'Judge Lee Hanyoung' first teaser, which foretells a satisfying tale of retribution and justice, has been released.
The new MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'Judge Lee Hanyoung' (planned by Jang Jaehoon, written by Kim Kwangmin, directed by Lee Jaejin and Park Miyeon), set to premiere on Jan. 2, 2026, is a justice-implementing time-return drama about corrupt judge Lee Hanyoung, who lived as a slave to a giant law firm and returns 10 years earlier to punish great evil through a new choice.
'Judge Lee Hanyoung' is based on the work of the same name that recorded 11.81 million views for the original web novel, 90.66 million views for the webtoon, and a combined 102.47 million views. Director Lee Jaejin, who showed sensitive directing skills through 'The Banker', 'The Spy Who Loved Me' and 'Motel California', joined forces with director Park Miyeon and writer Kim Kwangmin, and the participation of acclaimed actors Ji Sung, Park Heesoon and Won Jina has raised many people's expectations.
The first teaser, released today on the 4th, begins with Lee Hanyoung (played by Ji Sung) staring at an hourglass with a strange look. The monologue, "It's been 10 years since then. The doglike years tied to Haenal law firm's leash," powerfully conveys his suppressed anger.
Hanyoung, the 'servant judge' who handed down rulings according to Haenal law firm's wishes, becomes the subject of public gossip. Scenes follow of him wearing sunglasses surrounded by reporters and of him screaming in his office, revealing his complex inner self. Tension heightens further with the appearance of Kang Sinjin (played by Park Heesoon), who stands in opposition to Hanyoung.
Meanwhile, Hanyoung, who had been committing fraud, unexpectedly gets stabbed and faces a life-or-death crossroads. The line, "I finally wanted to live as the real Lee Hanyoung, but dying like this is so unfair," leaves a deep sense of regret. But soon the situation dramatically reverses as he returns to 2025, 10 years earlier. Kim Jina (played by Won Jina), who appears before him, delivers a sharp warning: "This time we will follow the law. If not, I'll strip you clean first."
Meanwhile, the returning Hanyoung decides on choices different from before. His willingness to take action, from risk-taking chases to physical fights, and his confession, "This life is the suspended sentence period of defendant Lee Hanyoung," followed by the declaration, "Now it begins," reveal a firm determination to root out great evil and foreshadow a satisfying counterattack to come.
Even with just the first teaser, 'Judge Lee Hanyoung' stimulated prospective viewers' imaginations by three-dimensionally portraying the protagonist Lee Hanyoung's psychology and narrative, raising expectations for the premiere. Attention is focused not only on Ji Sung's portrayal of the character moving from 'corrupt judge' to 'judge of justice' but also on Park Heesoon, who will stand opposite him, and Won Jina, who will join forces with him.
[Photo] Provided by MBC
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