Judge Lee Han-young Uncovers Shocking Truths in 'Judge Lee Han-young' Episode 10

Lee Han-young, played by Ji Sung, is left in shock after uncovering the raw face of power.

In the 10th 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 31st, Lee Han-young manages to dethrone his nemesis Hwang Nam-yong (played by Kim Myung-soo) from his position as a Supreme Court Justice. He then enters the heart of power, Suo-jae, where he witnesses a shocking truth, delivering a dramatic ending.

The episode recorded a viewership rating of 11.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 10.9% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea, ranking first among dramas in the same time slot. A particular scene where Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon) tells Hwang Nam-yong over the phone, "Your son will have to pay the price," and "I'll ensure you receive a non-custodial investigation and probation, but our deal must not reach Suo-jae's ears," saw the highest momentary nationwide viewership rating of 14.9%, proving the show's hot popularity. Additionally, the key indicator of channel competitiveness reflecting changes in media consumption, the 2054 viewership rating, was 4.1%, ranking first among all programs aired that day, dominating both Friday and Saturday, reaffirming its status as the weekend's main attraction.

In the episode, Lee Han-young's meticulous strategy shone. To prevent Lee Sung-dae (played by Jo Sang-ki) from finding a con artist, Lee Han-young deliberately leaked information to Ma Kang-gil (played by Kim Young-pil) days before the prosecution's raid on 'Miracle Asia.' He also set up a new office for 'Miracle Asia' to lure Lee Sung-dae and successfully embezzled 3 billion won. Realizing he was scammed too late, Lee Sung-dae received a call from Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon) demanding a 3 billion won donation to the foundation under Hwang Nam-yong's name, leaving him cornered.

Kang Shin-jin maintained a relaxed demeanor despite Hwang Nam-yong's son being tried by Lee Han-young. Instead, Kang Shin-jin exploited employment corruption to demand illegal political fund files from Hwang Nam-yong, who was blinded by his ambition for the Chief Justice position. Kang Shin-jin's predatory gaze revealed his ambitions, sending chills down viewers' spines. Meanwhile, Lee Han-young heightened the tension by realizing Kang Shin-jin's intentions and handing over documents related to Hwang Nam-yong's son's employment corruption.

Lee Han-young received documents from Kang Shin-jin detailing Hwang Nam-yong's collusion with S Group's Jang Tae-sik (played by Kim Beop-rae) and a statement from Kim Jin-ah's (played by Won Jin-ah) father, who was wrongfully imprisoned. Following Kang Shin-jin's instructions, Lee Han-young confronted Hwang Nam-yong, suppressing his boiling anger while securing a USB containing illegal political fund files. However, when Hwang Nam-yong demanded a not-guilty verdict, Lee Han-young's anger erupted, slapping him and declaring, "Take off that robe that doesn't suit you." Lee Han-young's bold move provided viewers with a sense of catharsis.

Meanwhile, Kang Shin-jin's suspicions reached their peak. Only he, Lee Han-young, and Kim Jin-han (played by Jung Hee-tae) knew about the 3 billion won with Lee Sung-dae. Kang Shin-jin tested whether Lee Han-young had accessed the USB given by Hwang Nam-yong, but Lee Han-young managed to evade suspicion.

Lee Han-young also opened up about his long-standing feelings with his father, Lee Bong-seok (played by Jung Jae-sung). He confessed, under the influence of alcohol, about ignoring Bong-seok during the S Group redevelopment protest, but his father embraced him. Lee Han-young's heartfelt repentance moved viewers to tears, leaving a deep impression. Meanwhile, Kim Jin-ah discovered that Jang Tae-sik had moved her father to a VIP room and rushed to the nursing home. She coldly rejected Jang Tae-sik's offer to befriend her, fueling her desire for revenge.

Baek Yi-seok (played by Kim Tae-woo) and Lim Jung-sik (played by Kim Byung-chun), who were disappointed in Lee Han-young, united after hearing his genuine desire to capture Kang Shin-jin. Lee Han-young revealed that former President Park Kwang-to (played by Son Byung-ho) was behind Kang Shin-jin, successfully persuading Baek Yi-seok to become a candidate for the next Chief Justice. With the 'Chungnam Crew' rejoining as strong allies, the power dynamics are set to shift dramatically. However, Lee Han-young couldn't escape Kim Jin-han's sharp suspicion. Kim Jin-han discovered that Lee Han-young and Park Chul-woo (played by Hwang Hee) had communicated on the day Lee Sung-dae was robbed of 3 billion won. Additionally, Kang Shin-jin moved his subordinate killer Kwak Soon-won (played by Park Geon-il) to stage Hwang Nam-yong's son's death as a suicide.

Having gained Kang Shin-jin's trust, Lee Han-young learned the contents of the USB and even received an offer to "use this power together." However, to enter Suo-jae, he had to acquit Hwang Nam-yong's son. Anticipating Kang Shin-jin's move against Hwang Nam-yong's son, Lee Han-young saved him in advance, warning him of the ongoing threat to his life. Consequently, Hwang Nam-yong's son held a press conference to confess his wrongdoings, leading Hwang Nam-yong to submit his resignation. The current Chief Justice also stepped down, taking responsibility for the judiciary's tarnished reputation, while the presidential office recommended Baek Yi-seok as the successor, setting the stage for Han-young's grand plan.

At the end of the broadcast, Lee Han-young finally set foot in Suo-jae, the center of power, alongside Kang Shin-jin. Witnessing black money pouring into a bathtub under the guise of special activity funds, Lee Han-young was left frozen. While internally burning with a sense of justice, he outwardly played along, leaving viewers eager to see his next move after witnessing the true nature of power.

The 11th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Judge Lee Han-young' will air on the 6th at 9:50 PM.

Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr