Power Shift in 'Judge Lee Han-young': Park Hee-soon Takes Over as Shadow Government Leader

In a dramatic turn of events, Park Hee-soon has risen to power as the new leader of the shadow government, filling the void left by Son Byung-ho, who faces the critical threat of an arrest warrant.

The 12th 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 night of the 7th at 9:50 PM, depicted Judge Lee Han-young (played by Ji Sung) collaborating with opposition lawmaker Kwak Sang-chul (played by Lee Jong-hyuk) to expose the corruption of the Seonjin Hope Foundation, ultimately bringing down former President Park Gwang-to (played by Son Byung-ho).

During the episode, the foundation's slush fund accounts and new city speculation allegations were revealed to the media, based on accounting books obtained by Song Na-yeon (played by Baek Jin-hee). This led to the once-confident Park Gwang-to being summoned by the prosecution as a suspect. In the investigation room, Park Gwang-to's composure was shattered when it was revealed that he was the real owner of the slush fund accounts, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued. Meanwhile, Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon) deliberately ignored Park's calls, signaling the beginning of a power shift.

Kang Shin-jin seized the opportunity to ascend to the position of Chief of Court Administration, fully taking control of Suo-jae. He sat in Park Gwang-to's former seat, flanked by Kim Jin-han (played by Jung Hee-tae) and Lee Han-young, placing his allies in key positions and formalizing the generational shift within the shadow government. Lee Han-young predicted that as Kang Shin-jin's power grew, the conflict with Park Gwang-to would intensify, ultimately leading to both their downfalls, all while wearing a cold smile. Notably, before his arrest, Park Gwang-to consulted a shaman to read the fortunes of Kang Shin-jin and Lee Han-young, who advised him to keep them close, inadvertently fueling Lee Han-young's quest for revenge.

In the courtroom, Lee Han-young's relentless pursuit of justice against Jang Tae-sik (played by Kim Beop-rae) continued. Lee Han-young rejected a large bribe offered by Chairman Jang Yong-hyun (played by Kim Byung-ki) and sentenced Jang Tae-sik to 20 years in prison, a fine of 20 billion won, and a forfeiture of 170 billion won. Jang Tae-sik's attempt to murder Prosecutor Kim Jin-ah (played by Won Jin-ah) was exposed through a conscience declaration by lawyer Byun Jae-young and a recorded conversation detailing the murder plot. Kim Jin-ah narrowly escaped death with Lee Han-young's help, and Jang Tae-sik faced a harsher judgment than ever before, leading to his downfall.

Towards the end of the episode, a twist unfolded as Park Gwang-to returned safely and attended a Suo-jae meeting, where Lee Han-young proposed a toast, saying, "Congratulations on your return, Your Excellency." With Chairman Jang Yong-hyun joining the power cartel, tension is at an all-time high as viewers anticipate Lee Han-young's calculated moves to dismantle their stronghold. Prosecutor Kim Jin-ah and Park Cheol-woo (played by Hwang Hee) were temporarily reassigned to the provinces, but Lee Han-young hinted at a larger battle on the horizon, promising to return soon.

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