In JTBC's new courtroom drama "Beyond the Bar," actor Lee Jin-wook drops his romantic image to play a detail-oriented lawyer, revealing another facet of his acting chops in a role that emphasizes people over procedure.

Lee acknowledged he initially had misgivings about the drama's subdued pace. "There are no excessive dramatics here.

These days, so many shows rely on dazzling stimuli; by comparison, our screens felt simple, almost subdued," he explained in an interview at BH Entertainment's offices on Sept. 1.

"But I found myself so focused watching it that I lost track of time."

Produced by an active lawyer, 'Beyond the Bar' avoids common courtroom stereotypes. Instead, it features ethically rich cases that delve into the psychological cost of legal fights to regular individuals.

Discussing the show's strategy, Lee mentioned that it gives viewers a better grasp of justice.

"I don't see lawyers as just seekers of justice. Our stories blur the lines of good and evil.

Except for obvious bad guys, many cases have victims and perpetrators with different perspectives," the 43-year-old actor said.

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A particularly memorable episode, Lee said, concerned a couple struggling with infertility and a fatal medical complication.

"The drama shows it as clear hospital negligence, but such accidents can realistically happen during operations.

How the hospital responds is important, and the situation is complex and somewhat ambiguous," he said.

This realism-based storytelling reimagines courtroom dramas, as they are less spectacle-oriented and more truthfully emotional — consistent with Lee's contention that law, at its core, is a matter of human experience.

After two decades and more than 40 acting credits, Lee said his work sometimes leaves him unsure of his own identity.

"I'm the type who never really rests, so I feel like I live as Lee Jin-uk, not as an actor, only about two years out of every 10," he said.

While proud of his role, Lee confessed he still questions his fit in the profession.

"Like many actors, I often wonder if acting fits me and if I'm doing well,," he confided. "Still, this fear has become my motivation."

Asked how he would like to be seen, Lee's response was humble.
"I'd rather people have no particular thoughts about me... When they watch, I want them to see only the character, not me."

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