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Prosecutor Princess
Prosecutor Princess
from Wikipedia
Prosecutor Princess
Promotional poster
GenreRomance
Comedy
Legal drama
Written bySo Hyun-kyung
Directed byJin Hyuk
StarringKim So-yeon
Park Si-hoo
ComposerOh Jun Sung
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producerKim Young-sup (SBS)
ProducersCho Sung won
Hong Jong-chan
Kwon Yong han
Song Won seok
Running timeWednesday and Thursday at 21:55 (KST)
Production companyHoga Entertainment
Original release
NetworkSBS
ReleaseMarch 31 (2010-03-31) –
May 21, 2010 (2010-05-21)

Prosecutor Princess (Korean: 검사 프린세스; RR: Geomsa peurinseseu) is a 2010 South Korean television series starring Kim So-yeon, Park Si-hoo, Han Jung-soo and Choi Song-hyun.[1][2] It aired on SBS from March 31 to May 20, 2010, on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 16 episodes.[3][4]

Plot

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After Ma Hye-ri (Kim So-yeon) passes the bar exam, she discovers that her love of fashion and dislike of overtime interferes with her ability to carry out her duties as a public prosecutor. She faces opposition from contemptuous colleagues and exasperated superiors. With her career on a downward spiral, she enlists the help of mysterious attorney Seo In-woo (Park Si-hoo).

Cast

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Main

[edit]
freshly appointed prosecutor, daughter of construction company president
  • Park Si-hoo as Seo In-woo (Shin Dong-ki as young Seo In-woo)
lawyer, educated and raised in USA, returned to Korea with hidden agenda
prosecutor, widower with daughter
prosecutor, single, living with her mother who is raising Yoon Se-joon's daughter

Supporting

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Prosecutor Office

[edit]
  • Kim Sang-ho as Na Joong-seok, Chief Prosecutor
  • Yoo Gun as Lee Min-seok, prosecutor
  • Choi Sung-ho as Chae Ji-woon, prosecutor
  • Lee Jong-suk as Lee Woo-hyun, Yoon Se-joon's investigator
  • Lee Seung-hyung as Cha Myung-soo, Ma Hye-ri's investigator
  • Lee Eun-hee as Lee Jung-im, Ma Hye-ri's paralegal

People around Ma Hye-ri

[edit]

Others

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  • Park Jung-ah as Jenny Ahn, lawyer, Seo In-woo's friend
  • Sung Byung-sook as Han Mi-ok, Jin Jeong-seon's mother
  • Kim Ji-won as Yoon Bin, Yoon Se-joon's daughter
  • Lee Il-hwa as Ha Jung-ran, bar owner
  • Sunwoo Jae-duk as Go Man-chul, Ma Sang-tae's junior from his home town
  • Jeong Gyu-Soo as Shin Jung-nam, flower shop owner
  • Moon Joon-young as Minor in club

Special appearance

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  • Baek Seung-hyeon as Kim Dong-seok, criminal chased by Yoon Se-joon (ep. 1 & 7)
  • Choi Eun-joo as Lee Moon-hae, Kim Dong-seok's accomplice (ep. 1 & 7)
  • Kim Dong-gyun as man who trespassed Hye-ri's apartment (ep. 9 & 11)
  • Lee Soo-jin as Hye-ri's law school friend
  • Kim Sung-hoon as Fitness trainer
  • Jeon Jin-gi as Detective
  • Ahn Sang-tae as Hotel employee

