Jung Chaeyeon is facing divided opinions over her acting in JTBC’s new legal drama Esquire: Lawyers Who Dream of Being Lawyers.
The former DIA member turned actress plays rookie lawyer Kang Hyo Min. Her role focuses on a clumsy but sharp-witted newcomer navigating the legal world. Yet, fans are split. Many say her delivery is too high-pitched, expressions static, and emotional depth missing—especially during intense courtroom scenes. Others argue it’s too early to judge with only two episodes aired.
Online communities buzz with mixed takes.
“She’s not good, but not awkward at the same time. She’s just alright.”
“It’s just at the level where all her expressions are similar and there are some moments where I’m like ‘huh?’ when she does her lines.”
“Her tonality is always the same.”
“Huh? She’s fine though.”
Past roles come up in comparison. Some say her acting here is a step down from Family By Choice.
“She totally sticks out. I watched her in Family By Choice and she gave me a good impression there, but her acting this time around bothers me.”
“She’s good though… It’s just so-so how her character is in a romantic relationship with Lee Jin Wook when it looks like they have 20 years between them.”
“She doesn’t bother me at all LOL. The article is too harsh on her.”
“Her diction is pretty good and she’s doing well.”
With ten episodes left, viewers are watching closely to see if Jung Chaeyeon can overcome early criticism and improve her performance by the finale.
