The Judge from Hell

Haters Be Damned.. Love.. Justice.. And a Touch of Chaos in The Judge From Hell..

Such a horrible drama.. Bad CGI.. Poor acting.. Bad Ending.. What was that all about?? 5 /10 for me..

If you have heard or read comments like this.. Don’t be too quick to believe them.. Trust me.. This show has so much more to offer.. From the unique storyline to the carefully crafted characters.. Every episode brought something memorable which i wouldnt want to miss..

The drama started off strong.. But ep 2 is where I got completely hooked.. The abuser getting to experience his sins and the pain he was in before his death brought total satisfaction.. This is the kind of intense and unapologetic justice you rarely see in Kdramas... And that ending?? When she stabbed the ML.. Just made it more interesting.. How on earth are they going to go from this to being in love?? Well.. They were in love and more than that by the end of the drama.. This isn’t just the usual Enemies to Lovers trope.. This is something even darker and more intriguing.. Killer to Lovers?? Forbidden Love trope??

Seeing her thrash those culprits was so satisfying.. Easily one of my favorite parts of the drama.. Its not often that a show gives us such visceral justice.. And I honestly couldn’t get enough..

I read people complain about the lack of romance in the first half.. But honestly the chemistry was there all along.. Romance isn’t just about kissing scenes and physical intimacy.. It’s also about those micro moments.. From her smirk in the courtroom when she saw him smiling to her disappointment when he didnt trust her.. She was clearly drawn to him even before she understood her feelings.. She was in love long before she realized it herself.. She literally needed a psychiatrist to point it out..
She is a demon who dont know what love is.. But she was quick to clash with anyone who stood against the ML.. If that’s not love then what is??

When the detective went missing.. What surprised me was how casually her abduction was handled.. Even Han Da On didn't seem interested in doing anything.. I understand his reasons but it felt off.. She had disappeared from a dangerous situation.. She was like a mother figure to him.. He should have been searching for her like crazy.. But he didnt and he didn’t even ask Bit Na for help..

I despised the A Rong/Gremory character from the start and just wanted her to die as each episode passed.. I don't know why.. But she really got on my nerves.. However I have to admit she made up for her mistakes later on.. Really loved Man Do.. He was fun to watch..

I read some complaints about the CGI.. While I wouldn’t call it top notch.. I would rate it a solid 8 out of 10.. Most scenes were well done.. Except for a few scenes involving water..

Justitia went from killing him in ep 2 to going on to say:

" I wanted to kill everyone who made you cry..
And I wanted to make you happy so u never have to cry anymore.. "

And she went from calling kissing scenes in dramas filth to asking him to kiss her more.. That transformation was so much fun to watch..

Now.. The whole drama was a masterpiece.. But the ending.. Ending felt lacking.. She has 3 years left in earth but she chose to stay as a Judge that too far from the person she loves.. With whom she wanted to make memories which she could remember for eons?? And he didn't consider transferring to her city or taking a break?? He can work all he wants after she disappears right?? The logic was quite lacking considering what they both went through to reach where they are and the fact that they don't have a future together.. It was such a vague ending.. If they confirm a second season then all good.. Otherwise the ending is really lacking for me..

PSH really outperformed everyone.. Well there was no one as good as her here.. But she was really good.. She is one of the most convincing reason for the drama's success.. Kim Jae Young did a good job as well.. I hope this drama gives him the recognition he deserves and gets more opportunities..

Overall.. The Judge From Hell has amazing actors.. Great chemistry.. But the interaction between Da on & bitna in the first 8 episodes was truly spectacular.. Just stood out for me.. They were the opposite ends of the same coin.. The plot of Da On chasing her was absolutely exhilarating to watch.. The first 9-10 episodes is the reason why this garnered so much attention..

P.S. I find the subtitles for most dramas frustrating.. They often fail to provide accurate translations.. Missing key moments and not capturing the intended emotions.. Thankfully I understand a bit of Korean.. So I can pick up on what they really mean.. But I cant help but think that most people are missing out on the essence because of the terrible translations.. Its a bit annoying honestly..

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Park Shin Hye Ate, Kim Jae Young Stole My Heart—Judge from Hell Was That Good!

Judge from Hell is an electrifying blend of thriller, romance, comedy, and fantasy, delivering a gripping storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. From start to finish, this drama offers an exhilarating ride, with no dull moments or unnecessary filler scenes. The well-paced narrative, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances make it a must-watch.

Park Shin Hye takes on a bold and refreshing role, showcasing an entirely new side of her acting abilities. She absolutely ate this role, embodying her character with unwavering confidence and precision. Every scene where she delivered justice and took her revenge felt incredibly satisfying to watch. Her expressions, body language, and overall presence made her portrayal both captivating and powerful. Despite this being a different kind of role for her, she fit right in, proving her versatility once again.

Kim Jae Young, playing the male lead, was an absolute scene-stealer. His character was charming and emotionally compelling, especially during the heartbreaking scene at his mother’s funeral, which left a deep impact. His performance was both raw and touching, making him an actor to look out for in future dramas. I would love to see him take on more roles in this genre.

The undeniable chemistry between Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young elevated the drama to another level. Their interactions felt natural and added emotional depth to the storyline, making their relationship a key highlight of the show. Additionally, the supporting cast provided the perfect balance of comic relief and intrigue, making the drama even more enjoyable. They truly served, adding charm and personality to every scene.

The plot was meticulously crafted, keeping me fully engaged throughout. While there were a few minor loopholes that left me wondering, they didn’t take away from the overall experience. One of the best aspects of this drama is that it didn't stretch unnecessarily. Many K-dramas tend to extend to 16 episodes, sometimes adding filler scenes, but Judge from Hell smartly wrapped up its story in 14 episodes, maintaining a tight and impactful narrative.

Visually, the drama was stunning, with carefully crafted shots that enhanced the intensity of each scene. The OST was another standout feature, with Sunmi’s 'Crossroad' being an absolute masterpiece. It has been on loop ever since I finished the drama, and I have no regrets! The soundtrack perfectly complemented the tone of the drama, adding an emotional layer to the storytelling.

If you haven't watched Judge from Hell yet, you are truly missing out. This drama delivers everything—from thrilling action and satisfying revenge arcs to heartfelt romance and comedic moments. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and I would definitely watch it all over again. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an exciting, well-balanced drama that keeps you hooked until the very end!

Obviously all of this is entirely my opinion and you don't have to agree with it...I believe that you should definitely watch the drama yourself and come up with your own opinions and perspectives instead of avoiding a drama based entirely on reviews which were not that positive..Hope everyone reading this has a great day!!

ヾ(^▽^*)))

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Interesting blend of thriller/mystery with fantasy plus romance

Disclaimer: I started to watch this drama because of the catchy title and the female lead being Park Shin Hye (whom have a lot popular works previously).

Story: was certainly an interesting blend of crime solving with fantasy elements. Each mini arcs were interesting, the criminals depicted in the drama were certainly rotten to the core (in my opinion) so it was super refreshing (for me) to see how the female lead take matters in her own hands to ensure the criminals gets what they deserved. I also thought the drama was quite nicely written to piece all the mini arcs into a bigger puzzle that focus on the female and male leads' choice and how their choices affect their lives. It was also great to see that this drama had some romance element as well, which makes the drama slightly more light-hearted to watch.

Cast: As always, Park Shin Hye delivers her character perfectly, and this time it was a demon (Kang Bit Na / Justitia). Her acting was amazing, whether it was action scenes or emotional scenes. I didn't expect she will not be able to deliver her character perfectly. It's my first time watching a drama from the male lead (Kim Jae Young) and I was quite impressed with his acting. I also thought the chemistry between Shin Hye and Jae Young was quite good. The acting of the supporting casts were good as well. In fact, their casting was really good (whether its the supporting casts or the guest roles)... In fact, I wasn't expecting Shin Sung Rok to take a guest role in this drama.

OST: I personally liked the most from Sunmi - Crossroad. I always felt a little emotional when the song appears during the drama (especially when its the emotional scenes between the male and female lead).

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The Law of Karma:The demon of all demons!

An experienced Judge with a gorgeous appearance, Kang Bit Na's body is taken over by the third in command in hell, Justitia. Justitia came to the world from hell with a mission of killing ten murderers who have not yet been forgiven by their victims and the ones who are unrepentant about their actions. Now, Justitia and Kang Bit Na has become one person. A judge from hell inside a judge's body. In this mission of hers, she crosses path with a police officer, Han Da On. Justitia believes in Tit for Tat, while Han Do On doesn't believe in such laws, he wants everyone to be punished accordingly, he always goes by the law. Two individuals with contrasting personalities and beliefs crosses path!


Do you believe in the Law of Karma? I love this drama precisely because of that. Kang Bit Na made the murderers who has killed countless individuals feel the pain their victims felt when they were being oppressed, tortured, brutalized, tormented, and assaulted. There's one punishment that's most appropriate for murderers. And what's that? Is it going to prison? Getting arrested? A death sentence? Sure, a death sentence and a life sentence are punishments, but making them feel the pain, torment, and agony their victims went through when they were dying is the best punishment ever. And with that, Kang Bit Na/Justitia handed out those punishment accordingly.

This drama promotes crimes, says who? Is it so bad to kill those who have killed countless people? Or is it a sin? How is Kang Bit Na's job/mission different from the military who kills terrorists and invaders to protect their motherland, countrymen, and family? She only did what the law couldn't do. For those who have witnessed how dirty, corrupt, and twisted the law has become will agree with me when I say this; "Thousands, millions, and even billions suffers from the court's injustice, and many people will still suffer from it. What kind of world are we living in? It's a world full of unfairness and injustice. A world were the victims becomes the culprits, the culprits becomes the victim. A world were the guilty gets away with it all as long as they have the influence, the resources, and the authority." The law itself is funny and a joke. A criminal will be given freedom or acquitted just because the crime they committed has passed the statute of limitations, is that justice? No, is it fair? Some evil doers usually forget about karma. They tend to think they can get away with it all. In this drama, there's brutality and violence, but I liked it cuz the perpetrators/murderers got what they deserved. They experienced first hand what it means to be in pain and torment. I loved how they're made to experienced the hell their victims went through and even far worse through Kang Bit Na. It's really nice to see. In this one Kang Bit Na was like the judge sent by the heavens to punish the evil doers and murderers. If you think this drama promotes violence and crime, that it should have been shelved, you're the one who's twisted!

That said. I've got to applaud the outstanding performance of the dramas main focus 👏👏👏 our female lead, our anti heroine, our badass FL, Kang Bit Na/Justitia portrayed by Park Shin Hye. I've never seen this other side of Park Shin Hye's acting since all these years of watching her dramas. It's as if I was watching her onscreen for the first time, she didn't just slayed this one, she cleared the floor. She took the whole audience by surprise, and for that, she just topped my list of favorite actresses. Honestly, when she took on this drama, I wasn't sure what the performance would be, but when the official poster and trailer were released, I was anxiously waiting for the release of this one. And as expected. No, her performance was beyond expectations. That wicked smile, her facial expressions, and the way she portrays the emotional aspects, I almost fainted from the overwhelming acting. "The demon of all demons, is me," that sentence captivated me! Kang Bit Na, the badass, cruel, blunt, yet deep inside, a kindhearted person. I loved Park Shin Hye's acting in this one a whole lot 💞💗💓💖 No actress could have done it better!!

Now let's talk about our ML. He also portrayed his role excellently. Actually, I didn't like his character at first, but as time goes by, I got to understand him, what he's fighting for, and his principles. Kim Jae Young did his role justice. He's the type who values principles and his sworn duty a whole lot. He almost crumbled, but it's nice to see how he picked up the pieces and didn't allow grief to ruin him.

About the romance. Well, there's not that much romance in this one, but the natural and amazing chemistry of Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young sure is there. I enjoyed how Kang Bit Na always teases Han Da On. Their quarrels sometimes made me laugh. Also, that kiss scene in the last episode was very lovely. "You are the only blemish in my life, my only weakness. I love you a lot, Han Da On." Han Da On replied with"I love you too." Then, a kiss followed. Oh my, that scene was more than satisfying. Just for that scene I decided to add another 0.5 to the ratings I originally wanted to give this one.

There are a lot of emotional moments in this one. For one, Han Da On's foster mother's murder. Another was when Kang Bit Na almost died. So, if you're just starting, get your tissues ready.

I love the OSTs. My favourite of them all is "Crossroad by Sunmi"!


The fact that Kang Bit Na was strong till the end is impressive. Even in the face of death, she didn't falter. I really loved her. Indeed, this is a lady's show.

Also, I loved how the mystery aspect was portrayed, I almost couldn't figure out who exactly the serial killer J and satan was until the last five episodes. I've also got to add the actions scenes. The action scene were damn satisfying. I was gulping over the amazing CGI. The whole production team really did this one justice.

And without excluding all the casts who performed extraordinary well. From the support roles, down to the guest roles, all performed amazingly well. They made the audience felt emotions with their acting. I for one felt it!

The ending was also beautifully done! All the villains got their retributions and punishments were served accordingly!

But of course, I have a bit of an issue with this one. I'm wondering how an Angel and a demon became so close to the extent that he saved her from being punished. But then again, logic is usually thrown out of the window when watching something fictional.

