'Your Honor' is returning with a second season following its steady rise in popularity in season 1.
When 'Your Honor' first premiered, it didn’t receive much attention. Its first episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of only 1.7% (according to Nielsen Korea), but by just the third episode, it surpassed 3.4%, rising to the top of the Monday–Tuesday drama slot. It eventually reached 6.1% in its finale, making it one of ENA’s top three highest-rated dramas. At the center of this unexpected hit were actors Son Hyun Joo and Kim Myung Min, who were praised by viewers as delivering “the pinnacle of masterclass acting.”
Now, 'Your Honor' is officially returning with Season 2, drawing renewed excitement from audiences. On July 17, production company Take One Studio announced its lineup of upcoming ENA dramas, including 'The Defects' and confirmed the planning of 'Your Honor' Season 2.
“Fathers Turned Monsters”: A Collision of Ethics and Emotion in a Korean Psychological Thriller
'Your Honor' is based on the original Israeli drama 'Kvodo,' which was also adapted into a U.S. remake starring Bryan Cranston. The Korean version was reinterpreted with local emotional nuances, centered on themes such as law and power, morality, and paternal love.
The plot is simple but weighty. It follows Judge Song Pan Ho (Son Hyun Joo), who tries to cover up the truth to protect his son, who has become a murderer, and powerful figure Kim Kang Heon (Kim Myung Min), who seeks to uncover the secret behind his dead son. The tense psychological showdown between two fathers, each becoming a “monster” for the sake of their child, forms the core of the story. Combined with realistic courtroom depictions and elements of crime thrillers, the drama deeply immersed its audience.
A Word-of-Mouth Miracle: The Viewership Surge That Proved Its Power
'Your Honor' started with a 1.7% viewership rating in its first episode, but quickly rose to 2.8% in the second episode. It continued to climb steadily: 3.4% in episode 3, 3.7% in episode 4, 3.9% in episode 5, 4.3% in episode 6, and 4.7% in episode 8. Ultimately, it reached 6.1% in the tenth and final episode.
It’s rare for a 10-episode series to triple its ratings in such a short span. Surpassing 3% by the third episode stood out even when compared to other dramas and variety shows airing in the same time slot. Considering the limitations of accessibility for a newer cable network like ENA, the result is all the more impressive. Following 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' and 'Crash,' 'Your Honor' became ENA’s third-highest-rated drama, cementing its status as another major hit.
The “Director–Writer–Actors” Trio That Maximized Storytelling
The high-quality production was supported by a skilled creative team. Directed by Yoo Jong Sun—known for his nuanced emotional storytelling in Paper Moon and Designated Survivor: 60 Days—the drama was written by Kim Jae Hwan of Boyhood.
The synergy among the actors also drew praise. Son Hyun Joo convincingly portrayed a judge who was both human and terrifying by finely tuning his emotional depth. Kim Myung Min delivered a powerful performance, seamlessly transitioning between cold rationality and raw emotion, driving the show's tension. Rising actors like Kim Do Hoon and Park Se Hyun also made strong impressions with their roles.
What Will Season 2 Bring? High Expectations and Wild Speculation
So far, no specific details about the plot or cast of 'Your Honor' Season 2 have been released. Since Season 1 concluded a standalone story, there's speculation that the new season may take the form of an anthology with a fresh storyline and new characters. By combining the intense atmosphere of the original format with realistic themes tailored to Korean society, Season 2 is expected to deliver another gripping and immersive narrative.
The Evolution of Courtroom Dramas: 'Your Honor' Proves Season-Based Formats Can Succeed
'Your Honor' achieved more than just high ratings. Rather than relying on sensational events, it posed deep questions about “human choices” and “the boundaries of morality.” Its rare blend of courtroom drama, family tension, and ethical dilemmas made it a meaningful psychological thriller in the Korean drama landscape. That alone explains the buzz surrounding the announcement of its second season.
ENA and Take One Studio are planning to strengthen their original IPs, starting with 'The Defects,' with 'Your Honor' Season 2 set to be a flagship project at the heart of their strategy.
SHARE
