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Partners for Justice
Partners for Justice
Partners for Justice
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Partners for Justice
Promotional poster for season 2
Also known asInvestigation Couple
Hangul
검법남녀
Hanja
檢法男女
RRGeombeomnamnyeo
MRKŏmbŏmnamnyŏ
Genre
Screenplay by
  • Min Ji-eun [ko] (season 1–2)
  • Won Young-sil (season 1)
  • Jo Won-ki (season 2)
Directed by
  • No Do-cheol [ko] (season 1–2)
  • Hyun Ra-wae (season 1)
  • Han Jin-sun (season 2)
Starring
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes32 (season 1–2)[a]
Production
ProducerMoon Bo-mi
Running time70 minutes (35 minutes per episode)
Production companyHB Entertainment [ko]
Original release
NetworkMBC TV
ReleaseMay 14, 2018 (2018-05-14) –
July 29, 2019 (2019-07-29)

Partners for Justice (Korean: 검법남녀; RR: Geombeomnamnyeo) is a 2018 South Korean television series starring Jung Jae-young and Jeong Yu-mi.[2] The first series aired on MBC in May 2018 on Mondays and Tuesdays at the 22:00 (KST).[3][4] In October 2018, MBC announced that it was renewed for a second season, which premiered in 2019.[5][6][unreliable source?][7] Kang Seung-hyun and No Min-woo were announced as second series leads.[8] It aired on MBC from June 3 to July 29, 2019.

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally releasedTime slot
First releasedLast releasedNetwork
116May 14, 2018 (2018-05-14)July 17, 2018 (2018-07-17)MBC TVMondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 (KST)
216June 3, 2019 (2019-06-03)July 29, 2019 (2019-07-29)Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:00 (KST)


Synopsis

[edit]

About a forensic doctor, Baek Beom, who is skillful at his work but has an eccentric personality, and prosecutor, Eun Sol, who is a rookie prosecutor with a warm heart. She has a bright personality and comes from a wealthy family background. They come to work together to solve cases.

Cast

[edit]

Character appearances

[edit]
Character Portrayed by Season
1 2
Main
Baek Beom Jung Jae-young Main
Eun Sol Jeong Yu-mi
Kang Hyun Park Eun-seok Main Guest
Do Ji-han Oh Man-seok Recurring Main
Jang Chul / Dr. K No Min-woo
Supporting
Cha Soo-ho Lee Yi-kyung Recurring Guest
Stella Hwang Stephanie Lee
Sally Kang Seung-hyun Recurring
Jung Sung-joo Ko Kyu-pil Recurring
Han Soo-yeon Noh Susanna [ko]
Park Joong-Ho Joo Jin-mo
Ma Do-Nam Song Young-gyu
Kang Dong-Sik Park Jun-gyu
Cheon Mi-Ho Park Hee-jin
Yang Soo-Dong Kim Young-woong [ko]
No Han-Shin Ahn Suk-hwan
Kal Dae-Cheol Lee Do-Guk [ko] Recurring
Detective Park Kim Ki-moo [ko] Recurring
Detective Kang Min Pil-joon [ko]
Lee Hye-sang Yoon Ji-min Recurring
Pyo Yoo-sung Park Ji-il
Oh Man-sang Kim Do-hyun (actor) [ko] Recurring Guest

Main

[edit]
Main cast of series 2
A forensic doctor with ten years of experience at the National Forensic Service. Although his skills are recognized, he is eccentric and has a picky personality.
A rookie prosecutor working in the 8th Eastern District. She was born into a wealthy family and possesses photographic memory. She is bright and warm-hearted, albeit a little clumsy.
An elite prosecutor who is Eun Sol's senior.[9]
A chief prosecutor who newly transfers to the 8th Eastern District replacing Kang Hyun. He is experienced and clever.
He is a warm but quiet doctor who works at Hanju Hospital. He has Dissociative identity disorder (DID). His other identity is called Dr. K.

Supporting

[edit]

People of National Forensic Service (NIS)

[edit]
A researcher and toxicologist at the National Forensic Service.[10]
A new toxicologist at the National Forensic Service who replaced Stella.
Forensic Investigator
Forensic Investigator
Director of the National Institute of Forensic Sciences
Director of the Forensic Investigation Division

People of Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office

[edit]
A sixth-grade civil servant. He used to be a violent crime detective for 15 years.
An administrative assistant of Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office.
An Investigator who works with Do Ji-han.
Chief Prosecutor of the criminal department of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office.
Chief Judge of the Seoul Eastern District Court.
A prosecutor at Kang Hyun's office
An Investigator who works with Kang Hyun.

