The MBC Friday Saturday drama The Judge Returns has officially wrapped up, drawing attention for its strong ratings and buzz throughout its run.
The series quickly surprised viewers by surpassing double digit ratings in just five episodes. It continued to maintain ratings in the 10 percent range and ranked high on drama buzz index charts, making it one of the most talked about dramas of the winter season.
Leading the success was Ji Sung, who took on the title role of Lee Han Young. His performance was widely praised, especially as he portrayed two very different sides of the same character set in 2035 and 2025.
Director Lee Jae Jin had previously expressed strong confidence in Ji Sung before the premiere, calling him “an actor who is very good at acting” and sharing his belief that Ji Sung would convincingly show the character’s transformation.
Ji Sung delivered on that trust by presenting a sharp contrast between the cold and power driven judge in 2035 and the determined figure in 2025 who works carefully to protect justice.
His detailed and controlled acting helped anchor the drama’s steady ratings and strong public response.
As the drama came to an end, Ji Sung shared a heartfelt message through his agency. He said, “Dear viewers, did you enjoy ‘Judge Lee Han Young’? Thank you for giving so much love to the drama. Thanks to you, I was able to film happily.” He added, “In the drama, Lee Han Young ran toward justice until the end despite strong accusations and conflicts. I hope that journey stays in a corner of your heart for a long time.”
With The Judge Returns concluding its successful run with stable double digit ratings and high buzz rankings, attention is now turning to Ji Sung’s next project.
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