This review may contain spoilers
Well Written, Good Direction, Must Watch!
A truly perfect collaboration between the writer and the director. From the very first episode, this drama has a great hook for its story. Once you watch even just one episode, you’ll definitely find yourself thinking about it and wanting to finish it.With a fresh and tidy plot, current jokes are also frequently woven into the drama. When I learned that this drama was written by a new writer and produced by someone who had never produced a drama before, I knew it would bring a breath of fresh air. Honestly, there are a lot of great dramas this year, but The Judge From Hell has successfully established itself as one of the best dramas of 2024.
This drama has a strong identity and a slightly wild mindset, in my opinion. That’s the interesting point when watching a drama written by a new writer. Every scene feels fresh and not overused. The dialogues are also more fluid and funny.
Kudos to Park Shin Hye for her continuously improving performance, even after being in this field for so long. She portrays the character Kang Bit Na, a.k.a. Justitia, exceptionally well. This drama is truly led by her. This drama was clearly created for her. Her character is iconic, and it might just be one of my favorites of hers after Choi In Ha in Pinocchio.
I’m also really happy because finally, the actor I’ve been waiting for since 100th Days My Prince is the lead in this miniseries, Kim Jae Young. He has always acted well, it just seems he hadn’t gotten the opportunity yet. Especially in Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life, his crying were genuinely among the best, perfectly suited for the character Han Da On, who often cries due to her painful life.
What I really need to applaud again is the casting director. As far as I remember, there are no idol actors in this drama. I’m not underestimating idol actors, as some are indeed more skilled than pure actors. However, I often feel uncomfortable when there are too many idol actors in one drama. Many of them have a limited range, resulting in constrained expressions.
In this drama, there are so many cast members I've seen in other dramas, not as leads but as supporting characters. Almost every cast member has appeared in other dramas. The difference here is that their roles are close and significant. This drama didn’t bring in big names except for Park Shin Hye, but it did an excellent job in casting. Their performances are all commendable; they just hadn’t gotten the chance to play such characters before, and here they do.
I think this drama has great teamwork, making it feel solid and minimizing plot holes from episode one to the end. Even for lesser-seen characters like Bael, played by Shin Sung Rok, and Justitia, played by Oh Nara, with minimal screentime, they slayed the character, the casting was done excellently. There are truly no actors or actresses who are currently trending this year in this drama. The plot captivates viewers and draws them into the drama. Even in the ending of episode 14, all cast members' names are mentioned, even the smallest roles. For some reason, I felt moved watching it I know them, but I don't know their name, and Now I know it!
In my opinion, every aspect of this drama is just right. In terms of story, it might be similar to Devil Judge and Taxi Driver, but it has successfully carved out its own identity. The cases presented are also very compelling and evoke strong emotions, and Justitia's vengeance feels entirely justified.
The romance element might not appeal to everyone, but I see it as an essential aspect. Justitia is a demon; she could easily resolve punishment from Bael if she descended to Earth as a demon. Unfortunately, she is in a human body, so her soul and the body she inhabits inevitably begin to merge (similar to the theory used in Alchemy of Souls). Perhaps that is Bael's true punishment. Considering Justitia’s impulsive decision to throw Kang Bit Na into hell, once she becomes a judge in the world, she starts to have things to consider.
Love is one of the most significant elements of human life, whether it's romantic love or familial love. All of these feelings stem from being human. Gradually, Justitia starts becoming Kang Bit Na. That’s why when Justitia dies and enters the afterlife, she returns with Kang Bit Na's body, no longer as Justitia. This also leads me to conclude that the open ending of The Judge From Hell suggests that Justitia might not choose to remain human; she will complete her duties as a judge for another year and return to hell. Since Justitia is now also living as Kang Bit Na, I think it would be difficult for her to act as she did when she first descended to Earth.
Oh, and let’s not forget the beautiful chemistry between Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young. They don't go from hate to love, but somehow, they are always there for each other. An odd but charming couple. It’s truly the best chemistry Park Shin Hye has had with a co-star since I last felt it when she acted in Pinocchio. (Unfortunately, it's a forbidden couple, so let’s just enjoy it :’D).
Overall, this drama is genuinely entertaining, helps us vent our anger, is thrilling, and memorable.
In the end, I believe the name Kang Bit Na, with "Bitna" meaning "shine" in Korean, truly brings light to all the cast members and makes them shine in this drama. And the brightest light, of course, is Kang Bit Na.
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Literally COULD NOT STOP watching this!!
