Partner

Partner

Partner is a gripping legal K-drama that blends suspense, justice, and slow-burn romance in the high-stakes world of courtroom battles. The story follows rookie attorney Lee Tae Jo (played by the charismatic Lee Dong Wook), who is sharp-tongued, ambitious, and not afraid to bend the rules to win. His life takes a turn when he’s partnered with Han Jung Won (portrayed by the talented Lee Ha Nee), a principled and compassionate lawyer who believes in fighting for justice the right way. At first, Tae Jo and Jung Won clash due to their completely different legal styles and personalities. He’s reckless and bold, while she’s thoughtful and meticulous. However, as they take on challenging cases involving murder, corruption, and family conflicts, they begin to form an unlikely bond. Their teamwork slowly evolves into mutual respect—and possibly something more. Adding layers of complexity to the narrative are Kim Hyun Joo as Kang Eun Ho, a former prosecutor with ties to both Tae Jo and Jung Won, and Lee Won Jong in a powerful supporting role as a veteran lawyer with secrets of his own. Each character brings depth to the evolving story, filled with moral dilemmas, ethical battles, and emotional tension. Partner is more than just a courtroom drama—it's a thought-provoking series that explores justice, redemption, and trust. With a perfect mix of sharp legal drama and heartfelt character development, this K-drama is a must-watch for fans of stories with brains and heart. Whether you love legal thrillers or emotional rivalries, Partner delivers with passion, pace, and power.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 파트너
🌎 Also Known As: Peoteuneo, The Partner
🎭 Genres: Legal, Mystery, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Lawyer Male Lead ⚖️, Law Firm 💼, Courtroom Drama 👩‍⚖️, Enemies to Lovers ❤️‍🔥, Murder Investigation 🔍
Screenwriters: Jo Jung Hwa
🎬 Directors: Hwang Eui Kyung
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: June 24, 2009 – August 13, 2009
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday & Thursday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
Duration: 60 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

  • First Courtroom Clash Between Tae Jo and Jung Won
    A memorable moment when their clashing styles explode in court—Tae Jo’s bold tactics vs. Jung Won’s composed logic sets the tone for their dynamic.

  • Jung Won’s Emotional Cross-Examination
    A gripping courtroom scene where Jung Won uncovers a key witness’s hidden truth, showing her growth as a confident and passionate lawyer.

  • Tae Jo Confronts His Brother’s Killer
    A powerful scene layered with emotion and suspense, revealing Tae Jo’s past trauma and personal motivation for entering law.

  • The Late-Night Office Confession
    In a quiet moment, Tae Jo and Jung Won open up about their personal struggles, shifting their partnership from professional to deeply emotional.

  • Final Verdict in the Murder Trial
    The climactic trial outcome is filled with tension, justice, and character resolution—wrapping up the drama’s main arc in a satisfying and dramatic way.

  • Seoul Central District Court (replica set)
    Used as the main backdrop for the courtroom scenes, offering authenticity and realism to the legal drama setting.

  • Law Firm Interior Sets
    Designed to reflect hierarchy and tension within the firm, blending corporate minimalism with rich legal symbolism.

  • Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul
    A recurring setting for outdoor heart-to-heart conversations and introspective moments between characters.

  • Han River Walkways
    Scenes featuring solo reflections or tense partner discussions were shot here, adding emotional weight with scenic visuals.

  • University Lecture Halls
    Flashbacks to legal training and student-life moments were filmed in real university environments to emphasize the backstories.

  • Formal Power Suits for Attorneys
    Both Tae Jo and Jung Won consistently appear in sharply tailored suits—reflecting professionalism and evolving confidence.

  • Warm Color Tones in Private Scenes
    Softer lighting and color palettes are used in non-courtroom moments to contrast the high-pressure legal environment.

  • Minimal Makeup and Natural Styling
    The styling choices enhance the grounded, realistic tone of the series, highlighting character over glamour.

  • Jung Won’s Practical yet Elegant Wardrobe
    Her outfits shift from conservative to more expressive over time, mirroring her personal and professional growth.

  • Monochromatic Courtroom Palette
    The stark black-and-white tones in courtroom scenes symbolize legal clarity, tension, and the pursuit of justice.

  • Justice vs. Ambition
    The drama explores how personal ambition can conflict with ethical responsibility, especially in the legal field.

  • Forgiveness and Redemption
    Characters who made past mistakes seek forgiveness—emphasizing that personal change is always possible.

  • The Power of Truth
    Each case reveals how truth can be distorted, hidden, or manipulated—and the courage required to uncover it.

  • Partnership Built on Respect
    The evolving bond between Tae Jo and Jung Won shows that differences can lead to balance, not division.

  • Law as a Tool for Social Good
    The drama highlights how legal systems can be used not just to win, but to protect the vulnerable and right wrongs.

  • Lee Dong Wook’s First Legal Drama
    Partner marked Lee Dong Wook’s debut in the legal genre, earning praise for his intense performance.

  • Lee Ha Nee’s Breakthrough Role
    This drama helped establish Lee Ha Nee as a leading actress with depth and strength in complex female roles.

  • Inspired by Real Court Cases
    Several episodes were loosely inspired by actual criminal and civil cases in South Korea.

  • Strong Female Representation
    Partner stood out for portraying smart, capable women in law—a less common theme at the time.

  • Balanced Blend of Genres
    Though it’s primarily a legal drama, the show weaves in romance, suspense, and social commentary seamlessly.

​​Here is a detailed list of awards and nominations received by the Korean drama “Partner” (2009):

🏆 Awards and Nominations for “Partner” (2009)

  • 2009 KBS Drama Awards:

    • Best Supporting Actor: Choi Cheol-ho for his roles in “Empress Cheonchu”, “Hot Blood”, and “Partner”

  • 2009 KBS Drama Awards:

    • Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Lee Dong-wook for “Partner” (Nominated)

  • 2009 KBS Drama Awards:

    • Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Kim Hyun-joo for “Partner” (Nominated)

  • 2009 KBS Drama Awards:

    • Best Couple Award: Lee Dong-wook and Kim Hyun-joo for “Partner” (Nominated)

  • 2009 KBS Drama Awards:

    • Popularity Award: Lee Dong-wook for “Partner” (Nominated)

These accolades highlight the recognition “Partner” received for its compelling performances and engaging storytelling.

 

​There was no confirmed real-life romance between the cast members of Partner (2009).

Although Lee Dong Wook and Kim Hyun Joo shared strong on-screen chemistry as Lee Tae Jo and Kang Eun Ho, their relationship remained strictly professional. Fans admired their dynamic partnership and romantic tension in the series, which led to some speculation, but neither actor was romantically linked in real life.

No credible reports or official statements suggest that a real-life love story emerged from the filming of Partner. Their compelling performances were the result of skilled acting and mutual professional respect.

Trailer

Music / OST

Gallery

Cast

Kim Hyun Joo
Kim Hyun Joo
Kim Mi Kyung
Kim Mi Kyung
Lee Dong Wook
Lee Dong Wook
Lee Ha Nee
Lee Ha Nee

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