Ji Sung’s Epic Comeback: Can “Judge Lee Han-young” Save MBC’s Prime Time? ⚖️⏳

Seoul is buzzing with anticipation! After a decade away, revered actor Ji Sung is making his grand return to MBC dramas, stepping into the demanding role of a time-traveling judge in the highly anticipated series, “Judge Lee Han-young.” The stakes are incredibly high, with the drama poised as a potential savior for MBC’s struggling Friday-Saturday slot. At the recent press conference held on January 2nd, 2026, the cast and crew offered tantalizing glimpses into this gripping new narrative.

“Judge Lee Han-young” is a captivating justice-driven time-slip drama. It follows the titular character, Lee Han-young, a corrupt judge who, after living as a pawn for a powerful law firm, tragically dies and is sent back 10 years to his past as a solo judge. This unexpected second chance allows him to confront his past wrongdoings and mete out justice against colossal evils. Ji Sung, known for his incredible versatility, expressed no burden in reprising a judge role (following “The Devil Judge”), focusing instead on his desire to make this MBC comeback truly exceptional.

For Ji Sung, his return to MBC evokes fond memories of his acclaimed 2015 hit, “Kill Me, Heal Me,” for which he won a Daesang (Grand Prize). He revealed that the unique “MBC color” of the production made the filming process enjoyable and filled with anticipation. When asked about his decision to take on “Judge Lee Han-young,” he cited the compelling webtoon origin and the robust script, which delves deeper than a typical courtroom drama:

• 🤔 It’s not merely a legal or critical commentary drama, but a profound exploration of human choices and what truly constitutes the “right” path.
• 🛣️ He views the character’s journey as Lee Han-young’s emotional story, a quest to rectify a life once lived in darkness and to establish true justice.

Director Lee Jae-jin elaborated on the drama’s core theme, describing it as a narrative of repentance and the pursuit of justice by a judge who, after compromising with reality, regrets his choices and gets a second chance at life. The PD praised Ji Sung’s casting, highlighting his reputation for exceptional acting and his prowess in portraying multi-faceted characters, a skill vital for Lee Han-young’s complex transformation. Director Lee frankly acknowledged the pressure facing MBC’s Friday-Saturday slot and the formidable competition from SBS’s “Taxi Driver 3.” However, he expressed confidence, asserting that while both shows are excellent, “Judge Lee Han-young” offers a distinct “texture” that will attract its own audience, potentially drawing in viewers who also enjoy its popular rival.

The stellar cast extends beyond Ji Sung, featuring veteran actor Park Hee-soon as Kang Shin-jin, the Chief Criminal Judge at Seoul Central District Court and a key figure in a shadow government led by a former president. Kang Shin-jin, a powerful individual unafraid of legal and trial manipulation, will fiercely oppose Lee Han-young, fueling intense dramatic conflict. Park Hee-soon comically revealed his decision to join the drama after binge-reading the original webtoon and, most importantly, hearing that Ji Sung was cast: “I didn’t ask questions, I just said yes!”

Actress Won Jin-ah takes on the role of Kim Jin-ah, a determined Seoul Central District Prosecutor singularly focused on bringing down Jang Tae-sik of S Group. She teams up with Lee Han-young but finds herself navigating a precarious tightrope between trust and suspicion as she observes his interactions. Won Jin-ah expressed her excitement about working with such seasoned actors and highlighted her character’s refreshingly fiery personality and direct approach to justice, a departure from her previous “good” roles.

The supporting cast also brings a dynamic energy to the series:

• ⚖️ Tae Won-suk as Seok Jung-ho, the loyal loan shark friend who would do anything for Han-young.
• 📰 Baek Jin-hee as Song Na-yeon, the passionate yet sometimes clumsy legal reporter who acts as one of Han-young’s crucial helpers.
• 💼 Oh Se-young as Yoo Se-hee, the youngest daughter of Haenal Law Firm, an uncertified lawyer whose trajectory is expected to change with Lee Han-young.
• 👮 Hwang Hee as Park Cheol-woo, the by-the-book prosecutor from Chungnam District, who, despite his rigid nature, finds himself reluctantly moving forward through unprecedented events.

Ji Sung shared his genuine hopes for the drama, emphasizing that awards are secondary to receiving immense love from viewers. He playfully wished for a whopping 50% viewership rating, promising to fulfill “any pledge” if it happens. He beautifully likened the drama to a “Christmas tree,” with every cast and crew member being the lights that illuminate it, wishing for it to be cherished by all. “Judge Lee Han-young” is set to premiere on MBC at 9:40 PM KST on January 2nd, 2026.

This drama arrives at a pivotal moment, not only for MBC but for K-drama fans worldwide craving a sophisticated blend of justice, fantasy, and raw human emotion. With a powerhouse cast led by the incomparable Ji Sung, “Judge Lee Han-young” is undoubtedly one to watch closely as we kick off the new year.

We’ll be tuning in to see if Lee Han-young can truly rewrite his past and deliver the compelling justice story we’re all hoping for!

Editor: Eric Choi 🍜

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