SBS‘s newest Friday-Saturday K-Drama, Judge from Hell (starring Park Shin Hye), has made a remarkable debut, earning impressive viewership ratings and glowing reviews from viewers.
According to Nielsen Korea, The Judge from Hell — which aired its first two episodes on September 21 — recorded a solid 6.8% for its premiere and an even stronger 9.3% for its second episode. These numbers prove there is remarkable growing interest and excitement surrounding the show.
The series tells the story of Kang Bit Na — a judge who becomes possessed by a demon — and her journey to becoming a true arbiter of justice. Alongside Han Da On — a passionate detective played by Kim Jae Young — the two work together to punish criminals in a harsh, 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 she takes over the body of Kang Bit Na, followed by her meeting with Han Da On. The fast-paced narrative — along with scenes of delivering justice — has captivated audiences, offering them a thrilling and satisfying viewing experience.
Online forums and communities have been buzzing with praise. Viewers have commented on how refreshing it was to see wrongdoers punished, with many highlighting Park Shin Hye’s impressive performance and beauty. Despite the positive feedback, there were some criticisms regarding the show’s more violent scenes, with some finding the depiction of weaponry and brutality unsettling.
With its promising start, many are watching to see if The Judge from Hell can maintain its momentum and build on the success of its predecessor, Good Partner, which ended recently.
On the same night, other popular shows, including KBS 2TV’s Beauty and Mr. Romantic and MBC’s Black Out, posted ratings of 19.8% and 8.7%, respectively, while tvN’s Love Next Door came in at 6.0%.
Source: Wikitree