If you’re searching for a powerful, emotional Kdrama about lawyers, Pro Bono might be the most refreshing series of 2025. In this guide, you’ll meet the full Pro Bono Kdrama cast, explore the character relationships, and learn why this series is gaining buzz among fans of legal and human-centered dramas.
1. What Is Pro Bono About?
- The title Pro Bono comes from the Latin term pro bono publico, meaning “for the public good.”
- In the legal field, this refers to lawyers offering services for free to those who can’t afford representation. This concept lies at the core of the drama’s story, making it a standout among any Kdrama about lawyers.
- The series centers around Kang Da-wit, a former judge whose career collapses due to a mysterious scandal.
- Forced to start over, he joins the pro bono team at a top law firm – a unit that handles only unpaid, public interest cases.
- Each episode explores different legal and social topics like discrimination, abuse, and systemic injustice.
2. Basic Info
| Genre | Legal, Human Drama, Comedy |
| Airing Schedule | Saturday & Sunday, 9:10 PM (KST) |
| Airing Period | Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 (TBC) |
| Episodes | 12 Episodes |
| Production | Studio Dragon (by CJ ENM) |
| Network | tvN |
| Director | Kim Sung-yoon, Baek Sang-hoon |
| Writer | Moon Yoo-seok |
3. Main Characters of Pro Bono
(1) Kang Da-wit (played by Jung Kyung-ho)
- Despite having only a high school diploma, Kang Da-wit quickly climbed the judicial ladder thanks to his sharp mind, strategic self-promotion, and skillful networking.
- With a flawless reputation and exceptional legal abilities, he became the youngest chief judge, even considered for the Supreme Court.
- However, one vague mistake – one he can’t even remember – brings his career crashing down. In hopes of a comeback, he joins the top law firm’s newly formed pro bono team.
(2) Park Ki-bbeum (played by So Joo-yeon)
- A true legal enthusiast with a fangirl’s passion, Ki-bbeum is known for her relentless curiosity and commitment – much like Anne of Green Gables.
- Inspired by her first experience in court, she graduated at the top of her law school and joined a major law firm.
- But reality didn’t match her ideals. Disheartened by how the law was used to protect the powerful and attack the weak, she follows her heart and volunteers to join the pro bono team.
4. Members of the Pro Bono Team
(1) Jang Young-sil (played by Yoon Na-moo)
- A former engineering major turned public interest lawyer, Young-sil has a long history of working with disability rights groups.
- Calm and optimistic, he also runs a mushroom farm – yes, really. Though quirky, he’s a seasoned activist who has faced arrests and protests.
- He’s also a tech-savvy problem solver, often the hidden ace of the team.
(2) Yoo Nan-hee (played by Seo Hye-won)
- The youngest on the pro bono team, Nan-hee is small in stature but fiercely passionate.
- Sensitive to injustice and discrimination, her anxious nature comes from a deep desire to make the world better.
- Her fiery presence and sharp instincts make her a powerful force in the courtroom.
(3) Hwang Jun-woo (played by Kang Hyung-seok)
- Jun-woo joins the pro bono team hoping to transfer later to the lucrative M&A division.
- He idolizes Da-wit, calling himself a “Da-wit fanboy.”
- Though seemingly shallow, he’s actually naive and well-meaning.
- His frequent clashes with Nan-hee eventually turn into something more than just bickering.
5. People at O & Partners (Law Firm)
(1) Oh Jung-in (played by Lee Yoo-young)
- The daughter of the law firm’s founder, Jung-in is a sharp strategist and elite leader.
- Groomed to take over the firm, she faces constant comparisons to her legendary father.
- She personally recruits Da-wit to the pro bono team, hinting at a mysterious shared past.
(2) Oh Kyu-jang (played by Kim Gap-soo)
- A legal giant in Korea, Kyu-jang founded O & Partners from scratch, growing it into one of the top firms.
- Though he has passed the leadership to his daughter, he still sees the firm as his “firstborn.”
- He watches her and the newly formed pro bono team with growing discomfort – especially with Da-wit in the mix.
6. Other Legal Figures
(1) Woo Myung-hoon (played by Choi Dae-hoon)
- Da-wit’s former classmate from law school, now a ruthless lawyer at Baekseung, the second-largest law firm.
- He constantly takes cases that put him in direct opposition to the pro bono team, defending corrupt corporations and criminals.
- Once Da-wit’s best friend, they now stand on opposite sides of the courtroom.
(2) Shin Jung-seok (played by Lee Moon-sik)
- The Chief Judge of the Seoul Central District Court, known for his calm and kind demeanor.
- Despite Da-wit’s modest background, he mentored him based on talent alone, recognizing his potential early on.
(3) Yoon (Judicial Clerk) (played by Chae Seo-an)
- A behind-the-scenes support figure in the legal system, closely tied to Da-wit’s past as a judge.
7. People from Woongcheon (Da-wit’s Hometown)
(1) Kim Seong-rye (played by Kim Jung-young)
- A behind-the-scenes support figure in the legal system, closely tied to Da-wit’s past as a judge.
(2) Kim Joo-seop (played by Yeon Je-wook)
- Da-wit’s childhood friend, whom he meets again after 30 years.
- He appears in Episode 1 as the person who places a suspicious box in Da-wit’s car trunk – triggering the downfall that starts it all.
8. Story Summary
- Pro Bono begins with Da-wit’s fall from grace due to a corruption scandal. Forced out of the judiciary, he joins the firm’s newly launched pro bono team.
- Each episode revolves around unique social issues – abused workers, discrimination, animal rights, disability justice – and presents raw, emotionally moving stories with legal depth.
- But this isn’t just about solving cases. It’s about redemption, purpose, and the law’s potential to serve people – not power.
9. Why Fans Love Pro Bono
- Here are a few reasons why this series is becoming a must-watch:
① It’s a Kdrama about lawyers that focuses on social justice rather than courtroom theatrics.
② The Pro Bono Kdrama cast delivers heartfelt, grounded performances that feel genuine.
③ The team dynamic blends idealism, humor, and realism.
④ It deals with real-world legal issues not often shown in K-dramas.
⑤ The writing is sharp, emotional, and socially conscious.
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10. Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for a Kdrama about lawyers that offers more than flashy suits and power plays, Pro Bono might be exactly what you’re looking for. The show doesn’t just entertain – it makes you think.
With a strong narrative, powerful performances from the Pro Bono Kdrama cast, and a rare spotlight on public interest law, this series is set to be one of 2025’s most talked-about dramas.
Whether you’re a legal drama fan or just looking for a new K-drama with depth, Pro Bono is one not to miss.
※ Watch the official teaser for the hit K-drama “Pro Bono,” now airing since December 2025, starring Jung Kyung Ho and So Ju Yeon in this legal comedy.