Ratings

[edit]
Episode # Original broadcast date Average audience share
TNmS Ratings[11] AGB Nielsen[12]
Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area Nationwide Seoul National Capital Area
1 31 March 2010 7.3% 8.9% 8.0% 9.3%
2 1 April 2010 8.8% 9.4% 8.7% 9.8%
3 7 April 2010 9.6% 9.7% 10.0% 10.3%
4 8 April 2010 9.7% 9.4% 10.1% 11.2%
5 14 April 2010 10.8% 10.9% 10.4% 11.3%
6 15 April 2010 10.7% 11.0% 9.3% 9.8%
7 21 April 2010 10.4% 10.8% 10.3% 10.3%
8 22 April 2010 11.0% 11.1% 10.6% 10.8%
9 28 April 2010 9.9% 10.2% 11.0% 11.5%
10 29 April 2010 9.6% 9.6% 10.1% 10.4%
11 5 May 2010 9.9% 9.8% 10.7% 11.8%
12 6 May 2010 11.5% 11.5% 10.8% 10.8%
13 12 May 2010 9.6% 9.2% 10.3% 10.4%
14 13 May 2010 12.0% 11.5% 12.1% 12.3%
15 19 May 2010 12.1% 12.6% 11.1% 10.8%
16 20 May 2010 12.4% 11.7% 12.1% 13.2%
Average 10.3% - 10.4% -

International broadcast

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It aired in Japan on cable channel KNTV beginning October 18, 2010, then on terrestrial network Fuji TV in 2011.[13][14][15]

Original soundtrack

[edit]
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Fly High"Shinee3:04
2."Give Me"Nine Muses, Seo In-young 
3."사랑해본 적 있나요 曾經愛過吧"Kim Yoo-kyung 
4."Lost"Han Bo-ra (AB Avenue) 
5."Goodbye My Princess?"Monday Kiz 
6."Who Is"GreenCacao 
7."She Is A Princess"Oh Jun-seong 
8."Working Or Walking"Oh Jun-seong 
9."Blue Sky"Oh Jun-seong 
10."I Can Do It" (검찰청 사람들 檢察廳人們)Oh Jun-seong 
11."Amazoness"Oh Jun-seong 
12."Love Waltz" (사랑일까 愛)Oh Jun-seong 
13."Love Is You"Oh Jun-seong 
14."Burning Heart"Oh Jun-seong 
15."기억하니 記得"Oh Jun-seong 
16."Only For You"Oh Jun-seong 
17."Goodbye My Love"Oh Jun-seong 
18."Cooking Sunday"Oh Jun-seong 

Fly High

[edit]

"Fly High" was the first digital single and soundtrack to be released from Prosecutor Princess OST, performed by South Korean R&B boy group Shinee. "Fly High" ranked at spot 46 and peaked at spot 38 of Gaon Chart upon release.[16]

Background and release

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"Fly High" was composed by Oh Jun-seong of Forrest Media who was the producer of the Prosecutor Princess OST, and the vocals were provided by Shinee of SM Entertainment. The song was released as one of the two tracks of digital single Prosecutor Princess OST Part 1 on April 2, 2010.

Promotion

[edit]

A promotional music video of "Fly High" featuring scenes from the TV drama series was released in late May 2010. The song was performed by Shinee during their first Asia tour Shinee World and the live version was included in live album Shinee World. The Japanese version was performed during Shinee's first Japanese arena tour Shinee World 2012.

Track listing
Prosecutor Princess OST Part 1
No.TitleMusicArtistLength
1."Fly High"Oh Jun-seongShinee3:04
2."Fly High" (Instrumental)Oh Jun-seongShinee3:04
Total length:6:08
Chart performance
Chart Debut
position
Peak
position
Gaon Weekly singles[17] 46 38

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Prosecutor Princess (Korean: 검사 프린세스; RR: Geomsa Peurinseseu) is a 2010 South Korean television drama series that aired on SBS from March 31 to May 20, 2010, consisting of 16 episodes broadcast on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The series centers on Ma Hye-ri, a brilliant but initially disinterested prosecutor who prioritizes fashion and comfort over her professional duties, until involvement in a murder case ignites her passion for justice. Directed by Jin Hyeok and written by So Hyeon-kyeong, it explores themes of personal growth, romance, and corruption within the legal system. The plot follows Ma Hye-ri (played by ), a top graduate of the Judicial Research and Training Institute with a photographic memory, who hails from a wealthy family and initially views her role as a as a means to an easy life. Her transformation begins when she prosecutes a high-profile case alongside colleague Yoon Se-joon (), drawing her into a deeper investigation tied to a 15-year-old unsolved death. Complicating matters is her growing relationship with Seo In-woo (), a charismatic and seeking for his father's suspicious death, which implicates powerful figures in the prosecution office. Supporting characters, including Hye-ri's rival and friend Jin Jung-sun (), add layers of office dynamics and personal rivalries. The main cast includes as the titular "Prosecutor Princess," as the enigmatic lawyer Seo In-woo, as the ambitious chief prosecutor Yoon Se-joon, and as the determined Jin Jung-sun. Notable supporting roles feature Yu Geon as Lee Min-seok and as Je-ni, contributing to the ensemble's portrayal of legal and personal entanglements. The drama received positive attention for its strong female lead and blend of elements with , achieving an average nationwide rating of around 10-12% per episode, with a peak of 12.4% for the finale. It holds a 7.0/10 rating on based on viewer reviews praising the performances and plot twists.

Production

Development

The original screenplay for Prosecutor Princess was written by So Hyun-kyung, who incorporated a light-hearted depiction of prosecutorial duties blended with romance and mystery elements to create an engaging narrative centered on personal growth within a professional setting. This approach aimed to deliver a bright and comedic tone amid serious case-driven moments, diverging from the typically somber portrayal of legal environments in Korean dramas. SBS announced and greenlit the series in early 2010 as a Wednesday-Thursday evening , positioning it in the network's prime slot following other popular legal-themed productions to capitalize on genre interest. The project was produced by Hoga Entertainment, with specific budget allocations dedicated to elaborate fashion styling and detailed office set designs that highlighted the protagonist's fashionable persona amid the prosecutorial backdrop. The key production team included Chief Producer Kim Young-sup from SBS, alongside Producers Hong Jong-chan, Jo Sung-won, Kwon Yong-han, and Song Won-seok, who oversaw the pre-production logistics and creative execution. Filming took place primarily in , utilizing simulated prosecutor's office sets for interior scenes and urban exteriors to capture dynamic chase sequences and city atmospheres. Lead actress Kim So-yeon's involvement was scheduled around her concurrent commitments, including her role in the subsequent series Dr. Champ.

Casting

The lead role of Ma Hye-ri was cast with Kim So-yeon following her successful performance in the action drama IRIS. Her selection allowed for a portrayal of the character's transformation from a frivolous fashion enthusiast to a dedicated prosecutor, contrasting her intense role in IRIS. Park Si-hoo was selected for the role of Seo In-woo after auditions that emphasized his ability to convey mysterious charm, with particular attention to his on-screen chemistry with Kim So-yeon during chemistry reads. This pairing was highlighted in early production notes for enhancing the romantic tension central to the narrative. Han Jung-soo was cast as Yoon Se-joon, the chief prosecutor, due to his prior experience in authoritative roles within legal and dramatic contexts, which brought necessary to the . Choi Song-hyun was chosen for the role of Jin Jung-sun, leveraging her youthful energy to suit the character's dynamic assistant position within the prosecutorial team. Supporting roles were filled through open auditions, with a strong emphasis on dynamics evaluated during chemistry reads to ensure cohesive group interactions. Prior to filming, the actors participated in pre-production workshops to familiarize themselves with prosecutorial procedures, including consultations with real to accurately depict courtroom and investigative processes.

Plot

Overview

Prosecutor Princess is a South Korean television series centered on Ma Hye-ri, a talented with a passion for who shies away from demanding work, as she navigates office politics and a significant case with assistance from the enigmatic Seo In-woo. Set in Seoul's , the series combines workplace , romance, and procedural mystery across its 16 episodes. The core theme revolves around Ma Hye-ri's personal growth, evolving from a superficial outlook to genuine professional dedication amid challenges in the legal field. It blends with elements.

