South Korean actress Moon Ga-young is stepping into the lead role in tvN's latest drama Law and the City, a move seen by many as the network's bid to recover from a series of high-profile disappointments.

Moon replaces Park Bo-young, who received critical acclaim for her performance in the network's recent hit Our Unwritten Seoul. The new drama premieres Saturday, July 5 at 9:20 p.m. KST.

Earlier this year, tvN suffered from underwhelming viewership on several big-budget productions, including the ₩50 billion ($36 million) space-themed series When the Stars Gossip, the experimental The Divorce Insurance, and the sci-fi thriller The Potato Lab.

The network is now banking on Law and the City—and Moon's growing popularity—to restore its footing in the ratings race.

Moon, who recently garnered solid ratings with My Dearest Nemesis, returns to the network just four months after that project wrapped.

She now stars as Kang Hee-ji, a passionate and idealistic second-year lawyer working in Seocho-dong, Korea's legal epicenter.

"Kang Hee-ji is someone who believes in people more than just cases," Moon said. "She wants to be a lawyer who brings hope, not just arguments."

The drama focuses on the daily lives and emotional challenges of five young associate lawyers.

tvN released a series of behind-the-scenes stills showing Hee-ji nervously adjusting her blazer on her first day and enjoying casual lunch breaks with co-workers—moments intended to humanize the intense legal environment.

Moon described Law and the City as "a story about people," adding, "I want to show viewers that even in rigid professions like law, there is warmth and compassion."

Critics say Moon's emotional range and natural screen presence may be precisely what TVN needs after a year of creative misfires.

"There's a relatable vulnerability in the way she plays Hee-ji," said drama critic Yoon Hae-jin. "It could resonate with younger viewers and working professionals alike."

The network appears optimistic as well. "We are confident Moon Ga-young will deliver a grounded, heartfelt performance," a tvN spokesperson said. "We hope Law and the City marks a turning point."

Law and the City airs weekly on Saturdays at 9:20 p.m. KST on tvN.