The Judge Returns cast: The Judge Returns cast and characters: Here’s who brings the MBC K-drama to life

The latest K-drama, The Judge Returns, premiered on January 2, 2026.

It has captured the attention of viewers with its unique plot that blends action, revenge, and fantasy into a legal drama.

The K-drama follows a corrupt judge, Han-young, who shockingly transforms and vows to turn his life around and punish wrongdoers, but encounters a tragedy. However, after a shocking twist of fate, he is sent back in time. Along with Ji Sung, The Judge Returns also stars several popular Korean actors in the K-drama.

The Judge Returns cast and characters

MBC's new K-drama, The Judge Returns, narrates the story of Han-young, a corrupt judge, who marries the daughter of a powerful law firm and works in his favor. However, guilt and a tragic twist force him to change his way of working. Other than Ji Sung, the K-drama also includes Won Jin-ah, Park Hee-soon, and several others.

Cast of The Judge Returns:

1) Ji Sung as Lee Han-young

Ji Sung plays the character of Han-young in the MBC K-drama. Han-young is a judge who makes decisions mostly in favor of corporations rather than the people. After getting married to the daughter of Haneul law firm's owner, Han-young becomes a corrupt judge, and in the premiere episode, he is seen favoring a corrupt company whose negligence is hampering the lives of citizens.

However, by the end of the episode, Han-young tries to change his ways and punish the corrupt people, but encounters a twist and is sent back in time. The popular Korean actor was previously seen in K-dramas such as The Devil Judge, Kill Me, Heal Me, and Connection, among others.

2) Won Jin-ah as Kim Jin-ah

Unlike Han-young, Wom Jin-ah's character in The Judge Returns works as a just prosecutor. She is seen trying to catch the CEO of S Group for fraud and money laundering, and has to face Han-young in the case. However, due to Han-young's change of heart and time travel, they will find themselves working together to fight the injustice in the drama.

Won Jin-ah is known for her roles in popular K-dramas such as Rain or Shine, Hellbound, and The Defects, among others.

3) Park Hee-soon as Kang Shin-jin

While Han-young starts his journey of seeking justice, he comes face-to-face with the chilling Kang Shin-jin, chief judge of Seoul District Court's Criminal Division, when he goes back in time. While Shin-jin also pursues justice, his ways are 'unconventional and uncompromising', creating conflict between the two.

Park Hee-soon is among the most popular Korean actors and has been seen in several acclaimed K-dramas, such as Confidence Queen, Squid Game, and Moving, among others.

4) Baek Jin-hee as Song Na-yeon

Another justice-seeking character in the K-drama is Baek Jin-hee's character Song Na-yeon. She Daejin Ilbo newspaper's legal affairs department and is known for her righteousness and integrity.

Jin-hee was previously seen in K-dramas such as Empress Ki, High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged, and The Real Has Come!.