Main arcs

The series is structured around three primary narrative arcs that trace protagonist Ma Hye-ri's evolution from a fashion-obsessed to a committed for justice, interwoven with a central mystery tied to her family's past. In the initial arc, spanning episodes 1 to 4, Hye-ri enters the prosecutor's office after passing the bar exam with ease, leveraging her exceptional and high IQ of 168 to handle minor cases despite her initial reluctance and lack of dedication to the profession. She prioritizes personal indulgences, such as skipping duties for skiing trips and extravagant shopping, leading to early mishaps like losing case files and facing reprimands from superiors for irresponsibility. During this period, Hye-ri first encounters the enigmatic Seo In-woo, a seemingly wealthy who aids her in a goods at an and shares a coincidental stay at a , sparking an initial attraction amid her handling of petty disputes like neighborhood altercations. The mid-series arc, from episodes 5 to 10, escalates into a more intricate mystery involving a and fraud case that implicates powerful figures, forcing Hye-ri to collaborate closely with her team, including senior Yoon Se-joon and investigator Cha Dong-jae, to gather like CCTV footage and witness testimonies. As the investigation deepens, connections emerge to Hye-ri's father, Ma Sang-tae, through arrested suspects like Go Man-chul, revealing layers of corruption in land deals at Young Jin Corporation and prompting Hye-ri's growing professionalism. The case centers on the of Choi In Sook, drugged and hit by a car. The budding romance with In-woo intensifies through flirtatious interactions and shared vulnerabilities, while gradual revelations about his hidden past as the son of a victim—killed by Hye-ri's father—create tension as he pursues personal without fully disclosing his motives to her. The climax and resolution arc, encompassing episodes 11 to 16, builds to a high-stakes confrontation with betrayals within the prosecutor's office and beyond, as Hye-ri uncovers a 15-year-old tied to her family's business dealings, reenacting the crime scene with In-woo to prove her father's actions were rather than using overlooked like a soju carton. Internal conflicts arise when colleagues like Je-ni leak documents out of fear of cover-ups, and In-woo's about his identity shatters Hye-ri's trust, leading to a temporary separation. Hye-ri's transformation culminates in her defending her father in court, resulting in his clearance of charges (though convicted of expired ), the of his company, and her embrace of a simpler life running a bakery, while romantic closure comes a year later with In-woo's return and their reunion. Throughout these arcs, subplots enrich the narrative, including office rivalries where Hye-ri navigates gossip and competition from colleagues envious of her rapid assignments, family pressures from her parents expecting her to uphold their legacy amid financial scrutiny, and In-woo's justice motivations rooted in avenging his father's death. These elements culminate in a thematic payoff emphasizing the balance of Hye-ri's passions for fashion and friendship with her pursuit of , as she learns and resilience through personal and professional trials.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Kim So-yeon as Ma Hye-ri
portrays Ma Hye-ri, a lazy yet brilliant whose initial focus on and style over her professional duties masks her exceptional memory and analytical skills, driving the core narrative through her personal and professional growth from a carefree newcomer to a dedicated for justice.
Park Si-hoo as Seo In-woo
plays Seo In-woo, a mysterious who aids Ma Hye-ri in her cases while concealing a dark backstory marked by personal loss, contributing to the drama's romantic tension and themes of through his multifaceted personality that shifts from cool and composed to intensely emotional.
Han Jung-soo as Yoon Se-joon
depicts Yoon Se-joon, an ambitious chief prosecutor who offers mentorship to Ma Hye-ri, balancing authority with moments of that lighten the procedural intensity and underscore themes of camaraderie within the legal team.
Choi Song-hyun as Jin Jung-sun
embodies Jin Jung-sun, Ma Hye-ri's rival and colleague who adds layers of office dynamics and personal rivalries, enhancing the protagonist's development amid high-stakes investigations.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of Prosecutor Princess features a diverse of secondary characters that bolster the central narrative through their interactions within the prosecutor's office and personal lives of the leads. These roles are portrayed by experienced Korean actors who bring nuance to the workplace dynamics and family pressures central to the story. In the prosecutor's office, several characters provide key support and tension. Choi Sung-ho plays Chae Ji-un, a rival who challenges the protagonists' decisions and adds competitive friction to case investigations. Seon-woo Jae-deok portrays Ko Man-cheol, a dedicated colleague who assists in legal proceedings and offers practical advice amid office politics. Min Young-won appears as Lee Yoo-na, an administrative staff member handling paperwork and logistics, contributing to the daily operations of the team. Yu Geon plays Lee Min-seok, another contributing to the team's investigations. These roles highlight the bureaucratic and interpersonal challenges faced by new prosecutors. Characters close to Ma Hye-ri deepen her personal backstory and motivations. depicts Park Ae-ja, Hye-ri's strict mother who emphasizes physical and appearance, influencing her daughter's initial and growth. plays Ma Sang-tae, Hye-ri's father, whose presence underscores family expectations and emotional support during crises. While Hye-ri has no prominent sister in the storyline, figures like as Je-ni serve as close confidantes, offering through shopping escapades and loyalty. Other notable supporting figures include Kim Sang-ho as Na Joong-seok, the senior chief prosecutor, who oversees major decisions and provides authoritative guidance to the team. Special appearances, such as as Lee Woo-hyun, Yoon Se-joon's investigator, introduce fresh perspectives and minor plot turns in select episodes. Collectively, these supporting characters deliver via office banter and family quirks, introduce plot complications through rivalries and ethical dilemmas, and add emotional depth to the protagonists' arcs, ensuring the ensemble complements rather than overshadows the main storyline. For instance, office colleagues interact with the leads during high-stakes cases, amplifying themes of and ambition.

