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Filming has wrapped, but the release is no longer on the schedule. On October 19, SBS confirmed the postponement of « The Long Shot Trial » («승산있습니다» in Korean), the legal comedy starring Lee Je-hoon and Ha Young. Originally scheduled for the first half of 2027, the series now has no airing date due to the controversy surrounding the actress. This is a major setback for Lee He-joon, as this is his second drama to be put on hold in a short period of time (along with «Signal 2»).
SBS confirms, without setting a new date
A Korean media outlet broke the news earlier today. The network quickly confirmed that the broadcast schedule had been revised.
SBS, however, is taking a cautious approach regarding the future. The network points out that the show was made possible by the efforts of many members of the crew and cast, and says it is considering several options. No new broadcast schedule has been set at this time.
Postponement Amid Controversy
This postponement comes two months after the controversy surrounding Ha Young. In August, it was revealed that his great-grandfather was Ahn Sang-ho, a figure known for his pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period—a particularly sensitive issue in South Korea.
The actress had then published a handwritten letter of apology, in which she apologized as a descendant. She subsequently withdrew of her own accord from the Seasons 2 and 3 of «The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,» in which she played Nurse Cheon Jang-mi.
For «The Long Shot Trial,» the situation is different: filming had already been completed, and the network must now decide the fate of a series that is entirely finished.
A legal comedy adapted from a Japanese hit
On paper, the project had everything going for it. «The Long Shot Trial» is the Korean adaptation of «Legal V: Former Lawyer Takanashi Shoko,» a Japanese series that aired in 2018 on TV Asahi.
The story follows Kwon Baek, played by Lee Je-hoon, best known for his role in «Taxi Driver.» Once a star attorney, he saw his career collapse following a corruption scandal that cost him his license. After a period of absence, he resurfaces as the head of a modest law firm, the Seungsan Law Office. He is no longer allowed to practice law, but he can still lead the firm.
He assembles a team of unconventional individuals around him, determined to win cases that everyone else considers a lost cause. The Korean title, which means «We Have a Chance to Win,» perfectly captures the spirit of the series.
Ha Young plays Yeo Shim-hee, a young lawyer with no money or connections, but who is known for her determination. Unaware that Kwon Baek, whom she has always looked up to, was involved in a corruption scandal, she agrees to become the firm’s lead attorney.
A strong supporting cast
The cast also includes Ok Ja-yeon, who is currently starring in « The Perfect Lie », as well as Lee Jae-won, Jo Sung-ha, Go Woo-jin, Lee Hae-young and Lee Sang-woon.
Behind the camera, the series is directed by Kwon Da-som, based on a screenplay by Jung Jin-young and Kim Eui-chan. It consists of 12 episodes.
It remains to be seen which option SBS will choose for this series, which is ready to air but whose future now depends on the network’s decision. What do you think of the network’s decision?
