Top actor So Ji-sub is making his much-anticipated TV drama comeback in MBC legal series “Doctor Lawyer.”

“I have been in many press conferences for my previous projects, but I think I am always getting nervous before showcasing a series to talk about it,” So said with a smile of excitement during an online press conference Friday.

Making his return for the first time after winning the grand prize in the 2018 MBC Drama Awards, So was certain that his upcoming series would satisfy many drama fans.

“Ranging from the thrilling storylines to splendid performances from all the actors, ‘Doctor Lawyer’ will be a hit series. If you don’t watch our series, you will have a hard time finding something to talk about with your friends,” the actor joked.

TV director Lee Yong-suk, who has been behind hit dramas “Iljimae (One Blossom Branch)” (2008), “The Great Seer” (2013) and more, believed that “Doctor Lawyer” personally meant something special.

“In my long career as a director, I have produced many drama series in various genres, including comedies, period dramas, thrillers, actions, noir and soap operas. But I have never produced a medical drama,” Lee said.

Though the director denied intentionally avoiding the medical genre, Lee admitted he did keep a certain distance.

“Because we have to shoot the scenes from different angles, a lot of time is required for operation scenes. You have to study a lot to have a good understanding about medicine as well. I knew this was a difficult path, but I wanted to expand my ability as a creator,” the director added.

The 44-year-old So, who plays the role of lawyer Han Yi-han specializing in medical lawsuits, said his character was the key reason for joining the series.

“A doctor is a person who saves a patient’s life. And, to some extent, a lawyer rescues someone as well. I think this unique characteristic of crossing the two professional fields is what makes Yi-han a fascinating character,” So said.

The actor shared that he even went to a study cafe to memorize his lines.

“I did not want the viewers to feel awkward when I was acting as both the doctor and the lawyer. The words and expressions were definitely difficult compared to those spoken on other jobs. The cycle of practice, question, action and confirmation was necessary,” So said, passionately explaining how much he wanted to meet the viewers’ expectation.

“Doctor Lawyer” centers on Han Yi-han, a talented surgeon who fails to save a patient’s life after an operation went wrong. The story develops as he becomes an attorney specializing in medical law and discovers the secrets behind his failed operation.

The 16-part series premieres Friday at 9:50 p.m. on MBC.

“Doctor Lawyer” will also be available via local streaming platform Wavve.

By Lee Si-jin (sj_lee@heraldcorp.com)