K-drama legend Ji Sung returns to MBC after a decade with The Judge Returns, a supernatural revenge thriller that premiered January 2, 2026. The 14-episode series airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST (5:40 PM IST / 12 PM ET), streaming simultaneously worldwide on Viki, HBO Max, Wavve, and TVing. With Ji Sung’s track record of winning two Daesang (Grand Prize) awards, fans are already speculating this could earn him a third.
The Judge Returns Complete Release Schedule
| Episode | Air Date | Day | Time (KST) | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | January 2, 2026 | Thursday | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
| Episode 2 | January 3, 2026 | Friday | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
| Episodes 3-4 | January 9-10, 2026 | Fri-Sat | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
| Episodes 5-6 | January 16-17, 2026 | Fri-Sat | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
| Episodes 7-8 | January 23-24, 2026 | Fri-Sat | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
| Episodes 9-10 | January 30-31, 2026 | Fri-Sat | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
| Episodes 11-12 | February 6-7, 2026 | Fri-Sat | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
| Episodes 13-14 | February 13-14, 2026 | Fri-Sat | 9:50 PM | Viki, HBO Max |
Episodes run approximately 1 hour 5-7 minutes each. International viewers access subtitled episodes immediately on Viki, though full subtitles may take a few hours to complete. HBO Max and TVing offer faster subtitle turnaround.
Ji Sung: Two-Time Daesang Winner Returns
Ji Sung leads as Judge Lee Han-yeong in what many predict could be his third Grand Prize-winning performance. The 47-year-old actor has earned legendary status through his ability to disappear into complex characters, earning him recognition as one of Korea’s most versatile performers.
First Daesang (2015) – Kill Me, Heal Me (MBC): Ji Sung made history portraying seven distinct personalities as Cha Do-hyun, a chaebol heir with Dissociative Identity Disorder. His seamless transitions between a teenage K-pop fan, suicidal artist, violent hothead, and seven-year-old child—plus three other personalities—earned him the MBC Drama Awards Grand Prize and a Baeksang Arts Award nomination. Critics called it one of the most technically difficult acting performances in Korean television history. He also won the Best Couple Award for his chemistry with Park Seo-joon’s character.
Second Daesang (2017) – Innocent Defendant (SBS): Playing amnesic prosecutor Park Jung-woo on death row for allegedly murdering his family, Ji Sung delivered emotionally devastating performances that resonated with audiences. The legal thriller dominated viewership ratings and earned him the SBS Drama Awards Grand Prize, along with Seoul Awards and Grimae Awards for Best Actor. The role showcased his ability to convey raw vulnerability while maintaining a character’s intelligence and determination to prove innocence.
Other Notable Recognition: Beyond his Grand Prizes, Ji Sung earned critical acclaim for The Devil Judge (2021), where he portrayed the enigmatic Judge Kang Yo-han in a dystopian courtroom drama. Though tvN doesn’t host annual awards ceremonies (preventing a potential third Daesang), the performance is considered among his finest work. He’s accumulated over 20 awards across his 20+ year career, including multiple Best Actor honors and the prestigious Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Ji Sung graduated from Hanyang University’s Theater and Film department and has been married since 2007 to fellow top star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lee Bo-young, whom he met filming Save the Last Dance for Me (2004).
The Judge Returns: Plot & Cast
Based on the hit web novel by Lee Hae-nal, The Judge Returns follows Judge Lee Han-yeong (Ji Sung), who defied powerful conglomerate interests to sentence a corrupt chairman to life imprisonment—only to be murdered for his integrity. In a supernatural twist, he awakens ten years in the past with all his memories intact, returning to when he was a lone judge at Chungnam District Court. Armed with knowledge of the future and determined to correct his past mistakes, he sets out to dismantle the corrupt system that destroyed him.
Park Hee-soon portrays Supreme Court Chief Justice Kang Shin-jin, a powerful figure in Lee’s revenge plans. The veteran actor brings gravitas from roles in The Childe, Snowpiercer, and My Name.
Won Jin-ah plays prosecutor Kim Jin-ah, whose principles align with Lee’s quest for justice. The rising star impressed in D.P., Melting Me Softly, and Sunbae, Don’t Put On That Lipstick.
Kim Dong-jun (ZE:A member) appears as Prosecutor Kang, working closely with Kim Jin-ah to uncover corruption.
Bae In-hyuk makes a special appearance as Kim Sang-jin, a theft suspect with a mysterious past that ties into the larger conspiracy.
What Makes This Drama Special?
The Judge Returns marks Ji Sung’s return to MBC after ten years, last appearing in the network’s dramas during his Kill Me, Heal Me triumph. The reunion has generated significant buzz, with fans wondering if he can complete a historic “MBC Grand Prize hat trick” alongside his 2015 victory and 2003 All In recognition.
The time-slip revenge premise allows Ji Sung to showcase his range—playing the same character at two points in his life with dramatically different worldviews. The corrupt judge who learns humility through death and resurrection offers the moral complexity Ji Sung excels at exploring.
Director Lee Jae-jin and Park Mi-yeon helm the production for OH Story and Slingshot Studio, with screenwriter Kim Kwang-min crafting a narrative that balances supernatural elements with grounded courtroom drama. The legal thriller genre provides the perfect showcase for intense dialogue and ethical dilemmas that made Innocent Defendant such a phenomenon.
For more K-drama news and streaming schedules, visit TechnoSports for comprehensive entertainment coverage.
Where to Watch
- MBC TV (Korea): Fridays & Saturdays at 9:50 PM KST
- Viki (International): Simultaneous streaming worldwide with detailed subtitles
- HBO Max (Select regions): Faster subtitle turnaround
- Wavve & TVing (Korea): Streaming platforms for domestic viewers
Episodes arrive with subtitles immediately after broadcast, though Viki’s subtitle team may take 1-2 hours for complete translations. The platform’s reputation for detailed, accurate subtitles makes the brief wait worthwhile for international fans.
