This review may contain spoilers
Why was Ha Je Yi set up to be badass when she clearly was not
I started this after finishing Vincenzo because I wanted more of that chaotic, power couple energy and reddit suggested this. And honestly, the first few episodes really delivered. The pacing was great, the character introductions were solid, and I love Seo Ye Ji so I was excited to see her in this.Judge Cha is easily my favorite character. Calm, composed, terrifyingly smart. Even when she was being humiliated and arrested in the end, she didn’t lose that aura. Her character had actual depth, which I appreciated so much. An Oh Ju was also a great villain. So annoying every time he was on screen, but in the best way. His performance was on point.
Now for the rant: I hated Bong Sang Pil as the show went on. He started off strong but quickly turned into this condescending, controlling man-child who never communicated properly with Ha Je Yi. Every time he pulled the “I’m doing this to protect you” nonsense, I wanted to scream.
And now about Ha Je Yi - her character left me with mixed feelings. I was so hyped in the beginning because she was introduced as this fearless, sharp-tongued lawyer who didn’t take crap from anyone, and I really thought we were going to see her go toe-to-toe with Sang Pil as equals. But somewhere along the way, that edge got dulled. She started making reckless decisions that didn’t feel like the same person we met in episode one, and worse, she kept getting sidelined or treated like someone who needed constant saving. Her arc felt like such a downgrade. And the fact that Sang Pil constantly made decisions for her, without trust or proper communication, only made it worse. That said, I didn’t hate her—I still found her realistic and grounded in a way most female leads aren't. I just wish the show hadn’t set up expectations of her being this badass when they weren’t going to follow through.
I loved their first kiss scene and the final court scene was powerful and satisfying - watching everyone team up against Cha Moon Sook, so good.
One thing I wish they added: Ha Je Yi’s dad giving a proper apology to Sang Pil. That would’ve been a nice moment of closure.
All in all, it’s not the best drama I’ve watched, but it was engaging and had its moments.
Was this review helpful to you?
