SBS is reigniting the competition in the Korean seasonal drama market after officially confirming the production of the second season of one of its most successful series, Good Partner.
The law firm drama, which centers on Korea’s first divorce law firm, has reportedly been preparing for production since March, with filming on Good Partner 2 currently underway for release in the second half of the year. After the extraordinary success of its first season, anticipation from both the industry and viewers is already high.
The return of a successful drama film that reached 21% ratings
The first season of Good Partner, which aired in 2024, followed the professional and personal growth of divorce lawyer Cha Eun Kyung and rookie lawyer Han Yu Ri as they handled a wide range of legal disputes. Written by former divorce lawyer Choi Yoo Na, the drama has been praised for its realistic storytelling, tackling cases of infidelity, custody battles and alimony conflicts in impressive detail.
The drama eventually became one of SBS’ biggest hits, recording a ratings peak of 21% during its finale, according to Nielsen Korea. Starting at a solid 7.8% for its premiere, the series grew steadily throughout its run, eventually reaching 18.7% before spiking to 21% during the final episode. Not only did it dominate the Friday and Saturday drama slot, but it also ranked as the most-watched TV show of the week, leading the key demographic charts of 2049 (viewers ages 20-49).
One of the drama’s strengths was the way it expanded the heavy theme of divorce beyond court battles, weaving in emotional themes regarding family relationships and personal growth. Audiences praised the balance of 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 new dynamic
One of the biggest changes in the upcoming season is the reshuffle of the cast. Nam Ji Hyun, who worked closely with Jang Nara’s character in the first season, 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. PO (Pyo Ji Hoon) will also play an important role.
Jang Nara recently teased her comeback via social media by posting a photo from the filming set along with the caption, “It’s Cha Eun Kyung,” sparking excitement among fans. Dressed in an elegant suit, her appearance immediately brought back memories of the beloved lawyer from season one.
Much of the spotlight, however, is currently on Kim Hye Yoon. After her success in Lovely Runner, the actress will take on the role of a new lawyer 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, “Trust me,” before Kim Hye Yoon’s character responds, “No, trust me!”, offering a glimpse into the new relationship dynamics expected in season two.
A key element of SBS’ long-term franchising strategy
The return of Good Partner also aligns with SBS’ long-term strategy to build successful seasonal drama franchises. Over the past six years, Studio S has produced approximately 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 has achieved ratings as high as 28.4% over three seasons, while Taxi Driver has consistently maintained ratings near 25%. The Fiery Priest continued its success with 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 highlighted the network’s commitment to seasonal dramas, saying that trust between production teams and actors remains one of SBS’s strengths. SBS programming executive Kim Gi Seul also highlighted the network’s strength in providing cathartic storytelling through solid world-building and unique, appealing characters.
Building on the success of the original season, a renewed cast and an expanded narrative universe, Good Partner 2 is seen as one of SBS’s most important projects in its seasonal drama strategy. Online reactions have already started 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 PO, while writer Choi Yoo Na will return to write the script. Good Partner 2 will premiere as an SBS drama from Friday to Saturday in the second half of this year.
Sources: Daum
