The beginning of episode 7 of the K-drama Phantom Lawyer features an unexpected plot twist. Shin YI Rang (Yoo Yeon Seok), who previously could see and be possessed by ghosts and then assist as a lawyer, suddenly loses his supernatural abilities. You might be confused and curious about why Shin Yi Rang, the ghost lawyer, lost his abilities as an indigo and spirit medium in episode 7 of “Phantom Lawyer.” If that’s the case, let’s take a look at the brief explanation below.
Shin YI Rang wasn’t born with supernatural abilities
Unlike most indigo characters, Shin Yi Rang wasn’t born with supernatural abilities. Initially, Shin Yi Rang led a normal life like an ordinary person. Shin Yi Rang was indeed perceptive and highly sensitive, but not in matters related to the mystical or invisible beings. Shin Yi Rang acquired the ability to see ghosts, communicate with them, and act as a medium for these spirits by accident in her 30s. This happened because Shin Yi Rang opened a law office in a former shaman’s house. Additionally, she burned the incense found there without realizing it was typically used for spirit-summoning rituals.
Spirit-summoning incense has a time limit regarding its effects
As mentioned earlier, Shin Yi Rang gained the ability to see spirits after she lit the shaman’s incense using a lighter that was also there. Once the incense was lit, the smoke caused Shin Yi Rang to faint. Meanwhile, spirits would arrive in response to the scent as well as the talisman on the wall. The effect of this spirit-summoning incense turned out to be only temporary. After a certain amount of time, the effect would fade, and Shin Yi Rang would no longer be able to see spirits. This was evident when Shin Yi Rang lit the incense again at the end of episode 7, and the spirit of Han So Hyun (Hwang Boreumbyeol) appeared.
Shin I Rang wants to live a normal life like before
Another reason Shin Yi Rang loses her indigo ability in episode 7 is that she genuinely wants a normal life like before. Shin Yi Rang wants to be an ordinary person who doesn’t deal with ghosts. That way, she won’t worry her mother and family anymore. Moreover, Shin Yi Rang often finds herself in danger—including being detained by the police and the prosecution—when possessed by a ghost.
Even though he went through a phase of denial and resistance, insisting that ghosts didn’t exist, Shin Yi Rang eventually grew accustomed to his new ability. Shin Yi Rang also takes joy in helping the ghosts who become his clients because they are kind, even after death. Even so, Shin Yi Rang still wants to be an ordinary lawyer who helps humans, not ghosts. Shin Yi Rang needs to pay various expenses, including his office rent.
Shin YI Rang’s indigo ability to see ghosts can disappear and reappear because he wasn’t born with this talent. He needs a specific medium to access his supernatural abilities. In the end, he, who was once happy to be an ordinary person again, chooses to summon other ghosts he can help in the K-drama Phantom Lawyer.
