MBC’s upcoming weekend drama The Judge Returns has released new character posters featuring its three central figures, offering a closer look at their sharply contrasting views on justice just days ahead of the premiere.
Based on a popular web novel, The Judge Returns tells the story of Lee Han Young (Ji Sung), a corrupt judge who became subservient to powerful forces due to his lack of connections and background. After unexpectedly traveling back ten years into the past, he is given a second chance at life and chooses to pursue justice by punishing great evils in his own uncompromising way.
In the newly revealed posters, Ji Sung delivers a chilling portrayal of Lee Han Young. With a calm yet piercing gaze, he stands with his back to the statue of Lady Justice, creating a striking visual contrast. The tagline, “Does a judge have to be kind, too?” underscores his inner conflict and foreshadows how he may redefine justice after returning to the past.
Park Hee Soon commands attention as Kang Shin Jin, a power-driven judge consumed by his ambition to dominate the judiciary. Dressed in judicial robes and seated with calculated composure, his intense eyes reflect a sharp and methodical mind. His line, “Justice must be faster and sharper than evil,” captures his ruthless conviction and hints at a dangerously distorted sense of righteousness.
Won Jin Ah portrays Kim Jin Ah, a prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. Her poster emphasizes unwavering determination, with a firm expression and eyes fixed straight ahead. The copy, “Try trusting that smart prosecutor with a nasty temper,” highlights her bold personality and relentless drive. Motivated by a desire to avenge her father, Kim Jin Ah is set to play a crucial role as Lee Han Young’s strongest ally.
Together, the three posters illustrate not only individual character depth but also the ideological tension at the heart of the drama. Rather than presenting simple moral binaries, The Judge Returns positions its characters within a complex struggle between power, conscience, and personal justice.
The Judge Returns will premiere on January 2 at 9:40 p.m.
