Ji Sung Uncovers Corruption in 'Judge Lee Han Young', Captivating Viewers with High Ratings

Ji Sung targets the corruption of powerful figures, aiming to expose their wrongdoings.

In the fourth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Judge Lee Han Young' (directed by Lee Jae-jin, Park Mi-yeon/written by Kim Kwang-min), aired on the 10th, Lee Han Young (played by Ji Sung) discovers a ledger detailing military service corruption involving the children of political and legal figures. He exposes this to the media, thwarting Kang Shin-jin's (played by Park Hee-soon) plan to install a puppet Chief Justice.

The episode recorded a viewership rating of 5.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 5.8% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. A flashback scene where Han Young's father, Lee Bong-seok (played by Jung Jae-sung), tells him, "Our Han Young should study hard to become a judge," reached a peak rating of 7.7% nationwide, drawing viewers to their screens. Additionally, the drama's relevance was highlighted by a 2.3% rating in the key demographic of viewers aged 20-54.

In this episode, Lee Han Young uncovers that Park Hyuk-jun (played by Lee Jae-yeon) and Kim Ga-young (played by Jang Hee-ryung) are a couple and reveals their involvement in the murder of Kim Sun-hee (played by Han Seoul). This revelation strengthens his connection with journalist Song Na-yeon (played by Baek Jin-hee), who aids in the media coverage.

Particularly, when Song Na-yeon's father is falsely accused of theft, Lee Han Young uses his legal expertise to assist her. Upon learning from Song Na-yeon that the theft victim is Lee Chang-hyo (played by Choi Hong-il), the director of a Korean hospital, Han Young suspects the missing items include the ledger of military service corruption. He decides to use this case to dismantle Kang Shin-jin and Jang Tae-sik (played by Kim Beop-rae) of S Shopping, aiming to restore justice in the judiciary.

Meanwhile, upon hearing about the missing ledger, Kang Shin-jin reacts furiously, fearing the consequences if it becomes public. As his grand scheme faces collapse, he orders Gwak Soon-won (played by Park Geon-il) to retrieve the ledger. The intense behind-the-scenes battle between Lee Han Young and Kang Shin-jin heightens viewer engagement.

Desperate to find the ledger, Lee Han Young enlists the help of his well-connected loan shark friend, Seok Jung-ho (played by Tae Won-seok). During their conversation, Han Young recalls ignoring his father at a protest against S Construction's demolition, leading him to the S Department Store, where he witnesses Kim Jin-ah (played by Won Jin-ah) arresting Jang Tae-sik. Reflecting on his and Kim Jin-ah's shared history with S Group, Han Young considers the potential of teaming up with her.

Seok Jung-ho's network reveals that the thief, known as 'Dda-jyo', was responsible for the burglary at Lee Chang-hyo's house. However, with the ledger discarded, Han Young and his team scour local junk shops. Han Young's mother, Shin Nam-sook (played by Hwang Young-hee), who runs a junk shop, informs him of finding the ledger. Han Young promptly holds a press conference, confidently reading the names from the ledger in a climactic scene that delivers catharsis to viewers.

The fifth episode of MBC's 'Judge Lee Han Young' will air on the 16th at 9:50 PM.

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr