JTBC's weekend drama "Divorce Attorney Shin" (literal title "Sacred, Divorce") has been gaining popularity among viewers, with actor Jo Seung-woo's return to TV dramas after a two-year hiatus. However, opinions are divided on Han Hye-jin's performance alongside Jo Seung-woo. The 16-episode series is currently at its halfway point, and audiences are curious to see if it will achieve the same success as its predecessors, "Chaebol Family's Youngest Son" and "Agency". 

According to Nielsen Korea, the eighth episode, aired on February 27, scored a 6.7% rating (based on nationwide paid households). Although this is somewhat lower than the 7.3% rating for the first episode, "Divorce Attorney Shin" had a strong start as the highest-rated premiere in JTBC history. However, ratings have been fluctuating weekly, with various factors at play, including competition from SBS's 'Model Taxi 2'. Many viewers attribute the fluctuating ratings to Han Hye-jin's acting, which they consider an obstacle to becoming immersed in the drama.

Previously, JTBC had established itself as a powerhouse for weekend dramas with the success of 'Chaebol Family's Youngest Son' and "Agency", both featuring impressive performances from their lead actors. The captivating acting of Lee Sung-min, Yoon Hyun-woo, and Song Joong-ki in "Chaebol Family's Youngest Son", and Lee Bo-young's captivating performance in "Agency" played significant roles in their respective dramas' success. Consequently, viewers eagerly anticipated the performances of Jo Seung-woo and Han Hye-jin in "Divorce Attorney Shin".

"Divorce Attorney Shin" tells the story of divorce lawyers and their turbulent lives, with Jo Seung-woo playing the charming and humane divorce attorney Shin Seong-han. His return to the small screen, two years after "Sisyphus: The Myth", has piqued viewers' interest. Although the character deals with law, as in his previous role, Jo Seung-woo is praised for portraying an entirely different character.

The issue lies in Han Hye-jin's performance, which shows a noticeable difference in quality when compared to Jo Seung-woo's. Han Hye-jin plays Lee Seo-jin, a former weathercaster-turned-radio DJ who is sued for divorce by her husband after having an affair. However, her infidelity is rooted in her husband's continuous emotional abuse. With the help of Shin Seong-han, Lee Seo-jin secures custody of her child and joins Jo Seung-woo's law firm as a consultant.

While Han Hye-jin's portrayal of a loving mother is commendable, many viewers have expressed disappointment with her artificial tone and vocalization. Critics have noted that her acting contrasts sharply with the natural performances of her co-stars in the human drama, which places significant emphasis on character chemistry and emotional exchanges. Han Hye-jin's performance inadvertently makes Jo Seung-woo's acting stand out even more.

Drama critic Jo Sung-kyung commented, "It's not that her performance feels entirely disconnected from the other characters. However, her character's initial radio DJ setup and her efforts to maintain a calm tone may make her acting tone seem more different from the others."

He added, "Lee Seo-jin's character doesn't evoke empathy or emotional investment from viewers, which might be why they can't fully immerse themselves in Han Hye-jin's performance."

As the second half of the series unfolds and the story enters a new phase, all eyes are on Han Hye-jin to see if she can overcome the criticism and deliver a performance that surpasses expectations in the remaining episodes. With Jo Seung-woo's captivating acting already garnering attention, the success of "Divorce Attorney Shin" may hinge on Han Hye-jin's ability to connect with viewers and create a believable and engaging portrayal of her character. As the drama continues to unfold, the anticipation surrounding the actors' performances and the overall success of "Divorce Attorney Shin" remains high. 

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