[Ishani's Picks] This Is A Lee Kyu-hyung Appreciation Post

One of the most talented, versatile, and beloved actors in the Korean entertainment industry, Lee Kyu-hyung is back with another masterpiece, "May It Please the Court", and it is every bit as iconic as we expected it to be.

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Known for works like "Prison Playbook", "Hi Bye, Mama!", "Doctor John" and, most recently, the Netflix blockbuster "Seoul Vibe", Lee Kyu-hyung is a hugely successful and revered actor in TV, film, and theatre. His range is spectacular, to say the least, and his ability to breathe life into a character with zest and colour is perhaps one of his greatest strengths. It isn't a surprise therefore, that he is once again, bowling us over with his incredible and layered portrayal of Jwa Si-baek in "May It Please the Court".

For those who might not know, "May It Please the Court" is a crime/courtroom thriller about No Chak-hee (Jung Ryeo-won), an attorney at an elite law firm who has to work alongside an eccentric public defender, the aforementioned Jwa Si-baek, after she is suspended for a year due to her unsavory actions during a case.

No Chak-hee and Jwa Si-baek's professional relationship gets off on the wrong foot, which leads them to be constantly at odds with one another. However, there is a special appreciation and mutual respect in this dynamic, that keeps it both feisty and wholesome.

Jwa Si-baek is a thoroughly entertaining and intriguing character. On the surface, he doesn't take himself too seriously and appears laid-back but is actually highly intelligent, competent, and passionate about his job. However, he also has a dark side to him, reminiscent of the likes of anti-heroes like Vincenzo and Batman. He takes justice into his own hands and punishes as he pleases.

Public defender by day and vigilante by night, Jwa Si-baek has an extraordinarily interesting profile that amplifies the immersion of the drama manifold. Lee Kyu-hyung is such a master of his craft that he is able to portray this dual identity in the most seamless way with sheer conviction. The Jekyll and Hyde formula is immaculate, and no one could have done it better than Lee Kyu-hyung.

The shift from one persona to another is so calculated, distinct, and impactful that it will send chills down your spine when you first encounter it. Needless to say, "May It Please the Court" is one of the finest ongoing K-Dramas at the moment and I cannot wait to see where this rollercoaster ride goes next.

By Ishani Sarkar.