People around Eun Sol

[edit]
Eun Sol's father
Eun Sol's mother
  • Kang Sun-sook as Byeolgyo woman (벌교댁)
Eun Sol's housekeeper
  • Heo Woong as Eun Ji-sung
Eun Sol's older brother

People around Baek Beom

[edit]
Baek Beom's father

Police

[edit]
He is a chief detective, a police lieutenant, from Gangdong police station's violent crimes unit.[12]

Others

[edit]
A criminals who committed multiple crimes
Oh Man-sang's lawyer
Jang Deuk-nam's older sister
  • Yoo Yeon as Jo Hee-jin
Dong-woo's aunt, Han-soo's younger brother, Gil-ja's daughter
Yeon Mi-rae's boyfriend
Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Seon Hospital, Jang Deuk-nam's doctor and the criminal who killed Seo Jeong-min
  • Ok Ye-rin as Han Seo-hyun - Su-yeon's daughter, a victim of child abuse in kindergarten

Production

[edit]

First script reading took place late March 2018 at MBC Dream Center in Ilsan, South Korea.[14]

Original soundtrack

[edit]

Series 1

[edit]

Part 1

[edit]
Released on May 21, 2018 (2018-05-21)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Can't Breathe"Earattack, JooheonEarattackMonsta X (Kihyun, Jooheon)03:25
2."Can't Breathe (Inst.)" Earattack 03:25
Total length:06:50

Part 2

[edit]
Released on May 28, 2018 (2018-05-28)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Truth"Min Yeon-jae1601JK Kim Dong-wook03:50
2."Truth (Eng. Ver.)"Min Yeon-jae1601JK Kim Dong-wook03:50
3."Truth (Inst.)" 1601 03:50
Total length:11:30

Part 3

[edit]
Released on June 4, 2018 (2018-06-04)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Walking" (걸어가)TaeyunmiGaemi, Kim Se-jinMinzy03:31
2."Walking (Inst.)" (걸어가 (Inst.)) Gaemi, Kim Se-jin 03:31
Total length:07:02

Part 4

[edit]
Released on June 12, 2018 (2018-06-12)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."It's Alright" (괜찮아)HanaGaemiLee Seok-hoon03:45
2."It's Alright (Inst.)" (괜찮아 (Inst.)) Gaemi 03:45
Total length:07:30

Part 5

[edit]
Released on June 25, 2018 (2018-06-25)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Sun Like A Star"Gaemi, Heo Sung-jin, yuNdAkHeo Sung-jin, Ha Hyung-jooG.Urban, yuNdAk (OBROJECT)03:20
2."Sun Like A Star (Inst.)" Heo Sung-jin, Ha Hyung-joo 03:20
Total length:06:40

Part 6

[edit]
Released on July 2, 2018 (2018-07-02)
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."White Rain" (하얀비)Gaemi, HangzooGaemiHangzoo, Stella Jang03:35
2."White Rain (Inst.)" (하얀비 (Inst.)) Gaemi 03:35
Total length:07:10

Series 2

[edit]

Part 1

[edit]
Released on June 25, 2019 (2019-06-25)[15]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Back on me"Seol Gi-tae (설기태)TEAM SNOW, Gaemi (개미)Kim Yong-jin[16]03:03
2."Back on me (Inst.)"    

Part 2

[edit]
Released on July 29, 2019 (2019-07-29)[17]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Dr. K (닥터K)"Jeong Bom (정봄), KT SnowPark Jeong-hwan (박정환), TEAM SNOW, Gaemi (개미)No Min-woo02:33
2."Dr. K (닥터K) (Inst.)"    

Part 3

[edit]
Released on July 9, 2019 (2019-07-09)[18]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Poison"MINUEMINUEI'll03:28
2."Poison (Inst.)"    

Part 4

[edit]
Released on July 16, 2019 (2019-07-16)[19]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Geu Iyu (그 이유)"Seol Gi-tae (설기태), Hyeon Jeong (현정)Gaemi (개미)Lee Seok-hun (이석훈)04:15
2."그 이유 (Inst.)"    

Part 5

[edit]
Released on July 23, 2019 (2019-07-23)[20]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArtistLength
1."Neobakke moreugetta (너밖에 모르겠다)"Park Gyeong-don (박경돈)Park Gyeong-donLee Dong-wook (이동욱)03:59
2."너밖에 모르겠다 (Inst.)"    

Ratings

[edit]
  • In the tables below, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • NR denotes that the drama did not rank in the top 20 daily programs on that date.
  • TNmS stop publishing their report from June 2018.

