The premiere episode of "Beyond the Bar" kicks off with an enthralling introduction to Yullim Law Firm, where Elite gathering Ko Seung-cheol reigns as the managing partner, while Seo Yeon-su holds sway as the finance law expert. Jung Ji-ung commands the antitrust law department, Hong Do-yun oversees corporate law, and Yoon Seok-hoon stands tall as the litigation head—each a cornerstone of the firm, meticulously directing their respective domains.
On this pivotal day, the air is thick with anticipation as a cohort of entry-level aspirants battle for a coveted spot within these hallowed halls. However, Kang Hyo-min's debut is far from impressive. As one of the recruits, she arrives tardily to the group interview, her shoes scuffed, a telltale stain marring her shirt, and an air of fluster enveloping her.
In the cutthroat world of these lawyers, where time is indeed money, Hyo-min's late entrance and disheveled appearance spell doom before she's even had a chance to shine. Seok-hoon, leading the charge, shows her the door without much ado.
Yet, appearances can be deceiving. Hyo-min is no ordinary recruit; she is the champion of the prestigious 12th National Law School Mock Trials. Later in the episode, we uncover her formidable lineage—her father, Kang Il-chan, a renowned chief judge, and her mother, Professor Choi Eun-hee of SNU Law, both towering figures in the legal realm.
Intelligent, articulate, and confidence personified, Hyo-min is also unwaveringly honest, with a steadfast belief in justice. Her eagle eye for legal nuances becomes evident as she navigates through various scenarios, showcasing her brilliance after being inexplicably reinstated into the interview process. Her sharp intellect and keen perception of the law make her a force to be reckoned with, painting a vivid picture of her potential to revolutionize the legal landscape.
Despite her virtuous nature, Hyo-min is acutely aware that moral and legal standards do not always converge when it comes to passing judgment, and she steadfastly refuses to allow her personal emotions to cloud the dictates of the law. Impressing the interviewers with her composure and insight, she secures an invitation to the Induction the very next day.
The various partners deliver their Team Intros, each painting a picture of what life at the firm entails, yet among them all, Seok-hoon stands out for his refreshing honesty. His no-frills speech candidly outlines the arduous path that lies ahead in Litigation, a stark contrast to the rose-tinted views espoused by other lawyers and wide-eyed newcomers. He serves as a stark reminder that, beyond the initial probation period, performance reviews will mercilessly sift through the ranks, retaining only the cream of the crop.
As murmurs of dread and uncertainty ripple through the room, with everyone scrambling to steer clear of litigation like the plague, it is Hyo-min who boldly rises to the challenge. This decision does not sit well with Seok-hoon, who harbors mistrust towards her, his perception already tarnished by her two-minute tardiness to the group interview, branding her as a potential liability.
However, Seok-hoon is not the sole overseer of Litigation; Kim Yul-seong, the division head of the litigation team, also wields considerable influence. The team has recently enjoyed a commendable win rate, largely thanks to Heo Min-jeong, one of its associates. Though these two figures remain somewhat peripheral in the current narrative, one cannot help but suspect that they will play pivotal roles in the chapters to come.
The incoming recruits extend beyond just Hyo-min, and though litigation may not have been the initial preference for the others, they have all been thrust into the tumultuous arena nonetheless. Among them stands Guk-hyeon, Hyo-min's boisterous companion, accompanied by Sang-cheol and Ho-yeon.
Hyo-min's maiden assignment arrives in the form of the Gangdong City Gas advisory case. After delivering a compelling claim, she attends the shareholder meeting only to notice a glaring inconsistency in their numbers: over the past seven years, Onpyeong's revenue has seen a precipitous decline.
Determined to uncover the truth, Hyo-min heads to Onpyeong Hot Springs for a closer inspection, but her curiosity leads her astray from her professional duties. When she finally reappears two days later, with damp hair and feeble excuses, Seok-hoon is less than pleased.
Seok-hoon is poised to discipline her for her unexcused absence, but Hyo-min retorts, defending her actions. She insists that she has been "working remotely," shedding light on her discoveries.
Hyo-min reveals that bathhouses are the biggest consumers of gas, and Onpyeong has been operational for over three decades. So, what accounts for this sudden plunge in revenue? Considering their 24/7 operation, she deduces that gas usage figures have been tampered with – gas has been stolen, to be precise, amounting to an astonishing 2,486,839 cubic meters!
Hyo-min produces documents to support her theory, setting the stage for a court case potentially worth 3.8 billion won. This feat casts Hyo-min in a highly favorable light, and she even makes a memorable impression at the courthouse, under Seok-hoon's watchful eye.
Despite securing the desired outcome, Seok-hoon swiftly reminds her that her absences are not excused, emphasizing that Hyo-min must tighten her reigns if she wishes to continue in litigation.