Very few dramas have the ability to make a viewer check the calendar repeatedly to see how long before a new episode drops - this was one of mine.An absolute roller-coaster ride from start to end. This drama had all the necessary things to make it so hard to stop watching. I know there are a lot of comments out there that might be saying the CGI is bad, or the fantasy element is too much to digest, or that the ML is running too much of an interference, etc. Honestly, to each their own. Not every drama out there is for every viewer. But if you enjoy any of the following genres - action, crime, revenge, fantasy, thriller - then you NEED to watch this atleast once. Personally, it's one of the better written and executed K-dramas that offers a diverse viewing experience.
Going to highlight points separately, to make it easier to go through:
*Park Shin-Hye aka Justitia/Kang Bitna*
For someone who couldn't bear to watch Park Shin-hye EVER (trust me, I really tried), picking up this drama in the first place was already a task. The storyline + teasers always had me intrigued and since I wasn't expecting much of a romance anyway, I decided to power through and start the show. THANK THE GOOD LORD, because if not for that I would've missed out on a seriously iconic character. Justitia/Kang Bitna was such a treat to watch - she has a very ambiguous moral compass, she screams personality, she's also a sassy-as-hell demon judge from, well, Hell, and she retains that personality during her time on Earth. Her character arc was extremely well executed, and felt very natural. Despite changes in her environment, emotions, etc. the one thing that stayed constant was her hardcore and badass nature. Also, plus points for PSH doing action, she's one of the best actresses in this genre. I would love to see her do more roles in this zone, basically where she isn't stuck in the same old rut of "poor girl, sad life, cry". I feel like she has so much more potential and this show truly proved it.
*Kim Jae-Young aka Han DaOn*
Umm well, first of all - I need to seriously go touch some grass after the amount of giggling and blushing this man has made me do. The number of times I have rewatched his profile scenes is unhealthy, to say the least (I'm just a girl, cut me some slack). LOVE LOVE LOVE this man and his acting. His character might seem frustrating at first because of his constant need to "do the right thing" and "follow the rules" and "obey the laws" blah blah blah. ANNOYING i know - but you need to understand that there's a whole backstory there. You cannot discredit the circumstances or the events that brought him to that point and made him who he is. Unlearning takes time; unlearning and then adapting to a new outlook takes even longer. I do think some grace period is deserved. I also feel that quite a few viewers these days don't seem to appreciate complex characters because they don't change quickly. Be realistic, who does?
*THE CHEMISTRY!!!!*
The chemistry between Han DaOn and Kang Bitna was finger-licking good. ngl I'm a big fan of slow burn, banter/bickering and angst - so this was literally perfect for me. They gave me crumbs and had me begging for more at the end of literally every episode and that made it so much more exciting to watch. The fact that romance was not centre-stage, but still such an integral driving force for the plot was what made it an interesting watch.
*The Story*
My absolute FAVOURITE part of every case was the final verdict - Justitia's final verdict not Kang Bitna's. In order to not spoil anything major, all I'll say is that I felt gratified and vindicated (and a little sadistic, since I lacked empathy for them) at the end of every case. The fantasy element of the story was quite interesting and the way everything was tied together seemed satisfactory. The ending, I will say, was a tad bit disappointing since I was expecting it to end on a high - which is why it was not a 10/10 rating. But the fact that this show had me on the edge - watching every single episode as soon as it came out - was enough for me to give it a high rating.
Hope you decide to give this one a watch! And if you do, let me know what you think :)
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This might be the best kdrama of 2024 for me.
just 4 episodes out but i think this drama is gonna be my favourite from 2024 (sorry to qot fans). Park Shin Hye was my first favourite Korean actress maybe because i started my kdramas journey with most dramas where she played the lead but after memories of alhambra, i lost interest in her dramas but i am surprised with this one. I have missed just two of her dramas but i could say i've never seen her with this much of jolly or funny-going expressions in her previous dramas. The drama is worth watching people. Also i feel like the main character's character is highly inspired from the main character's character from Hotel Del Luna, not that i am complaining.Was this review helpful to you?
A story of a judge who punish on her term.
I knew that I'd love the story as well as the acting, but I don't know why I was hesitant to watch it. I truly enjoyed watching it. It was worth my time.Loved Park Shin Hye acting as a demon. She nailed it. Also liked Kim Jae Young's acting. His character has innocence, shyness which and is portrayed nicely.
Most pleasing thing is that the ending wasn't rushed. But still I want to know what she chooses.
Loved how Kang Bit Na punished criminals the same way they committed the crime. Loved how she punished them. It was so pleasing to watch, especially the Yang Seung Bin one.
But I have a question. Is it really important to give criminals a light sentence then punish them in her way? She can give them the sentence they deserve, then punish them in jail or somewhere else the way she did to the serial killer. Hell! She is a demon, she can teleport into jail, kill the culprit, then wipe away the evidence. That way, she won't be a bad judge.
Also she teleports whenever she punishes criminals, but why can't she do that when Han Da On was guarding her in front of her apartment?
