Good Partner (2024) - Series Review "It's hard to walk the talk"

"Good Partner" follows the journey of Cha Eun Kyung, a seasoned divorce lawyer with 17 years of experience at Daejung Law Firm. Renowned for her expertise in divorce cases, she is a star attorney in her field. The plot thickens when she encounters Han Yu-ri, a rookie lawyer who reluctantly finds herself in the divorce sector. Yu-ri aspires to work in corporate law but must navigate the challenging world of family law until an opportunity arises. As Yu-ri works under Eun Kyung, their professional lives become intertwined in significant ways.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Cha Eun Kyung faces her own divorce, and Han Yu-ri is assigned to handle her case. This personal conflict adds layers of tension and emotional depth to the narrative, making their relationship complex and compelling.

While there were some delays in the airing schedule that diminished my initial excitement, I ultimately finished the series. Despite the hiccups, "Good Partner" managed to keep me engaged, making it one of the few divorce-themed dramas that I fully completed. The storytelling captivated me, particularly how Yu-ri witnesses the emotional fallout of betrayal and how deeply it scars her. Cha Eun Kyung's journey is equally poignant; her struggle to maintain hope in her failing marriage, despite knowing the truth, resonated with me and added richness to her character.

It’s somewhat cliché to have a divorce lawyer facing her own divorce, yet Eun Kyung's determination to fight for her marriage adds depth to the narrative. A particularly touching moment is the confession from her daughter, Jae-Hi, who expresses her hopes for a complete family despite knowing the turmoil. While no one desires divorce, it’s clear that if someone is inclined to cheat, they will do so regardless of life’s challenges. I remain hesitant about divorce; I believe that valid separations can be achieved through annulment. I encourage those experiencing marital strife to persevere unless there are clear grounds, such as infidelity or abuse.

This reminds me of the Battered Wife case they handled, and I have immense respect for lawyers like Eun Kyung and Yu-ri who refuse to tolerate bad behavior. When a marriage must be terminated—be it through annulment or divorce—it’s crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of those involved, especially if someone is already feeling frightened and hurt.

In terms of acting, Jang Na-ra delivers an outstanding performance as Cha Eun Kyung. She excels in the heavier emotional scenes, making her pain palpable and often leaving me in tears. Her ability to convey such deep sorrow makes her a true gem in the acting world. On the other hand, Nam Ji-hyun, who plays Han Yu-ri, portrays her character well, though I found her performance less impactful compared to Jang Na-ra's.

I also want to highlight the performances of Ji Seung Hyun as Cha Eun Kyung’s husband, Kim Ji-sang, and Han Jae-yi as the mistress, Choi Sa-ra. Both characters effectively served as antagonists, adding tension and raising my blood pressure as the story unfolded. Their roles enhanced the drama, making the stakes feel real and engaging.

Overall, I would rate "Good Partner" 4 out of 5 stars. The combination of strong performances, emotional storytelling, and well-crafted character arcs made it a memorable watch. If you're interested in a drama that explores the complexities of divorce with depth and nuance, this one is definitely worth your time.