SBS is reigniting the competition in Korea’s seasonal drama market after officially confirming the production of the second season of one of its biggest hit series, Good Partner.
The legal office drama, centered around Korea’s first divorce-specialized law firm, has reportedly been preparing for production since March, with filming for Good Partner 2 currently underway for a release in the second half of the year. Following the overwhelming success of its first season, anticipation from both the industry and viewers is already running high.
The Return of a Hit Drama That Reached 21% Ratings
The first season of Good Partner, which aired in 2024, followed the professional and personal growth of star divorce attorney Cha Eun Kyung and rookie lawyer Han Yu Ri as they handled a wide range of legal disputes. Written by former divorce attorney Choi Yoo Na, the drama gained praise for its realistic storytelling, tackling cases involving infidelity, custody battles, and alimony conflicts with impressive detail.
The drama ultimately became one of SBS’s biggest successes, recording a peak rating of 21% during its finale, according to Nielsen Korea. Starting with a solid 7.8% for its premiere, the series steadily climbed throughout its run, eventually reaching 18.7% before soaring to 21% during the final episode. It not only dominated the Friday-Saturday drama slot but also ranked as the most-watched television program of the week, while leading the key 2049 (viewers aged 20~49) demographic ratings.
One of the drama’s strongest points was how it expanded the heavy subject of divorce beyond courtroom battles, weaving in emotional themes surrounding family relationships and personal growth. Audiences praised the balance between compelling legal cases and character-driven storytelling, which contributed to the show’s strong immersion factor.
Jang Nara Returns, Kim Hye Yoon Joins for a Fresh Dynamic
One of the biggest changes in the upcoming season is the cast reshuffle. Nam Ji Hyun, who worked closely alongside Jang Nara’s character in Season 1, will not return due to scheduling conflicts. Taking her place is Kim Hye Yoon, while Park Hae Jin joins the series as a lawyer from a rival law firm, creating a brand-new dynamic. P.O (Pyo Ji Hoon) is also set to play a major role.
Jang Nara recently teased her return through social media by posting a photo from the filming set alongside the caption, “It’s Cha Eun Kyung,” sparking excitement among fans. Dressed in a sleek suit, her appearance immediately brought back memories of the beloved attorney from Season 1.
Much of the spotlight, however, is currently on Kim Hye Yoon. Following her breakout success in Lovely Runner, the actress will take on a new lawyer character and share the screen with Jang Nara. SBS also hinted at their chemistry through a newly released teaser clip. In the video, Cha Eun Kyung confidently says, “Just trust me,” before Kim Hye Yoon’s character responds, “No, trust me!”—offering a glimpse into the fresh relationship dynamics expected in Season 2.
A Key Piece of SBS’s Long-Term Franchise Strategy
The return of Good Partner also aligns with SBS’s long-term strategy of building successful seasonal drama franchises. Over the past six years, Studio S has produced around 60 projects while strengthening recognizable drama brands. Successful examples include Hot Stove League, The Penthouse, Dr. Romantic, Taxi Driver, and The Fiery Priest.
The numbers support the strategy. Dr. Romantic achieved ratings as high as 28.4% across three seasons, while Taxi Driver consistently maintained ratings near the 25% range. The Fiery Priest also continued its success into a second season, proving the viability of long-running drama franchises.
During the SBS Drama Media Day event held on June 1, Studio S CEO Hong Sung Chang emphasized the network’s commitment to seasonal dramas, stating that trust between production teams and actors remains one of SBS’s strongest assets. SBS scheduling executive Kim Gi Seul also highlighted the network’s strength in delivering cathartic storytelling through solid world-building and uniquely appealing characters.
Armed with the original season’s blockbuster success, a refreshed cast lineup, and an expanded story universe, Good Partner 2 is being viewed as one of SBS’s most important projects in its seasonal drama strategy. Online reactions have already begun pouring in, with viewers expressing excitement over Cha Eun Kyung’s return and anticipation for the chemistry between Jang Nara and Kim Hye Yoon.
The confirmed cast currently includes Jang Nara, Park Hae Jin, Kim Hye Yoon, and P.O, while writer Choi Yoo Na is returning to pen the script. Good Partner 2 is scheduled to premiere as an SBS Friday-Saturday drama in the second half of this year.
Sources: Daum
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