Series 1

[edit]
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
TNmS[21] AGB Nielsen[22]
Nationwide Seoul Nationwide Seoul
1 May 14, 2018 4.3% (NR) 4.4% 4.5% (NR) 4.7% (NR)
2 4.7% (NR) 4.8% 4.9% (NR) 5.1% (NR)
3 May 15, 2018 5.0% (NR) 5.2% 4.7% (NR) 5.3% (NR)
4 5.9% (NR) 6.3% 6.5% (13th) 7.8% (10th)
5 May 21, 2018 4.3% (NR) 4.5% 4.7% (NR) 4.9% (NR)
6 5.1% (NR) 5.3% 5.2% (NR) 5.4% (NR)
7 May 22, 2018 5.3% (NR) 5.5% 5.6% (NR) 5.8% (NR)
8 6.5% (17th) 6.7% 6.3% (17th) 6.5% (18th)
9 May 28, 2018 5.8% (NR) 6.6% 5.8% (20th) 6.5% (17th)
10 6.8% (20th) 7.0% 6.7% (16th) 6.9% (14th)
11 May 29, 2018 5.0% (NR) 5.8% 5.6% (18th) 6.4% (17th)
12 5.6% (NR) 6.3% 6.4% (15th) 7.1% (10th)
13 June 4, 2018 6.0% 6.8% 7.0% (13th) 7.7% (10th)
14 7.0% 7.9% 7.7% (8th) 8.5% (6th)
15 June 5, 2018 6.2% 6.5% 6.7% (10th) 7.2% (10th)
16 7.4% 7.6% 8.2% (5th) 8.4% (5th)
17 June 11, 2018 6.7% 7.0% 6.9% (16th) 7.1% (15th)
18 7.8% 7.9% 7.7% (7th)
19 June 25, 2018[b] 6.2% 6.8% 6.5% (19th) 7.3% (10th)
20 7.1% 7.6% 8.1% (7th) 8.5% (6th)
21 July 3, 2018[c] 6.6% 7.1% 6.8% (17th) 7.3% (14th)
22 7.7% 7.9% 8.0% (10th) 8.3% (9th)
23 6.2% 6.3% 6.6% (20th)
24 7.1% 7.4% 7.5% (13th) 7.8% (12th)
25 July 9, 2018 7.5% 8.1% 7.4% (15th) 8.0% (10th)
26 8.3% 8.5% 9.0% (6th) 9.0% (8th)
27 July 10, 2018 7.1% 7.8% 7.1% (13th) 7.9% (9th)
28 8.7% 9.3% 9.0% (5th) 9.6% (5th)
29 July 16, 2018 6.5% 6.6% 6.7% (15th) 6.9% (15th)
30 8.4% 8.7% 8.4% (6th) 8.5% (7th)
31 July 17, 2018 7.5% 8.0% 7.7% (8th) 8.2% (6th)
32 9.5% 10.2% 9.6% (5th) 10.3% (4th)
Average 6.6% 7.0% 6.7% 7.3%

Series 2

[edit]
Ep. Original broadcast date AGB Nielsen[23] TNmS[24]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area Nationwide
1 2019/06/03 3.7% N/A 4.0%
2 5.7% 6.0% 5.7%
3 2019/06/04 4.1% 4.8% N/A
4 6.6% 7.8% 7.2%
5 2019/06/10 4.3% N/A N/A
6 6.0% 6.5% 6.4%
7 2019/06/11 4.1% 4.9% 4.8%
8 6.2% 6.7% 6.7%
9 2019/06/17 5.9% 6.5% 6.0%
10 7.5% 8.4% 7.1%
11 2019/06/18 6.1% 7.0% 6.0%
12 7.7% 8.6% 7.6%
13 2019/06/24 6.8% 7.7% 5.9%
14 8.7% 9.8% 7.2%
15 2019/06/25 6.1% 6.5% 6.1%
16 8.3% 9.1% 8.0%
17 2019/07/01 5.9% 6.4% 6.4%
18 8.5% 9.3% 8.6%
19 2019/07/02 6.1% 6.7% 7.2%
20 8.6% 9.4% 8.9%
21 2019/07/08 6.1% 6.6% 7.0%
22 8.3% 8.8% 8.5%
23 2019/07/09 7.1% 8.0% 7.4%
24 9.0% 9.8% 9.2%
25 2019/07/15 6.1% 6.7% 6.9%
26 8.2% 8.8% 8.7%
27 2019/07/16 6.7% 7.4% 7.5%
28 9.3% 9.4% 9.1%
29 2019/07/23 7.1% 7.6% 7.8%
30 9.5% 10.1% 10.1%
31 2019/07/29 6.7% 7.2% N/A
32 9.9% 10.4%
Average 6.90% － －

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2018 MBC Drama Awards Grand Prize (Daesang) Jung Jae-young Nominated [25]
Drama of the Year Partners for Justice Nominated
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Monday-Tuesday Drama Jung Jae-young Won
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Monday-Tuesday Drama Jeong Yu-mi Won
Excellence Award, Actor in a Monday-Tuesday Miniseries Park Eun-seok Nominated
Best Supporting Cast in Monday-Tuesday Miniseries Park Jun-gyu Nominated
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2019 32nd Grimae Awards Best Actress Jeong Yu-mi Won [26]
MBC Drama Awards Drama of the Year Partners for Justice (season 2) Nominated [27]
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Monday-Tuesday Miniseries Jung Jae-young Nominated
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Monday-Tuesday Miniseries Jeong Yu-mi Nominated
Excellence Award, Actor in a Monday-Tuesday Miniseries Oh Man-seok Won
Scene Stealer Award No Min-woo Won
Best Supporting Cast in Monday-Tuesday Miniseries Ko Kyu-pil Nominated
Best New Actress Kang Seung-hyun Nominated

