SBSthe new K-Drama of Friday-Saturday, Judge from Hell (starring Mr. Park Shin Hye), had a remarkable debut, garnering impressive ratings and rave reviews from viewers.
Second Nielsen Korea, The Judge of Hell — which aired its first two episodes on September 21 — scored a solid 6.8% for its premiere and an even stronger 9.3% for its second episode. These numbers demonstrate that there is significant interest and growing excitement around the show.
The series tells the story of Kang Bit Na, a judge possessed by a demon, and his journey to become a true arbiter of justice. Alongside Han Da On, a passionate detective played by Young Kim Jae —the two work together to punish criminals in a harsh and unforgiving world. With its unique blend of fantasy and action, the show offers an intriguing twist on the theme of good versus evil.
The first episode introduced the demon Justitia (played by Oh Na Ra) as he takes over Kang Bit Na’s body, followed by his encounter with Han Da On. The fast-paced narrative, coupled with scenes of justice being administered, captivated the audience, offering them an emotional and satisfying viewing experience.
Online forums and communities were full of praise. Viewers commented on how refreshing it was to see evildoers punished, with many highlighting Park Shin Hye’s impressive performance and beauty. Despite the positive feedback, there was some criticism regarding the show’s more violent scenes, with some finding the depiction of weapons and brutality disturbing.
With its promising start, many are waiting to see if The Judge of Hell can maintain its momentum and build on the success of its predecessor, Good partnerwhich recently concluded.
On the same night, other popular shows, including KBS 2TV‘S Beauty and Mr. Romantic AND MBC‘S Blackoutrecorded ratings of 19.8% and 8.7% respectively, while tvN‘S Love Next Door it reached 6.0%.