Laughed when Kang Bit Na said the criminal to stop crying. Also when Han Da On bought a megaphone in front of the court to talk to her.
I really enjoyed it.
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This review may contain spoilers
A demon can never be So Lovable and Bloodshed was never this satisfying!
"The Judge from Hell" is probably the best K Drama of 2024.Park shin Hye as Kang Bit Na AKA Justitia just Stole the show, the entire credit for the hit goes to her alone. Woah! what a bad ass acting she did. I have never seen a FL who is this much Cool in K drama. She ate it. From being a Bad ass demon to a lover girl she gave it all from Ep 1 - ep 12 never missed to amuse me with her acting. This drama is just made for her. The rest of the actors though can never be even with PSH, they did a great job on their part, even a little support role was played to the point.
Mando, Gremory Duo was hilarious at times. I loved their duo
The fight scenes was mind blowing and it's really beyond words which was mad more beautiful by wonderful cinematography. The humour was on point, and was needed where it was in need. The overall story kept me engaged all the time, not even a second I was bored of this plot. Each and every story that comes in this drama is too unique and just perfectly directed. Hats off to the team of " The Judge From Hell". They really deserve all the awards.
"You are the only Blemish on my life, My only weakness. I Loved you a Lot Han Da On". when Bit Na said this to Han Da On while saying her final goodbye, tears kept rolling from my eyes non-stop and I repeated that scene so many times and watched it again and again. That was the best romantic part of this drama. ahh! those kisses at the end. Kisses was never this romantic. That one long Kiss plus OST by Sunmi just caught me off guard and that particular scene was so soothing and heavenly. The way FL pampered ML saying he is Cute all the time was really cute, "An eye Treat" for me.
Forgot to mention the costumes, every costumes stood out separately and was designed so well that it fits every actors and theme.
Changing into so many roles PSH never came out of any character. "Apologizing is an obligation But forgiveness is not" as she kills the final Killer this drama's Killing streak ends and now I really miss this series.
No one should miss this series. It's absolutely 10 on 10 for me. This drama just ended at a right time without dragging. The best
I really thank the team for giving out this masterpiece.....
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brainrot drama of 2024.
i fear none of the things I've written in comments before or the words i can write in this review will ever be enough to describe just how spectacular this drama is.watch it, feel it, go crazy over it and have a brainrot. that's it. give the writer their flowers for writing this drama as their debut work. and kisses to everybody involved in making this masterpiece of the year. (its def my fav drama atp)
i usually dont pay much attention to the OSTs but oh boy! the OSTs in this drama have me on a chokehold just like the drama.
and while the show did leave a few things unanswered (like what happened to the og bitna and what did justitia choose in the end), the curiosity and disappointment over it does not outweigh my love for the drama so it's a 10/10.
my kang bitna and han daon, I'll miss you guys sm <33 watching it while it was airing was torture but enjoyed it nonetheless (got a bit sadistic over there but i guess thats what i get for letting tjfh mess with my brain 😹)
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This review may contain spoilers
THE WRITER NEEDS AWARDS!!
This drama totally nails it, thanks to a amazing script and brilliant directing. It’s almost unreal that it’s the writer’s first script! The plot was set from the beginning, no weekly changes based on audience reactions, and you can tell—it’s packed with tiny details that make you go “wow.” The team deserves all the awards, and it’s a shame people are missing out just because it’s not a typical rom-com.Park Shin Hye as Justitia was amazing! She’s fierce, stylish, and brings out this refreshing personality with incredible action scenes. Kim Jaeyoung also shines as Han Daon, finally getting a lead role that feels perfect for him. Their chemistry was really good. Initially you wonder how they will tease each other and then you just start waiting for their cute moments. The “enemies to lovers” trope hits hard—she even kills him in their third meeting!
SBS has to give them Daesangs!!
Story Breakdown (Some spoilers):
- Fantasy:7/10
- Crime:8/10
- Romance:5/10
- Subtle Romance:10/10
The romance is more about cute, awkward moments rather than intense scenes, which actually makes it more touching. They’re both total beginners at love, so hugs even catch them off guard. In the final episode, there’s a well-done time skip that makes their relationship growth feel natural instead of forced.
Justitia is focused on her dark mission, acting as a judge who secretly puts criminals on her own “death trial” to send them to hell. But here’s the twist—her decisions don’t always bring justice to the victims’ families, which adds a lot of depth to her character. By the end, she’s starting to question her ruthless approach.
Han Daon, meanwhile, is the detective working on Justitia’s cases, frustrated as she releases the very criminals he’s spent ages catching. He discovers the truth about her pretty early on, and just when it feels like he might expose her, he starts to adopt her harsh methods, while Justitia becomes more compassionate. Their role reversal is a brilliant twist.
