The new MBC drama The Judge Returns introduces viewers to a gripping story where the past and present collide in a courtroom. Premiering on January 2, 2026, the series brings together an acclaimed cast led by Ji Sung to tell a story of corruption, second chances, and the pursuit of real justice.
The show is based on a popular webtoon and mixes legal drama with fantasy. It follows a judge who, after a tragic end, gets a rare opportunity to go back ten years and change his fate. This unique plot relies on a talented group of actors to bring its complex characters to life.
The Judge Returns Main Cast and Character Guide
At the center of the story are four main characters whose paths cross in the legal world, each driven by their own ideas of right and wrong.
Ji Sung plays Lee Han-young, a judge at the South Chungcheong District Court. His character begins as someone who makes decisions favoring powerful corporations over ordinary people. After marrying into the influential Haenal Law firm family, he becomes deeply corrupt. A personal tragedy and a shocking twist of fate send him back in time, where he is determined to fix his mistakes and punish those who do evil. Ji Sung is known for his powerful performances in dramas like The Devil Judge and Kill Me, Heal Me.
Park Hee-soon takes on the role of Kang Shin-jin, a senior criminal judge at the Seoul Central District Court. When Lee Han-young travels back in time, Kang Shin-jin becomes a major figure in his journey. Described as a chilling character who also seeks justice, his methods are “unconventional and uncompromising,” which puts him in direct conflict with Han-young’s new mission. Park Hee-soon is a celebrated actor recognized for his roles in Squid Game and Moving.
Won Jin-ah stars as Kim Jin-ah, a public prosecutor in the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office. She represents the ideal of a just legal professional. In the premiere, she is actively trying to catch the CEO of a major conglomerate, known as S Group, for fraud and money laundering. Initially, she faces Judge Lee Han-young in court as an opponent. However, his journey back in time and change of heart leads them to eventually work together. This role marks Won Jin-ah’s first lead in a terrestrial TV drama.
Baek Jin-hee completes the main quartet as Song Na-yeon, a reporter for the legal affairs department of the Daejin Ilbo newspaper. Her character is defined by a strong sense of justice and integrity. As a journalist, she plays a key role in investigating and exposing the truth, becoming an ally to those fighting corruption within the system.
Key Supporting Characters and Cast
The world of The Judge Returns is filled with figures who influence Lee Han-young’s life, from his family to his professional rivals.
Ahn Nae-sang plays Yoo Seon-cheol, the powerful president of Haenal Law. He is the father of Han-young’s ex-wife and represents the corporate influence that corrupts the legal system. Oh Se-young plays Yoo Se-hee, Han-young’s ex-wife and the youngest daughter of Yoo Seon-cheol. Her family connections are central to Han-young’s initial downfall.
Within the court system, Kim Tae-woo appears as Baek Yi-seok, the Chief Judge of the South Chungcheong District Court. Jung Hee-tae plays Kim Ji-han, the Chief Judge of the Criminal Division at the Seoul Central District Court, who is noted to be in a standoff with Lee Han-young. Another professional challenge comes from Jang Jae-ho as Kim Yun-hyeok, a judge who becomes a rival to Han-young.
The drama also features Bae In-hyeok in a special appearance as Kim Sang-jin. His role, though brief, adds a significant layer to the unfolding story.
Drama Origin and Production Team
The Judge Returns finds its source material in the Naver Webtoon Judge Lee Han-young, created by Lee Hae-nal. This adaptation brings the popular digital comic to television with a team of experienced creators.
The series is directed by Lee Jae-jin, whose recent directorial works include The Third Marriage (2024) and Motel California (2025). The script is written by Kim Kwang-min. The production is a collaboration between OH Story and Slingshot Studio.
Casting for the drama was confirmed in stages throughout 2025. The leading trio of Ji Sung, Park Hee-soon, and Won Jin-ah was officially announced on June 17, 2025, the same day filming began. Baek Jin-hee joined the main cast later, on August 27, 2025.
How to Watch The Judge Returns
The Judge Returns airs on MBC TV in South Korea. New episodes are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 21:50 (KST). For international audiences, the drama is expected to be available on various streaming platforms that carry K-dramas, though official global distribution details are often announced closer to or after the domestic premiere. The series is also available on the Korean streaming service TVING.
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