SBS is set to reignite the competition in Korea’s seasonal drama landscape with the official confirmation of a second season of one of its most successful series, Good Partner. The legal office drama, which focuses on the nation’s first law firm specializing exclusively in divorce cases, has reportedly been in preparation since March, and filming for Good Partner 2 is currently in progress, targeting a release during the second half of the year. Given the tremendous success of the first season, expectations from both the audience and industry insiders are already extremely high.
The initial season of Good Partner, which aired in 2024, followed the professional journeys and personal development of star divorce attorney Cha Eun Kyung and the rookie lawyer Han Yu Ri as they tackled a wide array of legal disputes. Authored by former divorce attorney Choi Yoo Na, the series was praised for its realistic portrayal of legal cases, covering sensitive topics such as infidelity, custody battles, and alimony disputes in meticulous detail. The drama’s approach combined professional legal procedures with the emotional weight of the characters’ personal experiences, offering a compelling narrative that resonated strongly with viewers.
Throughout its run, Good Partner achieved remarkable ratings, eventually becoming one of SBS’s standout successes. The series premiered with a solid 7.8% rating and experienced steady growth, ultimately reaching 18.7% before surging to a peak of 21% during the finale, according to Nielsen Korea. This performance not only dominated the traditional Friday-Saturday drama slot but also positioned the show as the most-watched television program of the week. It additionally secured the top spot in the key 2049 demographic, highlighting its broad appeal among viewers aged 20 to 49.
The series was particularly acclaimed for its ability to go beyond conventional courtroom drama. By exploring the emotional ramifications of divorce and the complex relationships within families, it presented a layered narrative that balanced legal intrigue with character-driven storytelling. Audiences appreciated this blend, as it allowed for a deeper connection to the characters while maintaining the suspense and engagement of high-stakes legal cases. This combination was instrumental in creating an immersive viewing experience that distinguished the show from other legal dramas on air.
The upcoming season will see a notable reshuffling of the cast. Nam Ji Hyun, who previously shared significant screen time with Jang Nara’s character, will not be returning due to scheduling conflicts. In her place, Kim Hye Yoon will join the cast, while Park Hae Jin is set to portray a lawyer from a rival firm, introducing a fresh dynamic to the story. P.O (Pyo Ji Hoon) is also confirmed to take on a major role, further expanding the narrative possibilities.
Jang Nara has teased her return to the role of Cha Eun Kyung via social media, posting a photo from the filming set with the caption, “It’s Cha Eun Kyung.” Her appearance, dressed in a sharp suit, immediately reignited fan excitement and nostalgia for the character. Attention is particularly focused on Kim Hye Yoon, whose breakout performance in Lovely Runner has earned her widespread recognition. She will portray a new lawyer character, sharing the screen with Jang Nara, and SBS has already highlighted their chemistry in a recently released teaser clip. In the short video, Cha Eun Kyung asserts, “Just trust me,” to which Kim Hye Yoon’s character replies, “No, trust me!”—offering a glimpse into the engaging relationship dynamics that viewers can expect from the new season.
The return of Good Partner also aligns with SBS’s broader strategic approach of developing long-term seasonal drama franchises. Over the past six years, Studio S has produced roughly 60 projects while establishing recognizable and successful drama brands. Notable examples include Hot Stove League, The Penthouse, Dr. Romantic, Taxi Driver, and The Fiery Priest. The performance of these series supports the network’s franchise strategy, with Dr. Romantic achieving ratings as high as 28.4% over three seasons and Taxi Driver consistently maintaining ratings around 25%. The Fiery Priest similarly continued its success into a second season, demonstrating the viability of sustained drama franchises in South Korea’s competitive television market.
At the SBS Drama Media Day event on June 1, Studio S CEO Hong Sung Chang emphasized the network’s commitment to seasonal dramas, noting that trust between production teams and actors remains one of SBS’s strongest assets. Kim Gi Seul, an SBS scheduling executive, highlighted the network’s ability to deliver emotionally resonant storytelling through carefully constructed worlds and distinctively appealing characters.
With the original season’s strong performance, the introduction of a refreshed cast, and the expansion of the story universe, Good Partner 2 is positioned as one of SBS’s key projects in its seasonal drama strategy. Online discussions have already begun, with viewers expressing enthusiasm for Cha Eun Kyung’s return and curiosity about the on-screen dynamic between Jang Nara and Kim Hye Yoon. The confirmed main cast includes Jang Nara, Park Hae Jin, Kim Hye Yoon, and P.O, while Choi Yoo Na returns as the writer to continue shaping the narrative. Good Partner 2 is slated to premiere as a Friday-Saturday drama on SBS in the second half of this year, with high expectations from fans and the industry alike.
This renewed anticipation underscores not only the enduring appeal of the characters and storyline but also SBS’s ongoing investment in cultivating engaging seasonal drama content that combines strong character arcs with socially relevant themes, ensuring the franchise remains both commercially successful and culturally impactful.