Also, I didn't like the fact that they used the a flipped cross as the symbol of hell. Anyway, I don't want to go into that too much, so I'll stop here.

In essence, The Judge From Hell is a drama that explores crimes, and not just crimes, it explores the cruelest ones. It further explores the cruelty and delusions of culprits. It's a drama worth the watch. The 15 hours I invested into this one indeed didn't go to a waste. So for all the positives I'm giving this one an overall of 9.0. I loved and enjoyed the journey! This is a drama I'd definitely recommend, but beware, there are some mild Gore!
Thanks for reading!
Enjoy the Journey!

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Mind-blowing Drama

I can’t believe we’ve already reached the end. This drama has brought me so much joy over the past few weeks. Every episode literally kept me on the edge of my seat! The director did an amazing job, creating an atmosphere that pulled the audience in completely. The actors gave outstanding performances, bringing each character to life and making every moment unforgettable. Even all the side characters had their moments to shine and connect with the audience. From the cleaning team to the police officers. They’re not just background characters and do contribute to the plot. I’m truly going to miss everything about this show, and I’m sure it will be remembered for a long time to come.

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Favourite of 2024!

The Judge From Hell not only lived up to my expectations but clearly surpassed it. I absolutely loved Park ShinHye as Kang Bitna. Even when they show her personality transformation, it is actually believable. Contrast that to the human Kang Bitna who died in episode 1 and how differently she was portrayed. You can see a real difference between the two personalities. That was just one of the beauties of this show.

The other aspect I loved is the punishments dealt by Bitna. The concept was simple yet ingenious. The CGI are beautiful. And if you love strong female characters as much as I do, you will especially love this one. It would have been so easy to mess this up because of some of the twists in the series and especially with the ending. But the series maintained it's strength and doubled down on it's portrayal of Kang Bitna as the judge from hell. Strength doesn't always have to mean physical. It can also come from within and that's what we get in those moments.

Han DaOn was also a nice character. A bit too nice and emotional to be a cop yet you want to root for him even when he is opposed to Bitna. He certainly doesn't take the attention away from her. Bitna is the shining star and the show never loses its focus! Credit to the writers and directors on that.

There are quite a few secondary characters that are enjoyable and the true villain was not easy to guess as there were many inaccurate theories by fans. That also made it more enjoyable guessing what the true nature of people was.

The only other supernatural justice plot I can think of is the Thai drama Girl From Nowhere which is more gruesome and serious. In contrast, The Judge From Hell keeps a balance between the seriousness of the cases and the punishments being entertaining due to the way they are recreated. Besides that TJFH has lighter moments and comedy that makes it a fun watch versus GFN is heavy. I loved both shows and there are aspects that are comparable so I would definitely recommend both.

The OST Boomerang, Crossroad and Gehenna are worth listening to.

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Hellfire & Heart: A Judge's Tale!!!⚖️

The Perfect Leading Duo

Let me gush about Park Shin Hye as Kang Bit Na because OH. MY. GOSH! She absolutely demolished this role! The way she transformed into this fierce, uncompromising judge who earned the name "Judge from Hell" – it's unlike anything I've seen from her before. Gone is the sweet, gentle image from her previous roles; instead, we get this absolute badass who commands the courtroom with an iron fist while carrying deep emotional wounds.

And can we talk about Kim Jae Young as Detective Han Da On? His portrayal of this brilliant detective is everything! The way he brings both sharp investigative skills and this adorable warmth to the character is just chef's kiss . What makes his character so special is how he approaches cases with both intelligence and heart – he's not just solving crimes, he's seeking justice in his own way, which creates this fascinating dynamic with Bit Na
Kim Jae Young deserves all the praise for making Han Da On so much more than just a love interest. His character brings this beautiful balance to the show – when things get dark (and boy, do they get dark!), his optimism and unwavering belief in justice shines through like a beacon. Plus, his puppy-like devotion to Bit Na? ADORABLE!

Chemistry That Lights Up The Screen

The dynamic between Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young is ELECTRIC! Every scene they share has this incredible tension – whether they're butting heads over how to handle a case or slowly developing understanding for each other's methods. Da On's more empathetic approach to justice gradually influencing Bit Na's rigid stance makes for some incredibly compelling character development.
Kang Bitna interact with our warm-hearted detective? Those moments where his genuine care for justice and people starts to crack her icy exterior? PURE GOLD!

