Justice is often represented blindfolded because it ought to at all times be neutral in the direction of everybody no matter standing, appearances, or circumstances. Nonetheless, in “The Judge Returns,” South Korea’s Supreme Court docket appears to guard solely these on the prime of the ladder, ignoring probably the most in want, and at all times selecting cash over equity till one particular person decides in any other case. In an exciting and intense story, this Ok-drama reveals how highly effective and even harmful the journey for redemption will be within the arms of the regulation.
Warning: spoilers from episodes 1-2 forward!
In 2035, Lee Han Younger (Ji Sung) has made a reputation for himself as a presiding decide as a result of his place because the son-in-law of one of many prime regulation corporations within the nation. Nonetheless, his obvious energy and standing imply nothing to his in-laws, particularly to his father-in-law Yoo Solar Chul (Ahn Nae Sang), who sees him as a lap-dog—a mere device to realize favors with businessmen and politicians to develop their firm’s affect. Proper from the beginning, Han Younger is proven as a posh and ambivalent character. Coming from a humble background, he isn’t fully snug together with his state of affairs however nonetheless income from it to be able to overcome his flaws.
Nonetheless, after 10 years residing as a puppet in courtroom, issues begin to really feel slightly weary for Han Younger, much more so when he guidelines in favor of a chemical firm, pushing to despair a younger lady who in the end takes her personal life. Arising a wave of indignation and criticism, he chooses to step except for the shady schemes for good. However neither Solar Chul nor his daughter, Yoo Se Hee (Oh Se Young), is able to let go of him. Even when Han Younger’s mom dies out of disgrace, nobody cares to even let him mourn her correctly. In a really refined but placing method, they present how individuals’s lives aren’t even necessary within the face of greed.
Towards his needs and pushed by President Choose Kang Shin Jin (Park Hee Soon)—who will likely be one of many primary antagonists shifting ahead—Han Younger turns into the presiding decide in a brand new case involving Jang Tae Sik (Kim Bup Rae), chairman of the shady S Group, who’s accused of a number of crimes. In some dramas, the villain is a ugly, monster-like psychopath that’s naturally feared, however on this present, the villains are none aside from the individuals who have the cash or connections to bend the regulation to their will with out scruples or second ideas. In that sense, even when Han Younger has been a corrupt decide, he isn’t as irremediable as Kang Shin Jin seems.
Backed right into a nook, Han Younger has no different alternative however to proceed with the trial. Nonetheless, breaking away from his shackles and utilizing his authority as an actual decide for the primary time, he guidelines in opposition to Jang Tae Sik, sentencing him to 10 years in jail. However beginning anew isn’t at all times that simple, and Han Younger learns this the arduous method. Out of the blue, he finds himself in jail, residing in his personal pores and skin, and experiencing the oppression and mistreatment that the powerless undergo. As soon as his complete life is totally shattered, that’s when he realizes that he by no means stood an opportunity to struggle in opposition to those above him, not whilst a decide.
Alternatively, prosecutor Kim Jin Ah (Won Jin Ah) is set to see Jang Tae Sik behind bars, which is why she doesn’t hesitate to method Han Younger to persuade him of serving to her trigger. Like most of the good guys, she follows the principles, though she doesn’t at all times play by the guide, and maybe that is probably the most distinctive trait in her. Even when her character didn’t have lots of display screen time in these couple of episodes, you may inform she will likely be a powerful ally for Han Younger, regardless of being unable to cease what’s to return for him.
The most effective twist on this story is that, even when issues appear to be over for Han Younger, he will get a second likelihood at life on the verge of dying. The clear slate he so needs lands in his arms when he goes again 10 years in time to his very first trial as a decide. Incredulous, however decided to set issues proper, he even guidelines a dying sentence to Kim Sang Jin (cameo made by Bae In Hyuk), a person who afterward seems to be a serial killer. This chance not solely reveals the change in his perspective but in addition in all his appearances. The as soon as gloomy and chilly Han Younger turns into a unusual, quick-witted, and courageous man who’s prepared to place his gown on the road to guard the individuals who want it.
Although at instances slow-paced, stuffy, and irritating, the present runs easily when it must and creates sufficient pressure to maintain you hooked at each second. It takes an skilled and wide-ranged actor like Ji Sung to painting a personality that goes so forwards and backwards between full wreckages, chilly willpower, and even humorous charisma. From this level on, we are able to anticipate a way more entangled and thrilling plot since not solely will he attempt to change his destiny, however he may even take down the individuals who as soon as ruined his life. So that you higher buckle up as a result of the decide is again, and he’s thirsty for justice!
Watch the premiere episodes of “The Choose Returns” right here:
andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from Ok-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is an effective weekend to take pleasure in 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, internet comics, and Ok-pop. Her favourite teams are EXO, TWICE, Pink Velvet, and BOL4. Discover her on Instagram @wuaitboni.
At present watching: “The Judge Returns” and “Shine On Me”