Execution:
- Each episode kept fans guessing with theories, but the show constantly surprised us. The trailers even threw us off!
- There was one plot hole: what happened to Bitna’s soul? Since she was wrongly sent to hell, it would’ve been nice to see that resolved. But it’s left open for interpretation.
In conclusion, don’t skip this just because it’s not a rom-com! The story’s engaging, with great humor and fantastic chemistry between the leads. You’ll want to rewatch this one for sure!
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One HELL of a ride!
I think this was the single most consistently entertaining public TV k-drama to come out this year, no cap. I got so used to getting disappointed with kdramas after a particular number of eps that I was all READY for this to fall apart too... but guess what? This was pure fun. There was EVERYTHING-- a kickass fun FL, witty humor, role-reversal romance (I've been waiting for something like this!), fast-paced action, gore, and TONS of outfit changes!!!Firstly, miss Park Shin Hye CAME THROUGH and carried the drama on her shoulders. She finally escaped the typecasting hell after almost 20 years of her acting career and I couldn't be more happy for her lmao. I could watch her play the role of Kang Bit Na/Justitia for another 10 episodes easy because she was just THAT good. Kim Jae Young, on the other hand, was HOT and adorable. That man could just stand in one spot with his luscious hair and I'd still clap.
So yeah, this might be the BEST (public tv) kdrama to come out this year, because I highly doubt anything will surpass it in quality within these remaining 2 months.
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Best drama of 2024!
I initially put this drama on as background noise while doing chores, without any expectations. I wasn’t familiar with Park Shin-hye and hadn’t seen her in anything before, but I did know Kim Jae-young, so when I found out he was the main lead, I was thrilled.! The drama captured my interest quickly; there weren’t any dull episodes, and all the actors delivered exceptional performances. It’s rare to find a drama where every actor shines.Although I can’t speak to Park Shin-hye’s previous work, anyone criticizing her acting after this series is simply being unreasonable. Her performance was outstanding, as was Kim Ah-young’s—she was amazing! As for those saying the romance seemed forced… what exactly did they expect? Romance is one of the core genres here, and without it, the story would lack variety. Plus, the chemistry between Shin-hye and Jae-young, both on and off screen, was fantastic. I genuinely can’t see how it could seem forced.
All in all, this is an excellent drama, and I’d say it’s the best one of 2024.
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This review may contain spoilers
Judge from hell is the best drama for the 2021?♥️
Finally i finished already watching drama judge from hell and all i can say im soooo loving it and had fun watching it until the end and also park shin is so cool in this drama. Not only like that she is good making focer face and she is good in action 👌👌❤️❤️❤️Park shin hye is total nailed in this drama she is really good indeed.. She is a trully top actress and she amazing. I hope people agreed with me and i hope and wish people will see her acting good this time.. She work so hard realky!!! 🙏
Kim jaeyoung he is also doing good job as an actor he's also adorable and cute in this drama. I hope he get praised once again and see him a good a good actor and talented man.
Overall my rating is 1000000/10 because i enjoying ng the drama and that is important and all the cast in jufge from hell is also doing good..
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Beat Drama in 2024
The judge from hell is my favourite korean drama in 2024 ... I hope it have a second season 🥹.. park shin hye's acting is fire🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.My Rating 1000000/10
Overall if you don't watched this drama i highly recommend it.
The Judge from Hell is a Korean drama about a judge from hell who comes to Earth to punish evil people. The judge, Kang Bit-na, is a beautiful and intelligent woman who is also a demon. She meets a detective named Han Da-on, who is kind and compassionate. The two of them team up to bring justice to the world.
The drama is full of suspense, mystery, and action. It is also a thought-provoking story about good and evil, justice and revenge.
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Supernatural Vigilantism with a Big Bonus
There are many movies and TV series with strong vigilantist themes including a great many from Korea. This one, Judge From Hell, adds something to trigger attention. Seeing some rogue heroes deliver vigilante justice the system fails to provide is always satisfying, but here we get to see the hero, a demon exiled among humans to hunt down sinners, punish the sinners in excruciating and painful detail before sending them on their way to Hell. All in all it is extremely satisfying and very rewatchable.The challenge for the screenwriter and director is to find the right balance among comedy, dark detail, and romance. For me, the comedy was a bit strong at times, and perhaps the main character, the demon judge, could have been a bit more demonlike before softening up, but it all works well enough.
The first half of episodes tend to emphasize the procedural element - showing the sins of a particular culprit followed by the machinations of the demon judge to deliver the sinner's punishment and then send them to hell. The judge likes to leave the bodies to tease the authorities. Once the basics are understood the series shifts to emphasize the struggle among the top demons in and from Hell.
And the ending is an obvious setup to keep the option for a second season open.
It's odd that in this story Satan and Lucifer are two entirely different beings and not just different names for the same.
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