MBC's 'Judge Lee Han-young' Set to Premiere January 2, 2026, Featuring Ji Sung, Park Hee-soon, and Won Jin-ah

MBC's highly anticipated new Friday-Saturday drama, 'Judge Lee Han-young,' is poised to capture viewers' hearts with its unique charm upon its premiere on January 2, 2026.

The drama tells the story of Lee Han-young, a corrupt judge who lived as a slave to a massive law firm and is sent back 10 years in time. He then embarks on a journey to punish great evils through new choices, presenting a justice-realizing regression drama. The series brings together veteran actors Ji Sung, Park Hee-soon, and Won Jin-ah, alongside directors Lee Jae-jin and Park Mi-yeon, known for their impressive directing in works like 'The Banker,' and writer Kim Gwang-min.

'Judge Lee Han-young' sparks viewer curiosity with its fresh combination of a legal drama and the 'regression' genre. After experiencing an unexpected accident, Judge Lee Han-young finds himself transported back a decade. Upon his return, he clashes with Kang Shin-jin (Park Hee-soon), the chief judge of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's criminal division, who relentlessly pursues his own brand of justice. He also encounters Prosecutor Kim Jin-ah (Won Jin-ah), with whom he had a tense standoff over a past trial, drawing him closer to realizing justice.

The drama promises an unpredictable plot as realistic legal logic collides with altered case developments due to the regression. This creates a new paradigm beyond a simple legal thriller. The information imbalance felt by the regressed Lee Han-young and other characters will further heighten the tension, showcasing the unique appeal of 'Judge Lee Han-young.'

Furthermore, the series transcends a simple good-versus-evil narrative. It delves into the redemption of a human being as Lee Han-young, who was closer to darkness and engaged in fraudulent trials to ascend the ranks of power, becomes a judge who realizes justice. His 'life rewind,' and the realization of how his choices and rulings can implement justice, is another key point of anticipation for 'Judge Lee Han-young.'

Beyond the main characters, 'Judge Lee Han-young' features a diverse cast including Kang Shin-jin, Kim Jin-ah, court officials, the Haenal Law Firm, and chaebol families. Even supporting characters, representing ordinary citizens like Han-young and Jin-ah's parents, have their own stories, offering viewers a fresh perspective with each character's viewpoint as they shape the narrative through their choices and transformations.

Netizens are expressing excitement, with comments like "Ji Sung's acting is highly anticipated!" and "A legal drama with regression, what a combination!" Many are also saying, "Can't miss this with such a cast lineup."