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Partners for Justice

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Partners for Justice (Korean: 검법남녀; RR: Geom-beob Nam-nyeo) is a South Korean forensic crime drama television series starring and Jeong Yu-mi. The series, which consists of two seasons totaling 64 episodes, originally aired on (MBC) from May 14, 2018, to July 29, 2019, on Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 (KST) for the first season and 21:00 (KST) for the second. The plot centers on the unlikely partnership between Baek Beom, a highly skilled but abrasive forensic pathologist with a decade of experience at the National Forensic Service, and Eun Sol, an idealistic from a wealthy family background. Together with their team of investigators, they tackle complex murder cases, relying on forensic evidence, autopsies, and legal analysis to deliver and expose . The series is renowned for its detailed depiction of and prosecutorial processes, blending procedural elements with character-driven drama. The first season, spanning 32 episodes, premiered on May 14, 2018, and concluded on July 17, 2018, achieving its highest nationwide viewership ratings of 9.6% in the finale. It explores Beom's personal backstory, including the unresolved death of his sister, while highlighting Sol's growth from a naive newcomer to a determined advocate for truth. Key supporting cast includes as the veteran prosecutor No Han-shin and Park Jun-gyu as detective Kang Dong-sik. The second season, also 32 episodes, aired from , 2019, to , 2019, and peaked at 9.9% in viewership ratings, surpassing its predecessor in popularity. It continues the duo's investigations into new cases involving serial killers and institutional cover-ups, introducing fresh dynamics with characters like Do Ji-han (played by ) and maintaining the series' focus on ethical dilemmas in the justice system. The show has been praised internationally, earning an 8.1/10 rating on from over 1,800 users, and is available for streaming on platforms like .

Series overview

Premise and format

Partners for Justice is a South Korean that centers on the collaboration between a skilled forensic pathologist and a dedicated as they investigate and solve intricate cases through and legal proceedings. The series explores the interplay and occasional conflicts between the medical and judicial systems, emphasizing how uncovers truths that the law must uphold to deliver justice. Inspired by real-world forensic practices in , the show fictionalizes complex investigations while highlighting the meticulous process of autopsies, evidence analysis, and courtroom confrontations. The format combines standalone episodic cases with overarching serialized narratives that develop character relationships and broader themes such as systemic , ethical dilemmas in , and personal redemption. Each season features self-contained mysteries resolved within episodes, but recurring storylines build tension across the arc, including evolving partnerships and institutional challenges within South Korea's National Forensic Service and prosecutorial offices. The central duo, forensic pathologist Baek Beom and prosecutor Eun Sol, exemplifies this dynamic, blending their contrasting personalities—his cynicism rooted in medical precision and her optimism driven by legal ideals—to drive the investigative process. The first season consists of 32 episodes, airing from May 14 to July 17, 2018, on MBC TV in the Monday-Tuesday 22:00 KST time slot, with each episode approximately 35 minutes long and typically broadcast in pairs to form hour-long installments. The second season, continuing the core premise with new cases and deepened character arcs, also spans 32 episodes from June 3 to July 29, 2019, shifting to the 21:00 KST slot on the same days, maintaining the fast-paced structure that integrates educational elements on forensics with dramatic tension. This dual-season format allows for a progressive exploration of justice themes without relying on romance, prioritizing intellectual and procedural depth instead.

Episode structure and seasons

Partners for Justice consists of two seasons, with Season 1 comprising 32 episodes aired over eight weeks (spanning from May 14 to July 17, 2018, due to some breaks), typically broadcast as double episodes totaling approximately 60-70 minutes per airing slot. The season is structured around 16 self-contained cases, each spanning two episodes and focusing on distinct forensic investigations, while an overarching conspiracy plot gradually unfolds across the narrative to tie the individual stories together. Season 2 features 32 episodes in a similar airing format, equivalent to 16 extended installments, emphasizing a central mystery centered on the presumed death of Oh Man-sang from Season 1. This season integrates the characters' personal backstories more tightly into the procedural elements, blending episodic cases with ongoing revelations about the larger intrigue. Episodes generally follow a procedural format, opening with the discovery and initial investigation of a , advancing through procedures and forensic analysis, transitioning to prosecution and courtroom phases, and concluding with case resolutions or cliffhangers that propel the season-long arc. Flashbacks are incorporated throughout to explore character motivations and past events, enhancing emotional depth without disrupting the investigative rhythm. The second season begins one year after the conclusion of the first, addressing unresolved threads from the initial conspiracy while introducing fresh threats tied to institutional corruption and personal vendettas.

Plot

Season 1 summary

The first season of Partners for Justice introduces Baek Beom, a highly skilled but cynical and eccentric forensic doctor at the National Forensic Service, who specializes in performing autopsies to uncover hidden truths behind suspicious deaths. Paired with Eun Sol, a bright and idealistic from a wealthy family determined to seek justice despite her father's opposition, the duo clashes initially due to Baek Beom's brusque demeanor contrasting Eun Sol's passionate approach, but they gradually form an effective partnership to tackle complex murder investigations. Supported by Cha Soo Ho from the Gangdong and Kang Hyun, who shares a past connection with Baek Beom, the team navigates the Prosecutors' Office and forensic labs to challenge official narratives through scientific evidence and legal scrutiny. Spanning 32 episodes aired from May 14 to July 17, 2018, on MBC, the season unfolds through eight self-contained cases, each typically resolved over four episodes, highlighting diverse crimes that test the limits of and the justice system. Key investigations include a suspicious car accident initially ruled as a and , the death of a conglomerate heir's pregnant wife amid allegations of domestic abuse, a young boy's apparent that raises suspicions, serial killings linked to psychological motives, instances of in hospitals, and corporate cover-ups involving powerful interests. These cases emphasize breakthroughs in techniques, such as detection and analysis, which often reveal overlooked details and expose attempts to manipulate evidence. Throughout the season, the narrative builds an overarching arc exploring systemic within legal and medical institutions, as the protagonists' relentless pursuit of truth draws them into conflicts with influential figures and internal office politics. Character dynamics evolve, with Baek Beom's expertise clashing against Eun Sol's optimism, fostering mutual respect and highlighting themes of perseverance in the face of institutional obstacles, while introducing the core team's roles at the National Forensic Service and Prosecutors' Office. The season sets up a climax involving deeper revelations about without resolving all threads, paving the way for continued collaborations.

