Ji Sung has finally come face to face with the naked core of power.
In Episode 10 of MBC’s Friday Saturday drama The Judge Returns, which aired on Jan. 31, Lee Han Young (Ji Sung) successfully forced his lifelong enemy Hwang Nam Yong (Kim Myung Soo) out of his Supreme Court justice position. He then entered the inner sanctum of power known as “Suojae,” where he encountered a level of corruption beyond imagination. According to Nielsen Korea, the episode recorded 11.7 percent in the metropolitan area and 10.9 percent nationwide, ranking first in its time slot. A covert negotiation scene involving Kang Shin Jin (Park Hee Soon) peaked at 14.9 percent, proving the show’s explosive immersion.
Lee Han Young’s meticulous brainplay dominated the episode. Using the prosecution’s raid on “Miracle Asia” to his advantage, he trapped Lee Sung Dae (Cho Sang Ki) and succeeded in seizing 3 billion won. Realizing too late that he had been deceived, Lee Sung Dae was immediately cornered by threatening calls from Kang Shin Jin. The entire scheme had been designed by Lee Han Young, effectively placing his opponent in the palm of his hand.
Kang Shin Jin’s ambition also surfaced in full force. Holding leverage over Hwang Nam Yong, he demanded files detailing illegal political funds tied to lawmakers and former and current presidents, attempting to climb higher on the ladder of power. Park Hee Soon’s sharp, predator like gaze alone created chilling tension. At the same time, Lee Han Young saw through Kang’s intentions, sustaining a tight psychological battle.
The revenge arc deepened as well. Lee received evidence linking Hwang Nam Yong with the S Group along with testimony connected to his father’s case. After securing a USB from Hwang, his anger finally erupted when he was pressured to issue a not guilty verdict. Telling him to take off the judicial robe he did not deserve, Lee delivered a slap that gave viewers a striking sense of catharsis.
The emotional father son relationship added warmth. Lee tearfully confessed the past he had once ignored to his father Lee Bong Seok (Jung Jae Sung), who quietly embraced him. That moment of paternal love left a deep aftertaste within the cold legal drama.
The power struggle continued to expand. Joining hands with Baek Yi Seok (Kim Tae Woo) and Lim Jung Sik (Kim Byung Choon), Lee exposed former president Park Gwang To (Son Byung Ho) as the figure behind Kang Shin Jin. With Baek emerging as a candidate for the next Chief Justice, Lee’s long drawn “big picture” slowly came together. However, suspicions from Kim Jin Han (Jung Hee Tae) and the presence of assassin Kwak Soon Won (Park Gun Il) hinted at another looming storm.
The ending was overwhelming. Inside Suojae, Lee witnessed black funds labeled as special activity expenses pouring into a bathtub. Rage boiled inside him, yet he had to pretend nothing was wrong. His conflicted eyes delivered a powerful final image. Whether he will choose justice or go deeper into the system to overturn everything remains the key question.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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