The SBS Friday-Saturday K-drama “The Judge from Hell” follows Kang Bit-na (played by Park Shin-hye), a demon who has been demoted to the human world and is now tasked with judging and punishing 10 unrepentant murderers within a year. After entering the body of a deceased judge, Kang Bit-na delivers her own brand of harsh justice, which has resonated with some viewers but raised concerns for others.
The series’ debut episode achieved a viewership rating of 6.8%, while the second episode saw a surge to 9.3%, even exceeding the 8.7% viewership of the previous drama, “Good Partner” starring Jang Na-ra.
Viewers have responded to the show’s intense content and Kang Bit-na’s aggressive approach, with some likening her to a “female version of Ma Dong-seok”, a renowned actor known for his tough-guy roles.
Comments such as “It’s refreshing to have mirror therapy” and “I like it because it’s like a cider” have highlighted the appeal of the show’s unapologetic depiction of retribution.
However, the drama’s handling of sensitive themes, such as dating violence, has drawn criticism from some viewers. The graphic portrayal of the perpetrator’s actions and Kang Bit-na’s violent retaliation have led to concerns about the potential normalization or glorification of such behavior.
Some viewers have questioned whether the show’s message is clear, asking, “Shouldn’t it not be glorified that the victim kills the perpetrator?” and “What does the writer even want to say through this drama?”, “Will it change when she meets the main male character?”, “Will everyone die in the end?”
As “The Judge from Hell” continues to air, the debate surrounding its content and themes is likely to intensify. While the high ratings suggest the drama is resonating with a significant portion of the audience, the mixed reactions highlight the delicate balance between delivering a compelling narrative and addressing sensitive social issues in a responsible manner.