Season 2 summary

Set six months after the conclusion of the first season, the second season of Partners for Justice centers on forensic pathologist Baek Beom's persistent doubts regarding the death of Oh Man-sang, a central from the prior season, despite DNA evidence confirming his demise in a carbonized corpse. This suspicion propels Baek Beom and prosecutor Eun Sol into a deeper investigation, uncovering layers of and high-level betrayals within the prosecution and powerful institutions. The narrative shifts toward a more interconnected structure, weaving individual cases into a broader conspiracy involving organ-related crimes and systemic cover-ups. Spanning 32 episodes, the season features overlapping investigations that revisit cold cases while introducing new threats that endanger the protagonists' personal safety. Key cases explore themes of abuse of power and hidden crimes by influential figures, with forensic analysis playing a pivotal role in unraveling the truths. The team's efforts are complicated by emerging antagonists, including figures within the legal system who obstruct to protect vested interests. One notable arc delves into organ trafficking networks, highlighting ethical dilemmas in medical and legal practices. Character arcs deepen throughout, as Baek Beom grapples with personal losses that test his resolve and eccentric demeanor, fostering greater emotional vulnerability. Eun Sol, now more seasoned in her role, demonstrates significant professional growth, taking lead on complex prosecutions and strengthening her partnership with Baek Beom. Their evolving relationship, alongside tensions with new adversaries, adds interpersonal stakes to the procedural elements. The season culminates in the resolution of major conspiracies spanning both seasons, providing closure without unresolved cliffhangers, though leaving room for potential future stories.

Cast and characters

Main characters

Baek Beom, portrayed by , serves as the lead forensic pathologist at the National Forensic Service with over a decade of experience in autopsies and forensic analysis. His expertise is unmatched, particularly in detecting subtle clues through keen observation and an exceptional during examinations, but his brusque and eccentric demeanor often alienates colleagues. Driven by a past tragedy—a car accident that claimed his sister's life, derailing his promising medical career abroad—Baek initially resists emotional connections, focusing solely on scientific truth in investigations. Throughout the series, his arc involves gradual softening, as his partnership with Eun Sol encourages him to confront personal vulnerabilities and collaborate more openly. Eun Sol, played by Jeong Yu-mi, is an ambitious in the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, specializing in crafting compelling legal arguments to secure justice. Born into a wealthy and gifted with a photographic memory, she brings a bright, warm-hearted personality to her role, though her initial emotional intensity and inexperience lead to clashes with more seasoned professionals like Baek Beom. As the narrative progresses across seasons, Eun Sol evolves from a novice driven by passion into a confident leader, honing her skills in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and integrating forensic into strategies. Jeong Yu-mi, a South Korean actress who debuted in through commercials and supporting roles in dramas like Heard It Through the Grapevine, brings authenticity to the character's growth, drawing on her experience in ensemble legal and -themed series.

Supporting characters

The National Forensic Service team features several recurring members who assist Baek Beom in autopsies and laboratory analysis, often injecting technical expertise and lighthearted moments into the investigations. Park Joong-ho (Joo Jin-mo) serves as a senior colleague, contributing to forensic examinations across both seasons. Jang Sung-ju (Ko Kyu-pil) acts as a dedicated forensic investigator, handling evidence processing and supporting case resolutions. Ma Do-nam (Song Young-kyu) provides additional lab assistance, enhancing the team's collaborative dynamic. These roles emphasize the institutional support structure vital to the series' procedural elements. In the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, secondary figures bolster legal proceedings and office dynamics. No Han-shin (Ahn Suk-hwan) is the head who supervises operations and offers strategic oversight to the team, appearing in all 64 episodes; his character involves complex motivations, including instances of prioritizing institutional protection and involvement in cover-ups that clash with investigations into . Kang Hyun (Park Eun-seok) is a rival in season 1 whose competitive nature occasionally aids investigations despite initial tensions. In season 2, another named Kang Hyun (Oh Man-seok) introduces fresh dynamics. Stella Hwang (Stephanie Lee) functions as a supportive colleague in season 1, participating in case discussions. In season 2, antagonists include Jang Chul (), a manipulative operative tied to who uses to evade forensic scrutiny and maintain power structures, highlighting systemic as a foil to the protagonists. Personal circles of the leads include family and allies that influence subplots without dominating narratives. Bul Gyo-daek (Kwon Oh-jin) acts as Eun Sol's loyal housekeeper, offering domestic stability and occasional insights into her background. Other figures, such as Baek Beom's professional acquaintances from his past, appear sporadically to contextualize his expertise. Police affiliates, particularly detectives, facilitate fieldwork and inter-agency cooperation. Kang Dong-sik (Park Jun-gyu) is the chief investigator who coordinates with prosecutors and forensics, recurring in 64 episodes to drive on-scene progress. Cheon Mi-ho (Park Hee-jin) supports as a team member in police operations. Minor antagonists and case-specific villains, often affiliated with criminal networks, are grouped by their institutional ties, such as corrupt officials or suspects, but do not receive individual focus. Recurring guest roles include figures like Sally Kim (Kang Seung-hyun) in season 2, who assists in multilingual aspects of investigations as a replacement for prior colleagues. These appearances span multiple episodes, adding layers to ongoing cases without deep personal development.

