MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama The Judge Returns has drawn attention not only for its strong cast but also for viewers’ mixed reactions to the female lead, Won Jin Ah.
While Ji Sung has been praised for his powerful acting and stable ratings, some viewers feel Won Jin Ah’s performance disrupts the drama’s flow.
The Judge Returns, which premiered on January 2, tells the story of Judge Lee Han Young (Ji Sung), who returns 10 years into the past after living as a puppet of a major law firm. The drama was highly anticipated as Ji Sung returned to MBC for the first time in 11 years since Kill Me, Heal Me, following a year where MBC dramas struggled with average ratings around 1–2%.
Ji Sung has exceeded expectations with his performance. His emotional scenes, including a prison moment where he shouts “I am innocent!” in the first episode, were praised for their intensity and subtle portrayal of the 10-year time gap. Supporting actors Park Hee Soon, Ahn Nae Sang, and Jang Jae Ho also received praise for their roles as powerful and chilling figures.
However, Won Jin Ah, playing prosecutor Kim Jin Ah, has received criticism from viewers.
Some felt her courtroom scenes with Ji Sung in the first episode were awkward, with her low-pitched voice and angry expressions seeming unnatural.
Comments online included, “Her acting is cringy,” “She overacts in angry scenes,” and “She stands out from the rest of the cast in a bad way.”
Some viewers cautioned that it is still early to fully judge as only two episodes have aired.
Won Jin Ah’s acting has faced scrutiny in the past, with roles in JTBC’s Life, Melt Me, and the movie Long Live the King drawing similar feedback for unnatural delivery and exaggerated gestures.
Meanwhile, The Judge Returns has shown strong performance on the ratings front, starting its first week with stable 4% ratings. With Ji Sung leading the drama’s success, all eyes are now on whether Won Jin Ah can grow into her role and match the high expectations of viewers.
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