MBC is ringing in 2026 with 'Judge Lee Han Young,' a revenge-driven legal fantasy drama promising electrifying justice and catharsis for viewers. Led by Ji Sung, Park Hee Soon, and Won Jin Ah, the main cast gathered for a lively script reading, heightening anticipation ahead of the show’s premiere.
On November 12, MBC confirmed that 'Judge Lee Han Young' will air as its new Friday–Saturday drama starting January 2, 2026. The network also unveiled behind-the-scenes footage from the script reading on its official drama YouTube channel, drawing early attention from viewers.
Based on a web novel and webtoon with a combined 100,247,000 views, 'Judge Lee Han Young' follows a corrupt judge who, after living as a virtual slave to a powerful law firm, is thrown back 10 years into the past. Armed with a second chance, he chooses a different path—striking back at deep-rooted evils and pursuing true justice. Directors Lee Jae Jin and Park Mi Yeon, known for their stylish work on 'The Banker,' 'The Spies Who Loved Me,' and 'Motel California,' join forces with writer Kim Kwang Min for this new adaptation.
The script reading brought together an impressive lineup: Ji Sung (as Lee Han Young), Park Hee Soon (as Kang Shin Jin), Won Jin A (as Kim Jin Ah), Tae Won Seok (as Seok Jung Ho), Baek Jin Hee (as Song Na Yeon), Oh Se Young (as Yoo Se Hee), Hwang Hee (as Park Chul Woo), Kim Tae Woo (as Baek Yi Seok), Ahn Nae Sang (as Yoo Sun Chul), Kim Beop Rae (as Jang Tae Sik), and more—filling the room with palpable energy.
Once the reading began, the atmosphere intensified. The actors immersed themselves fully in their roles, bringing each character’s distinct presence to life.
Ji Sung takes on the role of judge Lee Han Young, once a pawn for a powerful law firm. Following his mother’s death, his worldview shifts—and his return to the past forces him to confront corruption head-on. At the script reading, he flawlessly portrayed Lee Han Young’s transformation from a powerless servant of authority to a judge reclaiming his purpose, raising curiosity about how he’ll wield his second life.
This marks Ji Sung’s first judge role since tvN’s 'The Devil Judge' in 2021, heightening expectations for how he will interpret Lee Han Young’s character.
Park Hee Soon—who shone across films like 'No Other Choice' and dramas including 'Confidence Queen' in 2025—portrays Kang Shin Jin, the chief senior judge of Seoul Central District Court’s criminal division, a man hungry for power. His heavy charisma and nuanced performance are expected to shape one of the drama’s central tensions, as his relationship with Lee Han Young shifts from alliance to confrontation.
Won Jin Ah plays Kim Jin Ah, a fierce prosecutor in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. With her clear voice and emotional precision, she inhabits a character driven by revenge against the person responsible for her father’s death. Caught between suspicion and trust in Lee Han Young, she navigates a complex psychological landscape. After gaining recognition in works like Eye Shopping and Secret: Untold Melody, fans are eager to see her next character transformation.
Supporting actors Tae Won Seok, Baek Jin Hee, Oh Se Young, Hwang Hee, Kim Tae Woo, Ahn Nae Sang, and Kim Beop Rae also delivered powerful performances during the reading, showcasing the drama’s depth and ensemble strength.
With its robust cast and gripping premise, 'Judge Lee Han Young' is poised to deliver a distinctive courtroom drama when it premieres on January 2, 2026.
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