In the 14th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Judge Lee Han Young' (directed by Lee Jae-jin, Park Mi-yeon/written by Kim Kwang-min), which aired on the night of the 14th at 9:50 PM, Lee Han Young (played by Ji Sung) was depicted clearing his name from a murder charge and returning to capture Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon), a symbol of corrupt power, and sentencing him to death.
In this episode, Lee Han Young, who was on the run, hid with the help of Seok Jung-ho (played by Tae Won-seok) and obtained intelligence on Kang Shin-jin's attempt to flee the country. Kang Shin-jin, dreaming of a comeback, visited his favorite restaurant, Seonhwagak, for a final meal of black bean noodles, but Lee Han Young relentlessly pursued him to the harbor, rescuing him from being attacked by stowaway sailors and escorting him to court.
The episode also highlighted the contrasting actions of surrounding characters. Yoo Se-hee (played by Oh Se-young), who had framed Lee Han Young, confessed her wrongdoing and went abroad to study at the urging of her father, Yoo Sun-chul (played by Ahn Nae-sang). Lee Han Young sent anonymous encouragement to Yoo Se-hee while she was studying abroad, resolving their complicated relationship. Meanwhile, former President Park Kwang-to (played by Son Byung-ho) met a tragic end in prison due to Kang Shin-jin's schemes, and Lee Han Young exposed the 'Suojae X-File,' a crucial piece of evidence left by Park Kwang-to, to the world, taking down the corrupt elite.
The sentencing trial, broadcast live to the entire nation, became a fierce debate on justice. Prosecutor Kim Jin-ah (played by Won Jin-ah) charged Kang Shin-jin with crimes against humanity, including murder and incitement to murder, and sought the death penalty. In response, Kang Shin-jin defended his actions as sacrifices to change a 'rotten' South Korea, but Lee Han Young, presiding over the trial, retorted, "Your summer was merely a season ruled by fever and storms," and declared, "Justice is not special," before sentencing him to death.
After all the events concluded, Lee Han Young shared a meal with his parents and Kim Jin-ah, with whom he shared past wounds, regaining a sense of normalcy. However, the drama's ending hinted at the persistence of evil, as the imprisoned Kang Shin-jin received a secret item from a prison guard, and Baek Yi-seok (played by Kim Tae-woo) smiled meaningfully as he rose to the pinnacle of new power at Suojae. Lee Han Young questioned the heavens, "Can my choices still be just?" foreshadowing an ongoing journey towards justice with a profound message.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr