What would you do if you could travel back 10 years and fix your biggest mistakes? MBC’s upcoming drama The Judge Returns explores this compelling premise through the story of a corrupt judge who gets an extraordinary second chance at redemption.
Starring the phenomenally talented Ji Sung alongside Oh Se Young, this legal thriller brings a fresh twist to the K-drama landscape. Based on a popular web novel, the series follows Lee Han Young, a judge who once lived as a “slave judge” to a powerful law firm, only to find himself transported a decade into the past. Armed with knowledge of the future, he’s determined to pursue real justice this time around.
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The Judge Returns: Drama Details at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | The Judge Returns |
| Premiere Date | January 2, 2026 |
| Network | MBC |
| Genre | Legal, Time Travel, Romance |
| Lead Actors | Ji Sung, Oh Se Young |
| Time Slot | Thursday 9:40 PM KST |
| Based On | Web Novel |
A Marriage Built on Ambition, Not Love
What makes The Judge Returns intriguing is the complicated relationship between Lee Han Young and Yoo Se Hee. Originally, their marriage was a calculated arrangement driven by ambition and social climbing. Han Young, coming from modest beginnings, married into the prestigious Haenal Law Firm family, becoming their puppet judge. Se Hee, the firm’s youngest daughter, grew up privileged and strong-willed, maintaining a cold distance from her husband.
The newly released stills showcase this tension beautifully. After the time jump, Han Young approaches Se Hee with newfound purpose and a knowing smile that creates subtle intrigue. Their first encounter in this altered timeline happens at a blind date that goes disastrously wrong, yet Se Hee gradually finds herself drawn to this different version of her future husband.
Why This Drama Stands Out
Ji Sung, known for his remarkable range in dramas like The Devil Judge, brings depth to a character struggling between past corruption and future redemption. The time-travel element allows viewers to see how different choices reshape not just individual lives but entire power structures. The drama promises intense legal battles surrounding Haenal Law Firm’s involvement in biased trials, adding layers of corporate intrigue to the personal story.
For K-drama enthusiasts who love complex characters and smart storytelling, this series offers everything: romance with actual stakes, moral dilemmas that matter, and the satisfying premise of watching someone actively work to right their wrongs. Oh Se Young’s portrayal of a woman whose perspective shifts as she encounters a transformed version of her partner adds another compelling dimension.
The production team behind The Judge Returns has carefully crafted a narrative that balances personal redemption with systemic critique, making it more than just another legal drama. As viewers explore new K-drama releases, this series promises to deliver thought-provoking entertainment wrapped in an addictive plot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does The Judge Returns premiere?
The Judge Returns will premiere on January 2, 2026, airing every Thursday at 9:40 PM KST on MBC. International viewers can expect streaming availability shortly after broadcast through various platforms that carry MBC content.
What is The Judge Returns about?
The Judge Returns follows corrupt judge Lee Han Young who travels 10 years back in time after working as a puppet for a powerful law firm. Given a second chance, he pursues genuine justice while navigating a complicated relationship with his future wife, Yoo Se Hee, whose family owns the law firm he once served.
