Kim Bum first caught our eye as the sax-playing pottery-loving member of F4 in Boys over Flowers. Since then, we have tried to catch him in whatever project he takes on. Sometimes they are good and sometimes they are not. Recently, he has been playing chilling bad guys. Kdrama Jen is a huge fan of legal dramas (most of the Fangirls are not), so when she learned that Kim Bum would be in Law School, she was all in. Luckily, some of the other Fangirls decided to give it a try anyway and were pleasantly surprised that this is not a typical legal drama. Continue on to discover our first impressions and unfiltered thoughts.

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Law School is a 2021 drama directed by Kim Seok Yoon (The Light in Your Eyes) and written by Seo In (Judge vs. Judge). This is a JTBC drama starring Kim Myung Min, Kim Bum, and Ryu Hye Young, that can be found streaming on Netflix.

What is it about?

Well, the synopsis from Netflix was certainly intriguing:

When a grim incident occurs at their prestigious school, justice through law is put to a test by a tough law professor and his ambitious students.

But, let’s learn more about the cast of characters!

Yang Jong Hoon (Kim Myung Min) is a former prosecutor who teaches the criminal law class. He is known for his severe instructional methods and is even nicknames “Yangcrates” after his intense use of the Socratic method to question students. He is relentless in his pursuit to ensure students understand the law.

Kang Sol A (Ryu Hye Young) is a young law student who comes from a background of poverty and hardship. She has something to prove, but feels insecure around so many wealthy and ambitious students around her.

Han Joon Hwi (Kim Bum) is a top student who seems to have all of the answers. He is handsome and smart, but he seems to have secrets.

Kim Eun Sook (Lee Jung Eun) is the civil law professor who was once a judge. Now a respected law professor, she seems to be the only person Yang Jong Hoon really trusts.

First Impressions and Unfiltered Thoughts!

What? It’s Anthony?!

Kdrama Jen: So, too blinded by the thought of Kim Bum playing a super smart law student, I totally missed the fact that Kim Myung Min would be starring in this! If his name does not immediately bring a picture to mind, I am sure his voice will. He has that deep and gravelly voice that is just so perfect for a determined law professor. He played Anthony in King of Dramas. He is so perfect for this role.

Kmuse: I agree that he is made for this type of role. He really pulls off authority figure really well. Also, I can never say no to sitting and listening to his sexy voice.

Kim Bum as Smexy Law Student? Yes, please!!

Kdrama Jen: Oh, be still my heart! He can quote the law and answer any question thrown his way. He has a bit of a dangerous feel to him, though. Is he really a murderer, though? He kind of seems too perfect. We are two episodes in, but I don’t know what to believe!

Kmuse: I love Kim Bum but I wish he would choose more dramas that I am actually interested in. I think this role is one that you might need to watch the whole thing to really click with his character. Two episodes in and I’m not there yet.

It’s Not Really a Legal Drama. It’s a Murder Mystery!

Kdrama Jen: I enjoy a good legal drama, but this is more like a complete mind bending murder mystery experience. It seems that each week we will find out something new or be offered a different perspective. I kind of love dramas like this. I think it was Drama Geek who said it reminded her of a grown-up version of Solomon’s Perjury. I have to agree. Right now, I suspect everyone, but I think this will shape up into a story where the law students come together to figure everything out.

Kmuse: Uhm….. there is still a lot more law stuff than I usually enjoy. I know that the mystery is clicking with Drama Geek and Kdrama Jen but I’m not really filling it. Have I mentioned that I am not pro-law tropes?

Hey! Reply 1988 sister really went to law school!

Kdrama Jen: I really enjoyed Ryu Hye Young as the older sister in Reply 1988. I haven’t really seen her in anything since, so it was a fun did I very to see her on my screen. She plays Kang Sol A, the low-ranking law student from a poor background. This is in contrast to Kang Sol B, the other girl in the class with the same name, but better grades and designer clothes (and shoes). I am enjoying her portrayal of the character so far.

Kmuse: It is nice to see her in a new role. I hope this is the start of a successful career.

The Cinematography and Directing

Kdrama Jen: Anyone who follows the blog or podcast will know that I am the one least likely to claim any kind of knowledge about cinematography or directing. Therefore, I included this because I feel confident one of the other Fangirls will chime in with something deep and meaningful. For me, I can just say that it is interesting how they keep showing the different pieces of the scene that allow us to add new information to the story. I am enjoying that aspect of this drama!

Kmuse: I am a big fan of the puzzle pieces and the overall theme of things coming together to show the whole picture of the murder. Also, the use of the lady justice statue in the entryway of the school is very cool. My one complaint is how awkward the time jumps are. I’m not sure if that is cinematography….but they use a lot of visual clues to try and let you know which timeline you are in. You really have to focus or you will be lost sooner than later.

Overall Impressions and Would We Recommend?

Kdrama Jen: I am fully intrigued after only two episodes. I love the cast. There are a few side characters we haven’t mentioned, but they are doing an incredible job. I am enjoying the fact that I am simply not sure who to believe and who to trust. It didn’t take long for me to get completely entranced by the story. My drama-watching hours flew by quickly. There are some time jumps, though, so be sure to pay attention! I am 100% on board. I came for Kim Bum, but I am staying for the story and the supporting cast too!

Kmuse: I hear that people are just adoring this drama and I think my dislike of the law themed tropes is really impeding my enjoyment. I recommend that everyone listen to Jen and not me since I suspect I am definitely an outlier on this show.

Til our next random thought,

The Fangirls

Dramas With a Side of Kimchi