The Judge from Hell (2024)

My Drama of the Year

There are a lot of great dramas this year, but this one stands out to me. I love the writing, and it was not easy to pull it off considering the story and the premise of demons and humans. I love how you can the writer kept you engaged and kudos to the director and the whole team, there are no dull moments. Kudos to both the FL and ML. Both shines. FL acting is great. She was able to deliver a wide range of emotions. ML is so cool too, rooting for this actor since 100 days my prince. Looking forward to his next project Kudos to the director and the whole team who was able to keep things slow, yet still interesting. I like the mix of action, mystery, and comedy. The director did great in wrapping up the stories of all characters - when all, I meant all. It was just sad that two of the main characters died, but it's needed in the story. So yes, this is my drama of the year - considering the story, the acting, directing and most of all the rewatch value.

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This is Must Watch 100% Binge worthy K-drama and You will not regret it

"The Judge from Hell" absolutely blew my mind! It’s one of those K-dramas that manages to balance thrilling supernatural elements with unexpected humor, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Park Shin-hye as Judge Bit-na is iconic—she’s intense, commanding, and just hilarious when throwing people into eternal punishment! Her role as a demon judge forced to work alongside human Detective Da-on introduces a fascinating dynamic. Their chemistry, anchored in a blend of duty, wit, and opposing moral codes, adds complexity and charm to the story. Kim Jae-young's Detective Da-on is the perfect balance to her, bringing this calm, sometimes reluctant partner energy that made their teamwork addictive to watch. Praised for exploring moral ambiguities, the show questions traditional justice by contrasting Bit-na's unyielding punishments with Da-on’s measured, law-abiding approach. This tug-of-war on justice adds depth to a plot already brimming with action, suspense, and even moments of comic relief.

The cinematography / CGI? Chef’s kiss. The eerie underworld visuals mixed with courtroom suspense kept me on the edge of my seat every episode. Plus, the way it dives into moral gray areas without losing its charm is what makes it such a unique gem. This show had me laughing, gasping, and occasionally shouting at the screen. Judge Bit-na might be from Hell, but this series is heavenly, I can't wait to rewatch it a million times and Please please Season 2 if possible. The tension, plot twists, and their chemistry keeps you glued to every episode. This K-drama doesn’t just serve up thrills but also dives into themes of justice and morality in a unique, memorable way. If you’re a K-drama fan, it’s a must-watch❤️

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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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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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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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This series is one of my favorites of 2024

✨this series is simply surprising! I was afraid it would have a bad ending like some releases from this year that I followed, but this series had a very good ending 👍 it kept me from start to finish, the performance of the protagonist who played the character Kang Bitna was amazing, I laughed a lot at her expressions, the couple had a lot of chemistry, I simply loved it and yes, this series was on the list of my favorites of 2024 and I will watch it again because I already miss the cast, the last episodes I dehydrated from crying, I felt the pain of those characters who lost your loved ones, thank you screenwriter for being sensible and for delivering a decent ending!

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The actress (Park Shin Hye) playing the female lead in this show is truly remarkable and brings a unique quality to her performance that stands out from what we typically see in most K-dramas. The series itself feels refreshing, offering something different compared to the usual trends in Korean dramas today. A lot of credit goes to the female lead, as her outstanding acting seems to carry the entire show. It's clear that her talent is elevating the overall experience, making it a standout in the current K-drama landscape. Great job to her for bringing such depth and uniqueness to the role!

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El mejor papel de Park Shin Hye

Park Shin Hye brilla en este papel, demostrando una vez más su talento. La serie es sumamente entretenida, con una protagonista que rompe moldes: fuerte, compleja y nada convencional. Lejos de ser la típica heroína sufrida, su personaje tiene un toque de rebeldía que la hace irresistible.
La mezcla perfecta de drama y comedia mantiene al espectador enganchado, ansioso por descubrir qué sucede en el próximo capítulo. Cada episodio termina con un cliffhanger que te deja con la intriga.
En resumen, hace tiempo que no veía una serie tan adictiva y divertida. Sin duda, la recomiendo al 100%. ¡No te pierdas esta joya!

