SBS ‘Shin Irang Law Office’ broadcast footage

Actor Lee Deok-hwa left a warm impression as a friendly, down-to-earth elder.

On the SBS FridaySaturday drama ‘Shin Irang Law Office’ aired on the 11th and 17th, Lee Deok-hwa appeared as Kang Dong-sik, founder of the shoemaker Isang Footwear, adding warmth to the story.

The case in ‘Shin Irang Law Office’ began with a will by Kang Dong-sik to give one-third of his assets to Cha Eun-seong (played by Ra Kyung-min), the son of Ryeo Seon-hwa (played by Bae Yeoul), co-founder of Isang Footwear. His wife Chae Jeong-hee (played by Gil Hae-yeon) wanted to distribute the property, but their son Kang Ji-hoon (played by Byun Jun-ho) did not accept it and filed a lawsuit.

It later came to light that, in the past, Chae Jeong-hee, jealous of the relationship between Kang Dong-sik and Ryeo Seon-hwa, had reported Ryeo Seon-hwa as a spy and had the dementia-stricken Kang Dong-sik write the will. With victory unlikely, Shin Irang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) and Han Na-hyeon (played by Esom) shifted course to attempt a provisional injunction for profit distribution, after spotting the possibility that Ryeo Seon-hwa might still be alive.

In ‘Shin Irang Law Office’, Lee Deok-hwa portrayed the ghost of Kang Dong-sik, standing out as an elder who delivers warm messages to Shin Irang. Shin Irang looked conflicted upon hearing that Yang Do-gyeong (played by Kim Kyung-nam) of the opposing law firm Taebaek had come to see Han Na-hyeon, prompting her to step away. Shin Irang had been slowly growing closer to Han Na-hyeon.

In response, Kang Dong-sik said, “You have to join two different pieces, smooth them gently, and sometimes even bring out a shine. That is why it is difficult. Shoes, and love as well,” and “To the extent you invest care and effort, the way they gleam is the same for both,” calmly encouraging him.

Moreover, Kang Dong-sik helped with the investigation by Shin Irang. Shin Irang found it puzzling that Ryeo Seon-hwa, though alive, was trying to conceal her existence. At this, Kang Dong-sik said, “Shoes need to be soft to be comfortable, but in dangerous places like construction sites, uncomfortable, stiff shoes protect your feet safely,” and added, “I do not know who that person is, but perhaps they are hiding inside stiff shoes.” Afterwards, Shin Irang came to think there might be another reason for Ryeo Seon-hwa trying to hide.

Kang Dong-sik's devoted love for Chae Jeong-hee also heightened the appeal of ‘Shin Irang Law Office’. Even in a state of dementia, he would unconsciously repair shoes for Chae Jeong-hee, and when it was revealed in court that Chae Jeong-hee had falsely written the will, he shouted, “I wrote the will,” striving to protect his wife.

To the very end, Kang Dong-sik conveyed unwavering love for his wife, leaving a lump-in-the-throat afterglow. Once all matters were settled, Kang Dong-sik left this life. At that moment, Shin Irang asked, “Grandfather, how much did you remember? Sometimes it seemed you knew nothing at all, and sometimes it seemed you knew everything.”

Kang Dong-sik replied with a smile, “There is only one thing I remember. Chae Jeong-hee. That is why I remember everything.”

Appearing as Kang Dong-sik in ‘Shin Irang Law Office’, Lee Deok-hwa left a clear impact as an upright cobbler and a man devoted to love. Although a special appearance, the uniquely steady, seasoned acting of Lee Deok-hwa deepened audience immersion.