The Judge Returns (2026)
A disgraced Korean judge travels back in time to trade corruption for justice in this gripping MBC legal thriller.
The Judge Returns - Series Information
- Original Title: The Judge Returns
- First Air Year: 2026
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Lee Jae-jin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 14
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: January 2, 2026 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: MBC
- Alternative Titles: 法官李汉英 (CN), Judge Lee Han-young (US)
- Production Companies: Slingshot Studios
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Judge Returns - Plot
The return of corrupt judge Lee Han-young, who was a slave to a large law firm, to the past 10 years ago. He makes new choices to punish evil and implement justice.
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The Judge Returns - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lee Jae-jin
Main Cast
- Ji Sung
- Won Jin-ah
- Park Hee-soon
- Baek Jin-hee
- Oh Se-young
- Hwang Hee
- Tae Won-seok
- Park Geon-il
- Ahn Nae-sang
- Hwang Young-hee
The Judge Returns - FAQs
Where can you stream The Judge Returns?
The Judge Returns is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, both via subscription (flatrate) and with ads. The series originally aired on MBC in South Korea. You can also check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options available in your region.
Is The Judge Returns based on a true story?
No, The Judge Returns is not based on a true story. It is adapted from a web novel and incorporates time travel as a central plot device. The story follows a fictional corrupt judge who is sent back in time to redeem himself by choosing justice over corruption.
Who plays the lead role in The Judge Returns?
Ji Sung plays the lead role of Lee Han-young, a corrupt judge who was beholden to a powerful law firm. The supporting cast includes Won Jin-ah as Kim Jin-ah, Park Hee-soon as Kang Shin-jin, and Baek Jin-hee as Song Na-yeon, among others.
What is The Judge Returns about?
The Judge Returns follows Lee Han-young, a corrupt judge who served a powerful law firm, as he is transported back in time ten years. Given a second chance, he makes different choices — using his legal knowledge and position to punish the corrupt and restore justice.
How many episodes does The Judge Returns have?
The Judge Returns consists of 14 episodes across a single season. The series aired on MBC in South Korea beginning January 2, 2026, and has since concluded, with all 14 episodes available for streaming on Rakuten Viki.
Does The Judge Returns involve time travel?
Yes, time travel is a core element of The Judge Returns. The protagonist, corrupt judge Lee Han-young, is sent back ten years into the past. Armed with foreknowledge of events, he seizes the opportunity to make different decisions and fight against the very corruption he once enabled.
When did The Judge Returns first air?
The Judge Returns first aired on January 2, 2026, in South Korea on the MBC network. The series ran for 14 episodes and has since ended, making it a complete, self-contained story available in full on streaming platforms like Rakuten Viki.
What genre is The Judge Returns?
The Judge Returns blends Crime, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Drama genres. It combines the procedural tension of a legal thriller with the speculative excitement of time travel, creating a genre-crossing Korean drama that appeals to fans of both courtroom narratives and fantasy storytelling.
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