tvN's upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama Parole Examiner Lee is set to premiere on November 18, 2024, bringing a fresh courtroom-centered narrative to viewers. Directed by Yoon Sang-ho and written by Park Chi-hyung, the drama marks a new take on legal stories, focusing on a parole judge instead of a typical prosecutor or lawyer.
Airing on tvN, Parole Examiner Lee will follow the network’s Monday-Tuesday schedule at 8:50 pm KST. This series looks to stand apart by tackling a facet of the law that is seldom explored on television: parole hearings.
Its main protagonist, Lee Han-shin, will confront the challenges of corruption, power, and money within the legal system. The storyline promises gripping legal battles and moral dilemmas.
Parole Examiner Lee: Cast and Plot Overview
Parole Examiner Lee brings a storyline led by veteran actor Go Soo in the titular role of Lee Han-shin. Go Soo portrays a charismatic parole judge who is unyielding in his pursuit of justice. His character is described as someone who blocks criminals' attempts to exploit loopholes or use their money and connections to get out of prison early.
Lee Han-shin works closely with Choi Hwa-ran, played by Baek Ji-won, a formidable figure in the private lending world. Her involvement is driven by her personal quest to recover unpaid debts. The two characters form an unlikely partnership, each with their own reasons for wanting to uphold justice.
The plot revolves around Lee Han-shin’s battles against wealthy and influential individuals who seek parole through illegal means. These villains manipulate the system using their connections, money, and power.
However, Han-shin stands firm in his moral code, rejecting those who don’t deserve parole. He works to expose and dismantle their influence, showing audiences the tension and pressure of making life-altering decisions in a courtroom.
Girls’ Generation’s Yuri stars as Ahn Seo-yun, a top detective in the Violent Crime Investigation Unit. Actor Lee Hak-joo will play Ji Myung-seob, a second-generation chaebol. Supporting actors like Song Young-chang, Nam Tae-woo, and Jo Seung-yeon will also appear in pivotal roles.
Insights from the Script Reading
The production team of Parole Examiner Lee shared a glimpse into the drama’s first script reading through a YouTube video on September 30, 2024, on tvN Drama's official channel. The event, attended by Go Soo, Yuri, and other cast members, offered a sneak peek into the tone of the series.
In the video, Go Soo expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying,
"I think many viewers will enjoy the new material and story. I’m also looking forward to it."
Yuri shared her confidence, expressing that she believed many viewers would be drawn to the fun and exciting storyline.
Reflecting on the experience, Go Soo added,
"It was fun and lively to see the characters I had only seen through text come to life with their own unique emotions."
Yuri echoed this sentiment, noting how the energy at the reading boosted her excitement for filming. The actors concluded by asking viewers for their support and promised an engaging and thrilling series.