MBC Drama 'Judge Lee Han-Young' Dominates Ratings with Intense Plot Twists

Ji Sung and his allies become targets of corrupt power.

On October 6th, the 11th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Judge Lee Han-Young' (planned by Namgung Seong-woo, Jang Jae-hoon/written by Kim Kwang-min/directed by Lee Jae-jin, Park Mi-yeon/produced by OH Story, Slingshot Studio) aired, showcasing the perilous battle of Lee Han-Young (played by Ji Sung) and his allies as they infiltrate the heart of corruption. The episode achieved a viewership rating of 14.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 13.2% nationwide, securing the top spot among Friday-Saturday dramas. Previously, MBC faced criticism for low ratings in the 1-2% range with dramas like 'Bunny and the Brothers', 'Mary Kills People', and 'To the Moon'.

In a pivotal scene, Lee Han-Young reveals to his colleagues that Park Kwang-to (played by Son Byung-ho) is the head of the shadow government, stating, “Soo-o-jae is the real power that moves Korea. They are terrifying and strong, so you can step back.” Prosecutor Kim Jin-ah responds, “You said we are one team. One team,” marking the formation of the true 'Panvengers'. This moment reached a peak viewership rating of 15.3% nationwide according to Nielsen Korea. Additionally, the drama topped the 2054 viewership rating, a key indicator of channel competitiveness, with 5%, reflecting the show's popularity.

In the latest episode, Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon) reveals his ambition to become the owner of Soo-o-jae, dismissing Park Kwang-to as a believer in shamans. He extends an offer to Lee Han-Young, saying, “When the time comes, I need someone to establish new justice with me.” Lee Han-Young pretends to agree with Kang Shin-jin's philosophy that justice should be faster and clearer than evil, but internally resolves to eliminate Kang Shin-jin, considering his idea of justice as arrogance.

Meanwhile, Lee Seong-dae (played by Jo Sang-ki) discovers the truth behind a 3 billion won embezzlement case after obtaining call records between Lee Han-Young and Park Cheol-woo (played by Hwang Hee). Lee Han-Young faces a precarious situation and attempts to negotiate with Lee Seong-dae by offering him a position at Haenal Law Firm and returning 500 million won. Initially rejecting the offer, Lee Seong-dae eventually concedes when he learns that 3 billion won is about to be deposited in his daughter's name, making it appear as though he embezzled the money without Kang Shin-jin's knowledge. The sudden appearance of Baek Yi-seok (played by Kim Tae-woo) with documents detailing Lee Seong-dae's trial dealings and corrupt requests adds to the drama, showcasing a masterful team play.

With the upper hand, Lee Han-Young sets his sights higher. Knowing that the loan manager of Jeong Da-un Savings Bank has been arrested for embezzlement, revealing Jang Tae-sik's (played by Kim Beom-rae) illegal loans, Lee Han-Young informs Kim Jin-ah (played by Won Jin-ah) to initiate an investigation. As Kim Jin-ah investigates the embezzlement leader, she secures loan records from S Shopping, leading to Jang Tae-sik's arrest. Song Na-yeon (played by Baek Jin-hee) spreads rumors about Jang Tae-sik's slush funds among fellow journalists, quickly reaching Jang Yong-hyun (played by Kim Byung-ki), chairman of S Group and Jang Tae-sik's father.

Chairman Jang Yong-hyun, who has amassed over 500 billion won in slush funds with his son through Jeong Da-un Savings Bank, finds himself in a dire situation. He calls Kang Shin-jin for help, but Shin-jin advises him to acknowledge Jang Tae-sik's illegal activities and face trial, warning that S Group's ties with politics could put them at odds with Park Kwang-to. However, he proposes a backdoor deal to have Lee Han-Young handle the trial and grant Jang Tae-sik probation in exchange for 100 billion won, infuriating viewers with his audacity. Meanwhile, realizing he's been cut off, Jang Tae-sik suspects Kim Jin-ah's involvement and plots revenge.

At the same time, Lee Han-Young confesses to Kim Jin-ah, Seok Jeong-ho (played by Tae Won-seok), and Park Cheol-woo that the true power behind Korea is former President Park Kwang-to, the head of the shadow government. Despite offering them a chance to step back for their safety, the 'Panvengers' reaffirm their commitment, showing their true unity. Lee Han-Young targets the Seonjin Happiness Foundation, suspected to be Park Kwang-to's slush fund reservoir, and announces his plan to escalate Jang Tae-sik's trial to bring down Park Kwang-to.

However, the episode ends with a dramatic twist as Kim Jin-ah is threatened by a killer hired by Jang Tae-sik. The chilling moment of a knife at her throat and Lee Han-Young racing down the road sensing danger leaves viewers on edge, eagerly anticipating the next episode.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr