My First Client (2019 Film)

My First Client (Korean: 어린 의뢰인; RR: Eorin Uiroein) is a 2019 South Korean legal drama film directed by Jang Gyu-Sung. The film addresses the sensitive and systemic issues surrounding child abuse and the legal challenges involved in protecting vulnerable children.

Promotional poster for My First Client — Promotional poster for the 2019 film My First Client.

Plot

The story follows Jung-Yeob (Lee Dong-Hwi), a lawyer struggling to secure a position at a prestigious law firm in Seoul. While waiting for career opportunities, he takes a temporary job at a local child welfare center. During his tenure, he encounters 10-year-old Da-Bin (Choi Myung-Bin), who reports that her stepmother, Ji-Sook (Yoo-Sun), has physically abused her. Despite the report, the legal and social systems fail to intervene effectively, and Da-Bin is returned to her home environment.

Jung-Yeob eventually secures a job in Seoul and leaves his hometown. However, his life is upended when he receives news that Da-Bin has been accused of killing her younger brother, Min-Joon (Lee Joo-Won). The film then shifts into a legal battle as Jung-Yeob attempts to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.

Cast