The Attorney (2013 Film)

The Attorney (Korean: 변호인; RR: Byeonhoin) is a 2013 South Korean legal drama film directed by Yang Woo-Seok. The film is inspired by the real-life Burim case, a political trial that took place in 1981 during the authoritarian rule in South Korea.

The Attorney promotional poster — Promotional poster for The Attorney.

Plot

The story follows Song Woo-Seok (played by Song Kang-Ho), a high school graduate who passes the bar exam and establishes a successful career as a tax attorney in Busan. Initially motivated primarily by financial success, his perspective shifts significantly after he encounters a student activist named Park Jin-Woo (Yim Si-Wan). When Jin-Woo is detained and subjected to brutal torture, Song decides to represent him in a high-stakes legal battle against the state.

Production

The film was directed by Yang Woo-Seok, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Yoon Hyun-Ho and Lee Jung-Hwa. Principal photography for the project commenced on April 9, 2013, and concluded on July 12, 2013.

Song Kang-Ho as Song Woo-Seok — Song Kang-Ho portrays the lead character, Song Woo-Seok.

Reception and Commercial Performance

The Attorney achieved significant commercial success in South Korea. On January 19, 2014, the film surpassed 10 million ticket sales, becoming the 10th film in South Korean history to reach this milestone at that time.

Cast

Song Kang-Ho as Song Woo-Seok
Kim Young-Ae as Choi Soon-Ae
Oh Dal-Su as Park Dong-Ho
Kwak Do-Won as Cha Dong-Young
Yim Si-Wan as Park Jin-Woo
Lee Sung-Min as Lee Yoon-Taek

Kim Young-Ae in her role as Choi Soon-Ae.

Jung Won-Joong as Attorney Kim Sang-Pil.

Jo Min-Gi as Prosecutor Kang Young-Cheol.