Production

Development and writing

Partners for Justice was created by screenwriters Min Ji-eun and Won Young-sil, with Min Ji-eun leading the writing for both seasons. The series originated from Min Ji-eun's observations of real-world dynamics, including the cooperation between forensic experts and prosecutors, inspired by everyday scenarios such as adjacent police and fire stations in that underscored inter-agency collaboration. Announced in April 2018 as MBC's new Monday-Tuesday , it was positioned as a procedural investigative series diverging from traditional melodramas, emphasizing criminal hunts through rather than romantic entanglements. The writing process prioritized authenticity in legal and medical procedures, achieved through rigorous research. Min Ji-eun consulted professionals, including her husband at the National Forensic Service, for precise details on autopsies and investigations; she described this as straightforward, stating, "All it takes is a quick call." The Season 1 script was fully completed before production began, enabling efficient filming of its 32 episodes. Episodes often drew from real Korean forensic cases and highlighted systemic flaws in the justice process, such as overlooked leading to wrongful convictions, to underscore the critical role of science in achieving truth. Following Season 1's success, MBC renewed the series in October 2018, with Min Ji-eun adapting the Season 2 script based on viewer feedback and production insights for greater flexibility. She had envisioned two seasons from the outset to streamline development, noting, "Writing dramas involves flexibility." Adjustments focused on enhancing pacing by streamlining subplots and concentrating on interconnected cases, resulting in a tighter that built on unresolved threads from the first season while maintaining forensic accuracy. This approach earned Min Ji-eun the Dosang Culture Award in 2019 from the Korean Journal of Legal Medicine for elevating public awareness of the field.

Casting process

The casting process for Partners for Justice emphasized selecting actors who could embody the drama's blend of forensic precision and interpersonal dynamics, with director No Do-chul prioritizing natural synchronization between performers and their roles. For the lead role of Baek Beom, the eccentric forensic pathologist, No selected Jung Jae-young after an initial meeting where he boldly warned the actor that passing on the part would lead to lifelong regret, citing Jung's ability to portray a perfectionist anti-hero with depth and intensity. This choice drew from Jung's established range in prior projects, allowing him to bring a layered performance to the character's brusque yet brilliant demeanor. Similarly, Jeong Yu-mi was cast as the idealistic rookie prosecutor Eun Sol because No viewed the role as her "life character," with their on-screen chemistry achieving near-perfect alignment from the outset, as the director later described a 100% synchronization rate. The main cast, including Jung and Jeong alongside supporting players like Lee Yi-kyung as Cha Soo-ho, was officially announced on April 3, 2018, ahead of the series' May premiere on MBC. Supporting roles, particularly the ensemble of prosecutors, detectives, and episodic antagonists, were predominantly filled through open auditions to inject authenticity and variety into the procedural format, with No emphasizing that this approach allowed for discovering talent suited to the drama's case-by-case structure. For instance, veteran actors like Oh Man-seok were brought in for key recurring parts based on their proven ability to handle complex authority figures, contributing to the team's cohesive dynamic without needing extensive adjustments. For season 2, the core cast returned seamlessly, with additions such as No Min-woo as Jang Chul and Kang Seung-hyun as Sally Kim confirmed in early April 2019 to expand the narrative while maintaining continuity. No major recasts were required across both seasons, as the initial selections proved durable for the serialized format, though No noted the inherent challenge of sustaining lead chemistry amid rotating guest stars, which was addressed through targeted rehearsals focused on their central partnership.

Filming and locations

Produced by HB Entertainment with Moon Bo-mi as producer, filming for Season 1 of Partners for Justice began in late March 2018 following the first script reading at the MBC and concluded prior to the July 2018 finale, allowing the production team to capture the series' intense forensic and legal sequences in a structured timeline. Filming for Season 2 commenced in early following casting announcements in April and wrapped before the June 2019 premiere. Interior scenes were primarily shot at the MBC studios in , , which provided versatile sets for the show's dramas and environments. Exteriors were filmed across various sites in , including real forensic labs and courtrooms, to enhance the authenticity of the narrative's investigative elements. The production utilized practical effects for scenes, relying on physical props and makeup to simulate realistic medical procedures without heavy dependence on digital enhancements. Night shoots were frequently employed for recreations, contributing to the tense, atmospheric tone of the series' procedural cases. For Season 2, the team introduced streamlined protocols to maintain efficiency while wrapping post-production.

