SBS’s “Good Partner” (Image courtesy of SBS)
SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Korea Bizwire) – “Good Partner,” a legal drama about divorce written by an experienced divorce attorney, has become a surprise hit in South Korea.
Since its debut on July 12 with a 7.8% viewership rating, the show has more than doubled its audience, reaching 17.2% for its latest episode on August 24.
Industry observers speculate that it could surpass 20% before its 16-episode run concludes.
The unexpected success of “Good Partner” stems from its departure from traditional divorce dramas in Korean television.
Unlike “The Clinic for Married Couples: Love and War” (1999-2014), which focused on sensationalized marital breakdowns, “Good Partner” offers a more objective and realistic portrayal of diverse divorce scenarios, resonating strongly with viewers.
This popularity reflects growing societal interest in divorce, as rates continue to rise in South Korea. Viewers have been drawn to the show’s practical approach to navigating the complexities of ending a marriage.
The drama’s authenticity is credited to its writer, Choi Yu-na, a divorce lawyer with 13 years of experience.
SBS’s “Good Partner” (Image courtesy of SBS)
Choi has successfully incorporated real-life episodes from her legal career into the series. Her journey to screenwriting began in 2019 with an Instagram webtoon called “Marriage Red,” which caught the attention of production company Studio&NEW.
For five years, Choi balanced her legal career with writing, often working on scripts late at night after putting her two children to bed.
“Good Partner” has also gained traction for its realistic depiction of workplace dynamics.
The show explores generational conflicts between senior lawyer Cha Eun-kyung (played by Jang Na-ra), who prioritizes results, and her junior colleague Han Yu-ri (Nam Ji-hyun), who values process.
This intergenerational tension has been likened to a female version of the popular workplace drama “Misaeng.”
Interestingly, SBS reported that the show has attracted more viewers in their 20s than in their 30s, based on Nielsen Korea data for the Seoul metropolitan area.
Drama critic Yoon Seok-jin, a professor of Korean literature at Chungnam National University, notes that the two main characters serve as mirrors for each other.
SBS’s “Good Partner” (Image courtesy of SBS)
“Cha Eun-kyung reflects on her own journey through Yu-ri, while Yu-ri learns about her future path by observing Eun-kyung,” he explains.
Pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun points out that the value clash between the characters resonates with current workplace generational conflicts.
He has also praised the show’s nuanced portrayal of divorce, particularly through Jang Na-ra’s character, a divorce lawyer going through her own separation.
The surge in divorce-themed dramas in the K-content market is notable, with at least five such series released in the past year.
Unlike crime thrillers which tend to be distributed via streaming platforms, divorce dramas are primarily broadcast on television.
An industry insider revealed that TV networks are particularly keen on divorce-themed content to attract middle-aged and older viewers.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