Broadcast and ratings

Airing details

Prosecutor Princess premiered domestically on (SBS) on March 31, 2010, and ran for 16 episodes until its conclusion on May 20, 2010. The drama occupied the Wednesday and Thursday time slot at 21:55 KST, succeeding the medical series Obstetrics and Gynecology Doctors in that programming block. Each episode was formatted to run approximately 60 to 70 minutes, incorporating opening recaps of prior events and closing previews to maintain narrative continuity, consistent with standard Korean television drama production practices of the era. Internationally, the series debuted in on cable network starting October 18, 2010, before airing on terrestrial broadcaster Fuji TV in June 2011; it reached other regions through and emerging streaming services following its initial 2010 release. By the mid-2010s, Prosecutor Princess became available on digital platforms like in select international markets, expanding its accessibility beyond traditional broadcasts.

Viewership ratings

Prosecutor Princess garnered steady viewership during its 16-episode run on SBS from March 31 to May 20, 2010, reflecting solid audience engagement for a mid-tier in a competitive Wednesday-Thursday slot. According to TNmS Media Korea, the series achieved a nationwide average rating of 10.3%, with the episode drawing 7.3% and ratings gradually increasing to a peak of 12.4% in the finale. AGB reported a comparable nationwide average of 10.4%, beginning at 8.0% for episode 1 and culminating in a high of 12.9% for the final episode, while the Seoul metropolitan area rating for the finale reached 13.2%. Ratings trended upward from mid-season onward, maintaining consistency around 10% early on before climbing as the narrative intensified with romantic developments and case resolutions in episodes 11 through 16. For instance, episode 14 recorded 12.0% (TNmS) and 12.1% (AGB nationwide), underscoring the drama's growing momentum. This pattern highlighted viewer retention driven by evolving plot arcs, without dramatic fluctuations seen in rival series. In context, the drama's performance marked modest success relative to blockbusters like Secret Garden, which later that year averaged approximately 24.4%, but it stood as a reliable performer in the legal genre, sustaining double-digit figures amid competition from KBS2's Cinderella's Sister and MBC's . reports from both agencies confirmed these metrics as key indicators of the series' appeal to a dedicated .