Music

Original score

The original score for Partners for Justice was primarily composed by music director Kang Dong-yoon, professionally known as GAEMI, who oversaw the instrumental compositions to support the series' forensic thriller narrative. GAEMI, a veteran in Korean drama music production, crafted tracks that emphasize suspense and emotional depth, often incorporating strings and electronic elements to heighten the intensity of investigative and courtroom scenes. His work is distinct from the vocal original soundtrack releases, focusing instead on non-lyrical cues that underscore key moments such as autopsies and trials without overpowering the dialogue. The style of the score is minimalist, featuring recurring motifs that evoke themes of and ambiguity, with more than 20 original pieces developed per season to align with the episodic case structures. These cues were composed and integrated post-filming to match the pacing of forensic procedures and legal confrontations, including custom sound designs for medical and investigative sequences that amplify emotional beats. For instance, suspenseful electronic layers and string arrangements build tension during critical revelations, contributing to the series' atmospheric immersion.

Soundtrack releases

The original soundtrack (OST) for Partners for Justice consists of vocal tracks released in multiple parts for each season, primarily featuring emotional ballads that complement the drama's themes of investigation and human drama. These were made available in both digital and physical formats through Blending Company, with distribution handled by LOEN Entertainment (now part of ). Across both seasons, the OSTs include over 30 vocal tracks, emphasizing heartfelt vocals from established K-pop artists and actors.

Season 1 OST

The first season's OST was released in seven parts between May and July 2018, aligning with the drama's broadcast from May 14 to July 17, 2018. Notable artists included members of Monsta X, former 2NE1 member Minzy, and ballad singer Lee Seok Hoon. Key examples include the debut part's duet capturing themes of longing and the later parts' introspective solos.
  • Part 1 (May 21, 2018): "Can't Breathe" by KIHYUN & JOOHONEY (Monsta X).
  • Part 2 (May 28, 2018): "Truth" by JK (Kim Dong-uk), with an English version included.
  • Part 3 (June 4, 2018): "Walking" (걸어가) by MINZY.
  • Part 4 (June 11, 2018): "It's Okay" (괜찮아) by Lee Seok Hoon.
  • Part 5 (June 18, 2018): "With You" (너와 함께) by Monday Kiz.
  • Part 6 (June 25, 2018): "To You" by Hangzoo & Stella Jang.
  • Part 7 (July 9, 2018): "Everyday" by Kim Yong Jin.

Season 2 OST

The second season's OST followed a similar structure, with five parts released from June to July 2019, during the series' run from June 3 to July 29, 2019. The tracks leaned heavily into emotional ballads, often performed by cast members or rising artists, heightening the season's focus on personal stakes and moral dilemmas. Examples highlight tense, character-driven narratives through powerful vocals.
  • Part 1 (June 25, 2019): "Back on Me" by Kim Yong Jin.
  • Part 2 (July 2, 2019): "Dr. K" (닥터 K) by .
  • Part 3 (July 9, 2019): "Poison" by I'll.
  • Part 4 (July 16, 2019): "The Reason" (그 이유) by Lee Seok Hoon.
  • Part 5 (July 24, 2019): "Only You" (너밖에 모르겠다) by .

Release and reception

Broadcast and ratings

The first season of Partners for Justice premiered on MBC TV on May 14, 2018, and concluded on July 17, 2018, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 KST in the mini-series timeslot. It competed in the same slot against KBS2's The Miracle We Met, which often outperformed it in viewership. According to Nielsen Korea, the season recorded an average nationwide rating of 6.8%, with ratings steadily increasing over its run due to growing word-of-mouth and promotional efforts around key plot twists. The peak rating of 9.6% occurred in the finale, marking a significant spike from the premiere's 4.5%.
Broadcast DateEpisodesNationwide Rating (Nielsen Korea)Notes
May 14, 20181-24.5% / 4.9%Premiere; lowest ratings of the season
May 28, 20189-106.5% / 6.9%Steady climb amid competition from KBS2
July 9, 201825-267.4% / 9.0%High due to promotional teasers for climax
July 17, 201831-327.7% / 9.6%Finale; series peak
The second season aired from June 3 to July 29, 2019, shifting to Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:00 KST, MBC's first such mini-series in the earlier slot to accommodate sports broadcasts like the . It faced competition from KBS2's , leading to a more volatile performance influenced by overlapping airing schedules and external events. Nielsen Korea measured an average nationwide rating of approximately 6.3%, lower than the first season partly due to the earlier timeslot adjustment and intensified rivalry, though spikes occurred from strong episode promotions. The highest rating reached 9.9% in the finale, reflecting renewed viewer engagement toward the end.
Broadcast DateEpisodesNationwide Rating (Nielsen Korea)Notes
June 3, 20191-23.7% / 5.7%Premiere; impacted by sports preemption
June 24, 201913-146.8% / 8.7%Weekly high from plot momentum
July 23, 201929-307.1% / 9.5%Boost from cross-promotions with cast interviews
July 29, 201931-326.7% / 9.9%Finale; season peak despite competition
Both seasons are available for streaming on platforms like and Viki.

