[K-drama] “Good Partner” (굿파트너)

Good Partner (굿파트너) is a 2024 Korean legal drama that revolves around two contrasting divorce lawyers at a prestigious law firm. The series explores themes of justice, personal growth and the intricate dynamics of divorce. Witten by divorce lawyer Choi Yu-na, the series brings authenticity to its legal narratives, offering a refreshingly realistic portrayal of the complexities involved in divorce cases.

Synopsis of the Drama

The story follows Cha Eun-kyung, a seasoned star lawyer specializing in divorce cases at the prestigious Daejeong law firm. She is known for her no-nonsense attitude and unwavering focus on corporate interests. Enter Han Yu-ri, an idealistic rookie lawyer whose passion for justice and client welfare often clashes with Eun-kyung’s more strategic, business-first mindset.

Eun-kyung’s life takes a dramatic turn when her own marriage falls apart after her husband, who has an affair with her colleague, asks for a divorce. This personal crisis thrusts her into her own divorce proceedings and a bitter custody battle for her daughter. As she navigates the emotional turmoil of her unraveling marriage, she finds herself on the opposite side of the legal system she once expertly navigated. 

Over time, Eun-kyung and Yu-ri’s professional clashes evolve into a powerful partnership. What begins as friction between two lawyers with opposing worldviews transforms into mutual respect and collaboration. Both characters undergo significant personal and professional growth: Eun-kyung learns to balance professional excellence with personal well-being and adopt a more empathetic approach to her clients, while Yu-ri grows in confidence and strategic acumen, ultimately becoming a star divorce lawyer at Daejeong. Along the way, Yu-ri also nurtures a romantic relationship with a fellow lawyer.

Insights and Observations

The series tackles contemporary issues surrounding divorce, particularly relevant in light of South Korea’s rising divorce rates. It delves into the emotional and legal complexities, especially when children are involved. It addresses issues such as infidelity, domestic violence, communication breakdown, societal expectations, and impact of divorce on families. Rather than framing divorce as failure, the series presents it as a potential catalyst for renewal, symbolized by the name of Eun-kyung’s new law firm, “Spring Again” (다시 봄), which she establishes after her divorce and departure from Daejeong. The firm’s name reflects a fresh start for both Eun-kyung and her clients, marking a significant shift in her life as she aims to create a more personal and empathetic legal practice.

In addition to divorce-related issues, the drama thoughtfully explores other societal issues like work-life balance, generational conflicts, and professional ethics, all without becoming preachy or heavy-handed.

One of the standout aspects of the drama is its nuanced approach to marital challenges. Through various cases, it demonstrates that there are multiple paths forward for couples. For instance, in one case, a couple opts for a separation agreement, allowing them to remain legally married while living separately to cultivate healthier personal boundaries. In another case, open discussions during the divorce process lead the couple to reconcile and withdraw their divorce plan. Even when couples do decide to divorce, the drama portrays it as an opportunity for a fresh start, much like Eun-kyung’s own journey. This shows that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to marital difficulties, a sentiment that applies to many of life’s challenges.

The following line from Eun-kyung in the final episode particularly resonated with me: 

“…there is no absolute right answer – marriage, staying single, or divorce are all just different choices. What we need to do is not to find the ‘right’ answer, but to work hard to make our chosen path become the right answer for us.” 

This thoughtful quote emphasizes that life choices aren’t about identifying a universal “correct” solution. Instead it’s about committing to the path we choose and making it work for us. The “rightness” of our decisions often depends on how we handle them after they’re made, rather than the decisions themselves. I believe this applies to all aspects of life.

The performances of the two lead actresses, Jang Na-ra as Cha Eun-kyung and Nam Ji-hyun as Han Yu-ri, are outstanding, bringing remarkable authenticity to their roles. Their strong chemistry anchors the show, making the evolution of their relationship from adversaries to allies compelling and authentic.

Overall, Good Partner addresses complex societal issues with empathy and nuance, while maintaining strong character development and engaging storytelling. It offers valuable insights into contemporary relationships and professional ethics, making it a worthwhile watch for viewers seeking substance alongside their entertainment.

You can watch the teasers of the drama at the following links:

A video version of this K-drama review is available on the “Korean Culture Village” Youtube channel.

Happy watching! 🙂

Reminder: You can follow my blog by clicking the “Follow” button on the sidebar to receive email notifications of new posts.