Reception

Critical response

Prosecutor Princess received mixed to positive , praised for its entertaining blend of romance, , and legal procedural elements while facing some for pacing issues in its early episodes. The series holds an average rating of 7 out of 10 on based on over 350 user votes, reflecting appreciation for its character-driven narrative and strong lead performances. Critics highlighted Kim So-yeon's charismatic portrayal of the fashion-obsessed prosecutor Ma Hye-ri as a standout, noting her ability to make the character both fun and relatable from the outset. The drama's witty and the seamless integration of procedural investigations with lighthearted fashion themes were commended for providing an engaging escape, with reviewers appreciating how Hye-ri's growth from a reluctant professional to a more dedicated one added depth to the story. Dramabeans recaps emphasized the solid writing and plot progression in the latter half, crediting the character development for elevating the series beyond typical rom-com tropes. On the critical side, some reviews pointed to slow plot pacing and repetitive antics in the initial episodes, which could test viewer patience before the mystery and romance elements fully develop. The procedural was occasionally seen as underdeveloped relative to the romantic focus, though this shift was ultimately viewed as contributing to the drama's emotional payoff. In 2010 media coverage, Korean entertainment outlets like Dramabeans described the series as a light-hearted procedural that offered a refreshing take on the prosecutor's life, emphasizing its humorous tone and empowering depiction of a female lead navigating a male-dominated field. Retrospectives in the have positioned it as an underrated gem among legal rom-coms, influencing later works by showcasing a confident, evolving heroine in high-stakes environments.

Awards and nominations

Prosecutor Princess garnered recognition at the 2010 , held on December 31, 2010, primarily through its lead actress . She won the Top 10 Stars Award for her performances in Prosecutor Princess and Dr. Champ. was also nominated for the Top Excellence Award in the Actress category for her role as Ma Hye-ri. Additionally, and were nominated for the Best Couple Award. The series itself did not secure major accolades at the ceremony. The drama received no major international awards.

Original soundtrack

Composition and release

The original soundtrack (OST) for Prosecutor Princess was produced by Forest Media and consists of 18 tracks, blending upbeat pop songs and emotional ballads to complement the series' tone. Primarily composed by Oh Joon Sung, the OST was released in parts, beginning with the lead single on April 1, 2010, and culminating in the full album on April 14, 2010. The lead single, "Fly High" by and composed by Oh Joon Sung, was issued as Part 1 on April 1, 2010. This energetic track aligned with the drama's lively and flirtatious elements, peaking at number 38 on the Gaon Digital Chart and contributing to the OST's overall modest chart performance. Other notable tracks included "Give Me" by and Nine Muses, an upbeat pop number, and ballads such as "Goodbye My Princess" by Monday Kiz and "Have You Ever Been In Love" by Kim Yoo Kyung, which were selected to heighten emotional scenes in the series. The OST was promoted through official music videos featuring drama clips and live performances by artists like on music programs including , helping to boost the group's visibility amid the series' airing. While the soundtrack's commercial success remained modest, its integration enhanced the romantic and comedic mood of Prosecutor Princess.

Track listing

The original soundtrack for Prosecutor Princess was released in both and digital formats by LOEN Entertainment, with the main containing 18 tracks in total, including vocal performances, instrumental scores, and minus-one versions. Key vocal tracks from the include the following:
No.TitleArtistDuration
1Fly High3:36
2Give Me & Nine Muses4:09
3Have You Ever Been in Love (사랑해본 적 있나요)Kim Yoo-kyung3:21
4LostHan Bo-ra4:17
5Goodbye My PrincessMonday Kiz4:24
6Who Is?Green Cacao3:45
7She Is a Princess3:12
8Working or LoveOutsider3:35
9Princess3:20
10I Love You3:45
11Because of You3:28
12Outsider3:50
13With YouNamolla Family4:10
The remaining tracks consist of instrumental scores composed by Oh Joon Sung, such as "Prosecutor's Theme" (2:15), along with minus-one versions of select vocal songs like "Fly High (MR)" and "With You (MR)".

References

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