For actors, a “first impression” can be either a shackle or a pair of wings. For Oh Se-young, the heroine of MBC’s Friday–Saturday drama The Judge Returns, the past month has felt like a dizzying journey between hell and heaven.
Before the drama even aired, Oh Se-young found herself at the center of controversy. At the production press conference, her visibly stiff demeanor quickly sparked criticism. Was the pressure of her first miniseries lead role simply too much? Under a barrage of camera flashes, she avoided eye contact and stumbled over her words. The public response was unforgiving, with comments such as “unprepared” and “unprofessional” appearing before a single episode had aired. She was on the verge of being branded an unlikable lead from the outset.
Oh Se-young did not shy away. She acknowledged her shortcomings openly on social media and chose to respond the only way an actor truly can—through her acting. Now, with 12 episodes aired, public perception has shifted dramatically. The controversy has faded, leaving only the character Yoo Se-hee and the actress who embodies her.
Yoo Se-hee is no easy role. Beneath the glamorous exterior of a chaebol family’s youngest daughter lies a woman burdened by two lives: the sins of her first life, in which she drove her husband to death, and the confusion of her second life, granted through his sacrifice. Conveying guilt, fear, growth, and emotional restraint simultaneously requires exceptional control.
Her screen partner is Ji Sung, a veteran actor with over 20 years of experience and a Daesang (Grand Prize) to his name. With a 19-year age gap and Ji Sung’s commanding presence, it would have been easy for a younger actress to shrink in comparison. Instead, Oh Se-young stood her ground. In the early episodes, as the couple clashed in a cold, transactional marriage, her unwavering gaze and solid vocal delivery held their own against Ji Sung’s charisma. A line like “I’ll divorce you when I decide to” left viewers impressed by her composure and strength.
As the story progressed and the two characters began to heal each other and unite as “Team Lee Han-young,” her performance grew even richer. She convincingly shed the sharp edges of a villain and portrayed Yoo Se-hee’s transformation into a law student learning justice and empathy. A memorable scene in a tripe restaurant—where she insists she is dieting, only to finish three servings—revealed her sharp comedic timing and versatility beyond heavy drama.
This resilience did not appear overnight. Since her debut in 2018, Oh Se-young has steadily built her career through web dramas and supporting roles. Her breakthrough came in 2023 with MBC’s daily drama The Third Marriage, where she delivered a powerful performance as the notorious villain Kang Se-ran. The grueling schedule and massive dialogue volume forged a solid foundation that now shines through.
Notably, she refused to be boxed into a single image. Immediately after her daily drama ended, she surprised viewers with a playful transformation into a rebellious high school girl in tvN’s Lovely Runner. Now, she stands confidently as the lead of a primetime miniseries. From supporting roles to leading lady, from daily dramas to weekend slots, she has climbed the industry’s ladder in the most classic and disciplined way.
With only two episodes of The Judge Returns remaining, the drama is racing toward its climax as Lee Han-young and Yoo Se-hee confront corruption within a powerful law firm. Yoo Se-hee’s final choices will be pivotal to the ending.
Oh Se-young has silenced early criticism with skill and perseverance, proving she knows how to turn crisis into opportunity. As she once said, “A good drama is like a delicious dish.” No matter the genre, she has grown into an actress capable of bringing out its true flavor.
Now, instead of being remembered for a “controversial attitude,” audiences are ready to call her a “trustworthy actress.” With the finale approaching and her next steps yet to be revealed, anticipation for Oh Se-young’s future has never been higher.
Sources: Daum
You must be logged in to post a comment.