It feels almost criminal that Park Shin-hye was never offered a role like this in her career spanning more than two decades. She is a stunner as the ruthless, violent, alluring Justicia in this new Korean drama. Here is our review of the K-drama The Judge from Hell written by Cho I Su and directed by Park Jin Pyo.
Park Shin-hye appreciation
It’s a joke in the K-drama world that Park Shin-hye never gets to play the rich. She is always the poor, pitiable girl-next-door who cries every three minutes including in her iconic role in The Heirs.
I saw her for the first time in the film The Royal Tailor which made me search for her other roles. She is the reason I started watching K-dramas. Because I couldn’t get enough of her in the movie.
Doctors is one of my favourite K-dramas of all time just because of how she channelled the growing up of a rebellious teenager into a mature adult seamlessly. After Doctors though, I couldn’t find much of her work that could hold a mirror to it. I feel her potential is supremely underutilized by the other filmmakers.
Shin-hye in The Judge from Hell
The Judge from Hell stands an exception to this. And it will be the beginning of a new era in Park’s career. She expands on the little action sequences from Doctors to fully transform as a bonafide action superstar.
It’s a delight to watch her violently executing justice and wiping away the bad guys from the earth, a role often reserved for male actors in Korean television.
Also, no one would have ever thought of her playing an out-and-out humour role that laughs you off your chairs. Kudos to the creators of The Judge from Hell. Her minute expressions, gestures and just the way she walks are enough to erupt in laughter. It’s hilarious.
And she is breathtakingly gorgeous with those demonic purple eyes and the cutest devilish smile, a smirk that shows the thrill of punishing another sinner. It’s impossible to look away from the screen.
The Judge from Hell K-drama Review
The Judge from Hell is trending on Disney+ and rightfully so. It’s been so long since I watched a K-drama that hooked me from the beginning to the end. The drama’s success lies in building the suspense factor with every episode. It doesn’t get boring watching Justicia make one kill after another. This K-drama is really K-dramaing.
A shoutout to the brilliant camerawork by Park Sung-yong that keeps with the rhythm of the plot. There is a stunning sequence in episode 7 in a theme park. It’s phenomenal.
Also a special mention to the composer of the main theme “Gehenna” by Jeon Chang-yeop and the electrifying ending theme “Boomerang” by Jessi. The music gels right with the eerie, supernatural theme.
Kim Jae Young‘s Han Da-on is another surprise element. He fits right into the sympathetic, soft police officer with a traumatic past. His emotional scenes are one of the best.
Kim In Kwon as the sidekick Valak is ultra-hilaroius. He adds the necessary comic relief and is the best partner-in-crime for Park’s Justicia. It’s humourous seeing him, the demon, blend with the Christian humans.
Kim Ah Young as Arong holds enough enigma to elevate the suspense factor. She is the most mysterious of the lot.
Room for Improvement
The only part that I felt a little underwhelming was Han Da-on’s back story. Particularly, Kim So Yeong‘s character lacks depth that could play on the most emotional aspect of the drama.
The character is shallow and we do not feel an emotional connection with her. And when a pivotal plot twist happens, the impact is just meh.
Final Thoughts
If you have been disappointed in the K-dramas lately, The Judge from Hell can easily rid you of your slump. Hands down one of the best and most entertaining K-dramas of the year. And yes, we need more women like Park’s Justicia kicking asses.
Hope you liked our review of The Judge from Hell. Read more here👇🏽
Arya is a curious soul and nerd who loves books and cinema. You can read her articles on Medium. You can also follow her on Instagram where she talks about her favourite books and movies.
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