks to the court victory. Han Na-hyun, meanwhile, starts to notice odd, inexplicable trends in Yi-rang’s actions and succeeds. Her icy exterior gradually softens as she starts to wonder if Yi-rang actually has a paranormal bond with the dead.

Is Phantom Lawyer Worth Watching After 4 Episodes?

The good:

• Yoo Yeon-seok Acting Skills:  What is very remarkable about Yoo Yeon-seok is that he can play the role whether it’s a bumbling lawyer, a parolee or a K-pop trainee. 

• Characters’ Funny Chemistry: The drama offers a family atmosphere, especially due to the very encouraging mother and a humorous brother-in-law.

• Pacing: The plot moves at a clear pace without feeling drawn out because each case consists of two episodes.

The Bad:

•Repetitive Case Pattern: If the main overarching mystery doesn’t resolve quickly, the story runs the risk of feeling a little predictable because each case follows a similar cycle—a ghost seeking justice, possession in court, and a spectacular victory.

• Whimsical Legal Realism: Despite including some scenes that may appear far-fetched to audiences wanting an authentic courtroom drama, the focus on comedic paranormal elements during the courtroom scenes makes this show more theatrical than realistic.

•Neglected Supporting Roles: There is a need to improve on character development for supporting characters like Han Na-hyun as they are overshadowed by Yi-rang’s holds.

Final Verdict:

Phantom Lawyer is a show to watch if you are fond of procedural legal shows because it boasts great camaraderie between the characters, a heartwarming conclusion, and a tinge of supernatural components.

Ratings 4.3/5

Also read: Best Legal Korean Dramas