Judge Lee Han-Young Takes Center Stage with Record-Breaking Ratings

The gripping narrative of 'Judge Lee Han-Young' has captivated audiences, turning the weekend drama landscape on its head as Lee Han-Young, played by Ji Sung, dives into the lion's den to uproot corruption.

On the 16th, the fifth 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, showcasing Lee Han-Young's explosive reveal of a military service corruption ledger involving political and business figures. This revelation earned him a ticket to the Seoul Central District Court, where his nemesis Kang Shin-Jin (played by Park Hee-Soon) resides.

The episode achieved a record-breaking viewership rating of 10.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 10% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. A particularly high point was when Baek Yi-Seok (played by Kim Tae-Woo), the Chief Judge of the Chungnam Court, announced, "Chief Lim Jung-Sik and Judge Lee Han-Young will join me in Seoul," which spiked to a peak rating of 11.7% nationwide, solidifying its dominance in the weekend drama slot.

Additionally, the drama topped the 2054 viewership demographic with a 3.4% rating, reflecting its overwhelming popularity and relevance in today's media consumption landscape. 'Judge Lee Han-Young' has rapidly ascended to the top, achieving a 'triple crown' by leading in metropolitan, 2054, and nationwide ratings, establishing itself as a household favorite.

The episode delved into the backstory of how Lee Han-Young came to expose the corruption list, adding layers of intrigue. After receiving the ledger from his mother, Shin Nam-Sook (played by Hwang Young-Hee), who runs a junk shop, Lee Han-Young was ambushed by Kwak Soon-Won (played by Park Geon-Il). Recognizing him as the person who killed him in a past life, Lee Han-Young realized that Kang Shin-Jin, not Lee Chang-Hyo (played by Choi Hong-Il), was behind the search for the ledger, intensifying the drama's tension.

Kang Shin-Jin, unable to retrieve the ledger, tested Lee Han-Young by offering him a deal through his subordinate Kim Jin-Han (played by Jung Hee-Tae): hand over the ledger and be sent to Seoul. Lee Han-Young's refusal, stating, "People only truly regret at the moment of death," showcased his evolved character from his past life. With the support of Chief Judge Baek Yi-Seok, Lee Han-Young boldly exposed the corruption, confronting the evil head-on.

The revelation caused chaos at Suo-Jae, the hideout of former President Park Kwang-To (played by Son Byung-Ho). Kang Shin-Jin, who had been plotting with Park, was reprimanded for failing to manage the ledger and for not disclosing additional names on the list. This peeled back another layer of Kang Shin-Jin's backstory, enriching the plot.

Kang Shin-Jin felt a strange kinship with Lee Han-Young, suspecting his actions were driven by familial insecurities. Yet, he tightened his grip on Lee Han-Young by threatening Lim Jung-Sik (played by Kim Byung-Chun) through Kwak Soon-Won. Meeting Kang Shin-Jin at a restaurant, Lee Han-Young concealed his desire for revenge, introducing himself as "the son of a displaced person," easing Kang's wariness. When asked, "What kind of person do you think I am?" Lee Han-Young replied, "I believe you are someone who will guide me," pledging to become indispensable to him. Kang Shin-Jin then tasked him with discreetly ensuring Woo Kyo-Hoon's downfall before his ministerial hearing.

Meanwhile, Kim Jin-Ah (played by Won Jin-Ah) faced off against Jang Tae-Sik (played by Kim Beop-Rae) during his detention hearing for offshore tax evasion but couldn't prevent his release. Visiting her father in a nursing home, she vowed, "This is just the beginning," hinting at a deeper story between her and Jang Tae-Sik.

As figures involved in the military service corruption were apprehended, a wave of reform swept through the judiciary. The upright Judge Baek Yi-Seok was summoned to the Seoul Central District Court by the new Chief Justice, bringing trusted colleagues Lee Han-Young and Lim Jung-Sik with him. Kang Shin-Jin, wary of their movements, called spy Kim Yoon-Hyuk (played by Jang Jae-Ho) to Seoul to monitor whether Lee Han-Young would complete the task of toppling Woo Kyo-Hoon.

At the episode's end, Lee Han-Young was seen heading to Hae-Nal Law Firm, taking the next step in his mission to eradicate corruption. As he approached Yoo Sun-Cheol's (played by Ahn Nae-Sang) office, he resolved, "You chose me again in this life, and I will decide your fate this time," heightening viewers' anticipation for his bold journey into enemy territory.

MBC's 'Judge Lee Han-Young' will air its sixth episode on the 17th at 9:50 PM.

Reporter: Im Chae-Ryeong, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr