Actor Ji Sung is officially returning to MBC for the first time in 10 years, and excitement is running high as he prepares to headline the new drama “The Judge Returns.” The series is already drawing attention thanks to its thrilling premise and A-list cast.

On December 4, MBC released the first teaser for The Judge Returns, immediately boosting viewer anticipation.

The drama follows corrupt judge Lee Han Young, who once lived like a slave to a massive law firm. After unexpectedly traveling back 10 years into his past, he sets out to punish the powerful forces he once served turning his second chance into a journey of justice and retribution.

Based on a hit web novel and webtoon that recorded 11.81 million novel views and 90.66 million webtoon views, the original work boasts a combined total of over 100 million views, proving its strong storytelling appeal.

Ji Sung has proven his skills in judge roles before, notably in the 2021 tvN drama “The Devil Judge,” which reached peak ratings of 8%. His return to MBC is also meaningful his last MBC project was the wildly popular “Kill Me, Heal Me” in 2015, followed by the SBS hit “Defendant” in 2017, which soared to 28.3% viewership, cementing him as a ratings magnet.

Ji Sung’s New Character: From Corruption to Justice

In the new drama, Ji Sung plays Lee Han Young, a judge notorious for accepting illicit influence and issuing unjust rulings. After a life-changing incident sends him back to his younger days as a newly appointed judge, he starts resisting the corruption that once defined him.

Sharing his thoughts on choosing the role, Ji Sung explained: “It’s not simply a story that criticizes certain events or individuals. It explores what it means for someone to make the right choice. I wanted to portray that human conflict and introspection.”

He also praised his co-stars, including Park Hee Soon and Won Jin Ah, saying: “Working with Park Hee Soon sunbaenim was thrilling and electrifying. With Won Jin-ah, I could immediately focus and immerse myself again as Lee Han Young. Every moment together felt like pure synergy.”

Ji Sung summarized the drama’s appeal with one word “catharsis.” “It shows how strongly justice can shine in the midst of darkness and chaos. I hope the drama brings viewers refreshing moments from start to finish.”

Park Hee Soon and Won Jin Ah Join the Cast: A Trustworthy Lineup

Actor Park Hee Soon stars as Kang Shin Jin, the cold and calculating chief criminal judge of the Seoul Central District Court. Wielding the law as a weapon to maintain power, he is a figure who hides a complex inner world beneath a perfectly controlled exterior. Park promises to portray the character with chilling intensity.

Calling the drama’s development “thrilling justice,” Park Hee Soon said: “I enjoyed the original webtoon. The protagonist takes control of the situation and turns everything around that kind of storyline was fascinating.”

He also praised his castmates: “I decided to join the project the moment I heard Ji Sung was the lead. His thorough preparation was impressive.”

Regarding Won Jin Ah, he added: “She was confident and strong very compelling to watch.”

Fans who watched the teaser reacted enthusiastically, leaving comments such as:

  • Ji Sung and Park Hee Soon together? Must-watch!
  • Definitely tuning in live.
  • Read the webtoon can’t wait for the drama version.
  • Ji Sung never disappoints.

MBC’s new Friday–Saturday drama “The Judge Returns” premieres on January 2, 2026, at 9:40 PM.

Sources: TV Report,MBC