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A perfect story

As Justitia gets punished by Bael and is forced to live on earth in the body of Kang Bit things start getting haywire at the court. And the close observance of Detective Da On is only making it worse. Kang Bit na is a beautiful judge who speaks cutthroat in court and releases criminals with a meager punishment. But people around her are unaware that she is a demon who has been secretly killing sinners she is identifying in court to fulfill her job given by Bael.
The unique and fresh concept of the story successfully draws the audience to the first episode. Park Shin Hye in a completely different avatar and her chemistry with Kim Jae Young is only making the ride smooth.
So.....go to gehnna....

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Basic and underwhelming

It’s like, a “mystery” that gets solved in two seconds

they think they're being "smart" by the "plot twists", two faced people that fool the law, but they're so obv, i mean why would they even take the case if that person wasn't the villain xD

for the first case, he fooled the people by claiming he "was repenting". but yeah let's say the law would've put him in jail for a year and he'd come back, but so many things that happened was eyeroll worthy
And the victim is too scared to leave her house cuz he’ll kill her so she chooses to stay alone, won't open the door for the cop who said he'll help, but opens the door for a random stranger claiming to be sent by that cop



for the second case, everyone believed her, and ml comes with her record that she killed her previous husband after he becomes blind, so yeah when there's three mysterious accidents, it starts to make fun of the law




so, the fl is being like death note's light, she is murdering ppl and creating fear with her way of exposing it like a serial killer
And then they add romance to make it look fluffy...

Yes she’s taking rightful revenge, but she also “killed” two not bad ppl without evidence, and she leaves bodies for fun..

So it can create the same chaos as death note, ppl don’t know she’s a demon judging villains cuz it’s her “role/job”, same with dramas like no way out, others would think “ah I can kill a murderer too” and start killing and judging cuz the law won’t

So they’re adding the romance to make it lighter and never go that far in their actual plot..

and this demon judge character, is so over animated, extremely comical, they had to make her so comical to lighten up the role but the over exaggerated facial expressions and extremely high pitched voice just makes it annoying
I don’t wanna compare her to IU but HDL was exactly the perfect balance, she seemed evil and scary but it kept a good comedy while still allowing her to be cute yet mythically believable as someone who’s lived for so long


After a while, she stops “judging” and it became another boring mystery chase for the worlds most obvious serial killer and satan
They had “three” big side plots:
Fl being chased by the demon that would kill her if she cried
Ml finding the serial killer
Fl finding satan

First one, even tho they killed another poor demon for it, she was “spared”
Second one was tied to the third one, the big scary demon she had to hunt, that was solved in two seconds
And they made such a big deal on all and how she didn’t want to kill the serial killer cuz the victims deserved justice

Just for him to run away from the law and her having to finish him off….


They were also talking so much about how if she didn’t kill the serial killer, she’d die… again for them to let that go
And they give her three years to enjoy her time with ml, just for her to leave him and occasionally meet him
And then she’s given yet another chance that if she killed xx amount of ppl, she’ll become human

So, she can be a murderer judge, have feelings, kill ppl and leave marks like a serial killer, get romance, and the chance to become human when



That demon who just loved a human was killed off, real bitna was left in hell without any justice, and PSH wasn’t the real justina, like if she’s allowed to become human, she should have her own face of nara


So yeah I really hated this, they had so many big scary hard to achieve plots, and half were skimmed over while the other half were forgotten…

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poor frames transition

I am an avid kdrama watcher as it helps me relieves stress but I am also interested in film/media. we're just on ep6 i hope the editors will take note of this one especially since this is under disney, viewing experience should be seamless. when it comes to plot, casts, and music they're all good. but one thing i noticed is the changing of frames are bothering as some transitions are late or too fast. in d world of film this is a downside. i hope disney will do something about it. ive watched some of kdramas they produced before and i had a good experience but im not on this one, this might be on the editors end

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