The relentless run of Jisung's intellect has started.
MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama Judge Lee Hanyoung, scheduled to premiere on Fri., Jan. 2, 2026 (planned by Jang Jaehoon / written by Kim Gwangmin / directed by Lee Jaejin, Park Miyeon / produced by OH Story, Slingshot Studio), is a return drama about corrupt judge Lee Hanyoung, who lived as a slave to a gigantic law firm and returned 10 years into the past, now delivering justice by punishing great evil through new choices.
With the premiere just 10 days away, the highlight video released today on the 23rd captures Lee Hanyoung's (played by Jisung) fearless fighting spirit to protect justice after his return, drawing attention.
Before his return, Hanyoung, true to a servant judge of Haenal Law Firm, made rulings for himself rather than listening to the voices of victims. Hanyoung's ruthless side even turns his mother Shin Namsuk (played by Hwang Younghee) against him. Sensing that something was wrong, Hanyoung declares to his father-in-law and the real power at Haenal Law Firm, Yoo Seoncheol (played by Ahn Naesang), "This is the end of the transaction between me and Haenal Law Firm," and cuts the leash that had been tightening around him.
But that decision plunges Hanyoung into even more danger, and he faces threats to his life. Eventually, on a rainy day, bleeding and collapsing, Hanyoung returns exactly 10 years to 2025. Given the chance of a new life, Hanyoung vows with a resolute voice, "I'll set it right this time," and resolves to make different choices than before. Observers are watching closely to see how his transformation will affect the story's development.
At that time, Chief presiding criminal judge at the Seoul Central District Court Kang Sinjin (played by Park Heesoon) appears, taking an interest in Hanyoung and creating an unusual atmosphere. Hanyoung shakes hands with Sinjin and promises, "I will become someone you absolutely need," but inside he harbors a desire for revenge. Mocking, Hanyoung mutters to himself, "In my past life they killed me without so much as a word, and in this life they want to mix spoons with me the moment we meet?"—a line that strongly reveals his hostility toward Sinjin and raises expectations for a fierce confrontation between the two men. Sinjin, fittingly not an easy character, tempts Hanyoung by saying, "I want to use this power with you," making the upcoming narrative intriguing.
Meanwhile, Kim Jina (played by Won Jina) appears with the line, "I became a prosecutor to catch Jang Taesik." She faces a threat of being killed after receiving what is more than a threat from Jang Taesik (played by Kim Beomrae), tangled in a bad fate, but she does not waver. Hanyoung proposes solidarity to her, saying, "Let's do it together." Joining them are Daejin Daily reporter Song Nayeon (played by Baek Jinhui), Chungnam District Prosecutors' Office prosecutor Park Cheolwoo (played by Hwang Hui), and Seok Jeongho (played by Tae Won Seok), each drawn in turn, raising expectations for the birth of the "Pan-Avengers."
As the bands of evil continue to press Hanyoung, it becomes a question whether he and his colleagues can achieve justice to the end despite intense external pressure. Hanyoung's confident voice, "I'm giving you a chance right now. What life will you live in this life?" further amplifies curiosity about what developments await Judge Lee Hanyoung.
MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama Judge Lee Hanyoung, which will captivate viewers with brisk pacing, premieres at 9:40 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 2, 2026.
[Photo] MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama Judge Lee Hanyoung
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