A new drama is captivating audiences, marking a historic milestone in Korean broadcasting as it features a labor attorney as the central character for the first time. Titled Oh My Ghost Clients, this intriguing Friday-Saturday series premiered on MBC in South Korea and is also available on Netflix for international viewers.
This show does more than just present a novel profession; it tells the story of a labor attorney who can see ghosts and assists the spirits of workers who tragically lost their lives in industrial accidents as they seek peace, all while tackling labor-related challenges. With its inventive concept, the drama skillfully intertwines comedic fantasy with poignant social commentary, earning acclaim for its fresh take on genre storytelling.
Behind the camera is a highly regarded directing team. Acclaimed filmmaker Im Soon Rye, known for her work on films like Forever the Moment, Little Forest, and The Negotiation, is making her directorial debut in the drama format. During an online press conference on May 30, she expressed her excitement about the project’s concept and script, stating, “That was the primary reason I chose to take on this challenge.”
Im added, “This is the first drama to earnestly explore the role of a labor attorney. My focus was on balancing the fantastical element of ghost-seeing with the stark realities of industrial accidents. I aimed to harmonize everyday life with fantasy, seriousness with humor, and weight with levity.“
The series benefits from the talents of screenwriters Kim Bo Tong, known for the hit Netflix series D.P., and Yoo Seung Hee, who contributed to the film I Can Speak, helping to elevate the script’s quality significantly.
Leading the cast is Jung Kyung Ho, recognized as a “go-to actor for professional roles.” After portraying a doctor in Hospital Playlist and a star lecturer in Crash Course in Romance, he takes on the character of a labor attorney. He remarked, “I’ve had the chance to play a variety of jobs, some of which are completely different from one another. This diversity is both fun and exciting for me. It allows me to gain insights I didn’t have before.”
Jung plays Noh Moo Jin, a labor attorney who initially enters the profession purely for financial reasons. However, through his experiences with various cases, he gradually develops a sense of purpose. He elaborated, “Unlike my previous characters, this one doesn’t start with a strong ethical foundation. Yet, as he navigates his challenges, he grows more committed to his role.”
He is joined by Seol In Ah and Cha Hak Yeon (known as N of VIXX), forming the dynamic “Moojins” team. Seol portrays Na Hee Joo, a spirited and tenacious character, while Cha plays Go Kyun Woo, a quirky and upbeat content creator.
The trio has praised their camaraderie. Cha Hak Yeon noted, “I’ve never given a perfect score to my team before, but I want to this time. Our chemistry is incredible, and our movements seem to synchronize effortlessly when we’re together.”
Seol In Ah concurred, stating, “I would also rate us a perfect score. Our synergy was exceptional, with Jung Kyung Ho being the glue that held it all together.” Jung added, “I’d give us a perfect score too. Both of them are so lively and energetic, balancing out my quieter nature perfectly.” He also shared a lighthearted anecdote: “When the three of us are together, it’s hard to keep filming; we get distracted talking—especially about dogs—until someone finally says, ‘Let’s get back to filming!'”
While Oh My Ghost Clients blends humor and emotion, it simultaneously conveys a powerful social message. The episodes draw inspiration from real-life cases of industrial accidents, aiming to resonate deeply with viewers.
Director Im elaborated, “Episodes 1 and 2 tell the story of a technical high school student who suffers a tragic fate due to being sent to an unsafe worksite without proper training. The manufacturing sector unfortunately has a high incidence of such tragedies. What hurt deeply was imagining a young person losing their life due to adult negligence in a system lacking sufficient safety measures.”
The drama also boasts notable cameo appearances. At the press conference, Jung Kyung Ho highlighted Jin Sun Kyu as an especially thrilling guest while also emphasizing that “Kim Dae Myung kicks off the entire drama, so viewers should tune in tonight!”
Looking ahead, Director Im hinted at more prominent guest appearances in future episodes, stating, “There isn’t a single weak performance among the actors we’ve cast. I’ve worked on numerous films, but for this drama, I have the privilege of collaborating with many talented actors, particularly esteemed veterans who joined us due to our prior connections and interest in the project. It will certainly be a treat for audiences.”
In conclusion, Director Im remarked, “Many dramas out there offer light-hearted entertainment, but ours delves into serious themes while providing emotional healing through the tales of restless souls. It’s a series filled with heart, enjoyment, and a meaningful message.”