Critical reception

Upon its release, Partners for Justice garnered positive reviews for its realistic depiction of forensic procedures and the between legal and medical professionals. Critics highlighted the show's meticulous attention to , presenting autopsies and investigations in a way that educated viewers on scientific methods while maintaining narrative tension. The series was particularly acclaimed for avoiding in favor of procedural authenticity, making it stand out among crime dramas. The chemistry between the leads—Jung Jae-young as the brilliant but abrasive forensic doctor Baek Beom and Jeong Yu-mi as the idealistic rookie prosecutor Eun Sol—was frequently praised as a of the show's appeal. Their dynamic evolved from initial clashes to mutual respect, providing emotional depth and driving the episodic cases forward with compelling interplay. This partnership was seen as emblematic of effective in high-stakes environments, contributing to the drama's overall engagement. The aggregate user rating on reflects this approval, standing at 8.1 out of 10 based on over 1,800 reviews. Critics also commended the series for its social commentary on justice and systemic flaws, weaving themes of accountability into various cases involving power imbalances and ethical dilemmas. Episodes addressing issues like institutional cover-ups and the fight against corruption resonated as poignant critiques of real-world legal challenges in . Season 2 built on this by intensifying the narrative, exploring deeper layers of institutional betrayal while maintaining the core focus on forensic rigor. Despite the acclaim, some reviewers pointed to pacing inconsistencies in Season 1's later episodes, where the accumulation of unresolved threads led to a somewhat rushed resolution and a finale that divided opinions on narrative closure. In Season 2, certain subplots involving secondary characters were critiqued for feeling underdeveloped, occasionally overshadowing the main investigation arcs and diluting the procedural focus. These elements prevented the series from achieving universal perfection but did not overshadow its strengths. The drama's portrayal of gender dynamics in the male-dominated legal and forensic fields received attention, with Eun Sol's arc symbolizing the barriers and triumphs faced by women in prosecution roles, from initial skepticism to assertive leadership. This thematic layer added nuance, emphasizing through competence amid professional biases. In a 2025 retrospective review, the series was reevaluated for its lasting impact, praised as a riveting thriller whose themes of forensic truth-seeking and institutional remain pertinent amid ongoing Korean scandals involving legal and investigative lapses. The enduring relevance underscores how the show anticipated broader societal discussions on integrity.

Awards and nominations

"Partners for Justice" and its cast received several accolades following its premiere, particularly at the 2018 MBC Drama Awards for the first season. Jung Jae-young won the Top Excellence Award for an Actor in a Monday-Tuesday , while Jeong Yu-mi secured the Top Excellence Award for an Actress in the same category. The series also earned international recognition at the 52nd WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival in 2019, where it received a Gold Remi in the TV category. For the second season, the 2019 MBC Drama Awards highlighted performances with winning the Excellence Award for an Actor in a Monday-Tuesday Special Project Drama and Jeong Yu-mi earning the Excellence Award for an Actress in the same category. Additionally, Jeong Yu-mi was honored with the award at the 32nd Grimae Awards for her role. The series' screenwriter, , received the Dosang Culture from the Korean Journal of Legal Medicine in 2019 for her contributions to both seasons, recognizing the accurate portrayal of .
YearCategoryRecipientResult
2018MBC AwardsTop Excellence , Actor (Monday-Tuesday )Won
2018MBC AwardsTop Excellence , Actress (Monday-Tuesday )Jeong Yu-miWon
2019WorldFest-Houston International Film FestivalGold Remi (TV )Partners for Justice (Season 1)Won
2019MBC AwardsExcellence , Actor (Monday-Tuesday Special Project )Won
2019MBC AwardsExcellence , Actress (Monday-Tuesday Special Project )Jeong Yu-miWon
2019Grimae AwardsJeong Yu-miWon
2019Korean Journal of Legal MedicineDosang Culture (screenwriter)Won

Cultural impact and legacy

International distribution

The series was initially exported to , where season 1 premiered on cable channel BS11 starting July 16, 2019, followed by season 2 on Satellite Theater (위성극장) in the fall of that year. In , both seasons were made available on , with promotional trailers and episodes streamed to local audiences in subtitled Chinese versions. Internationally, Partners for Justice gained streaming traction on platforms like , where it was accessible in select regions including parts of and from 2020 onward, remaining available in some Asian markets such as and the as of 2025. Licensing changes led to its removal from other markets. It remains available on Rakuten Viki and Viu for Southeast Asian viewers, and on globally as of 2025, offering ad-supported and premium options. Additionally, integrated the series via its Kocowa channel in 2025, expanding access in and other regions with multi-language subtitles. The show has seen particular strength in , where forensic dramas resonate with audiences, contributing to high engagement on Viu and sustained viewership metrics compared to its domestic ratings. As of 2025, subtitles support several languages across platforms, including English, Spanish, , and Chinese, enhancing its global reach.

Fan reception and availability

Fans of Partners for Justice have praised the series for its realistic depiction of forensic investigations and the collaboration between medical examiners and prosecutors in solving complex cases. The show maintains a strong user rating of 8.1 out of 10 on , based on approximately 1,800 reviews, reflecting sustained appreciation for its procedural elements and character dynamics. Engagement with the series remains high in 2025, particularly amid the broader surge in content popularity on streaming platforms. Continued fan appreciation is evident in online communities, such as recent discussions on praising its suspense and forensic accuracy. Fans have expressed disappointment over the lack of a third season, citing unresolved plotlines from season 2 as a key reason for their advocacy, though no official renewal has been announced as of November 2025. As of November 2025, both seasons of Partners for Justice are available for streaming on the Amazon Channel for paid subscribers, as well as free with advertisements on OnDemandKorea. Limited regional availability on major platforms has contributed to issues common among Korean dramas, where unauthorized sites often fill access gaps despite legal options.

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