The Supporting Cast That Brought Their A-Game

What Makes It Special

The show's strength lies in its perfect balance of:

*Character development that feels earned and authentic
*Heart-fluttering moments between Bit Na and Da On that provide perfect emotional breaks
*Complex cases that challenge both the characters and viewers morally
*Outstanding performances that make every scene compelling
*Park Shin Hye shows us a completely new side as the stern, uncompromising Judge Kang Bit Na
*Kim Jae Young perfectly embodies Detective Han Da On's mix of sharp intelligence and warm humanity
*Even minor characters leave lasting impressions with their powerful performances

Final Verdict

This show is an absolute MUST-WATCH! Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young's amazing performances, creates something truly special.
Rating: 9/10 gavels!

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S+

I am very interested with this theme and storyline. I love Park Shin Hye in this drama. Her charisma in this drama is amazing. Her acting skills are also unquestionable.

As for his co-star, the guy also has acting skills and also fits his role very well. I don't know this guy but he's great. I also like the atmosphere created between the other supporting characters.

In terms of visual effects, it is also beautiful and indeed quite terrifying to depict hell. However, I am not too satisfied with the execution at the end of this story, but considering that it was played professionally, I can't if not give it a high score.

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My Best K-Drama of 2024

"The Judge from Hell" exceeded all my expectations. I initially started watching just because of Park Shin Hye and because I had no other show lined up for Friday and Saturday nights. However, as the series unfolded, I found myself eagerly looking forward to each new episode, especially to see how the journey between Bitna and Daon would develop.

Park Shin Hye truly outdid herself with her role in this drama. Taking on the complex character of Bitna, a seemingly cold-hearted "demon" judge with a mysterious past, she brought intensity and nuance to every scene. It was refreshing to see her challenge herself with such a layered character, a departure from some of her past roles, and she pulled it off flawlessly, embodying Bitna’s resilience, ambition, and vulnerability.

Kim Jae Young was perfectly cast as Han Daon, matching Park Shin Hye's energy and creating undeniable chemistry on screen. Their evolution from rivals to lovers was surprisingly satisfying; it wasn't drawn out or clichéd but rather progressed naturally, allowing viewers to connect with their journey. Their relationship was filled with tension and tenderness, offering just the right balance of push-and-pull dynamics. When they finally shared moments of affection—whether in a lingering hug or a sweet, unexpected kiss—it felt like a well-earned culmination of their growing bond rather than a typical romance plot device.

The drama's pacing and storyline were also well-crafted, ensuring each episode had a mix of suspense, emotional depth, and romance. “The Judge from Hell” delivered on every front, providing a thrilling watch and leaving me eager for more by the end of each episode.

Yes, The Judge from Hell is my top 1 best K-Drama of 2024!!!

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Revenge is a dish best served devilishly

Personally, I tend to stay away from kdramas involving park shin hye. No offense to her, but directors are obsessed with giving her so many crying scenes. However, in this kdrama, oh mother... Such a well written character. Kang Bitna was strong, driven, and sadistic; and park shin hye portrayed all those characteristics to the dot. Kim Jaeyoung was also perfect for his role, and just so hot. Han Daon was so wicked yet so vulnerable, and i feel like that's exactly the type of male characters you need once in a while. He never overshadowed Bitna, and that's what I really enjoyed about this drama. The beautiful representation and balance of ying and yang characters. Bitna's revenge from the perpetrators was as satisfying as Daon choosing not to kill the serial killer. The support cast was absolutely talented, except for Bael's character who was honestly just meh. Grandma for the winning, for sure. The plot twist of who satan was was lowkey predictable, but i'm fine with it because the writers knew how to incorporate it in the story and didn't make such a big deal out of it. Also, the angles, the wardrobe, and the decor were so in theme with the drama, i was so in love. the usage of dark and red was strong, but not overbearing. Overall, just such a good job.

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Park Shin Hye SLAYED this role

The plot was pretty refreshing with a strong, witty FL an ABSOLUTE DIVA. Also I lowkey enjoyed the “actual court” scenes because those criminals deserved every bit of it.
20 min into the drama and I already knew Park Shin Hye is going to EAT THIS ROLE UP. She’s truly a classic S-class actress. >_<
I love the open ending, depending on each individual’s moral and opinion everyone can have their own satisfying ending.
The chemistry between the leads is wholesome, although ML’s presence was kind of underwhelming at times but still loved his character and most importantly Kim Jae Young did a great job playing Han Da On (his mischievous smiles and teary eyes meltssss you T-T)

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