The Devil Judge (2021)

KANG YO HAN !A One Man Showdown !

I'm not going to say how the drama is as I'm late for the party! But even then I wanted to write this review because I wanted to share my thoughts and views during watching the series.

1.) Kang Yo Han: Firstly about Ji Sung I would just say he's a born to be an actor. And about the role to create the world a million times better place one must take responsibility to turn into a monster who should wipe out trash. And KYH is a character written as such. He too has emotions and l relations but above them he kept his sorrow, tragedy, trauma in his life and chose to become a monster who can eradicate those injustice and tragadies created by those in power from the life those who don't have the power even if it might potray him evil. And he never even made any excuse for his actions or behavior. This makes a person real human.

2.) Jung Sun Ah: I have always imagined a woman figure as a soft, outspoken, patient type. But this particular character really got me off the picture I have always imagined about woman. She is an icon of deal and destruction. After everything she faced from the childhood and got to such a position, she could have helped people like her with the authority and capability she has. But still she chose to keep herself first because in this cruel reality of life no one would care to keep you or care you first. You have to do it yourself even if it means to kill or be killed. Though the way she chose to gain & use her power was wrong, I truly respect her character to have such an audacity to stand strong among the egoistic and self-obsessed, power-thirst, influential men who could do anything and everything in their power and control them at her fingertips which not many could do.

3.) Kim Ga-On & Yoon Soo Hyun: I was really fed up with these two confused characters who doesn't have their own decision making capabilities and always act like immature school kids. Thse two are such fools to criticise every decision that KYH makes especially KGO. They didn't even face 1/4th of the unjust KYH faced and life KYH lived and still they have the nerve to question his decisions and behavior. For a second, it's atleast fine upto the live court proceedings as it's work related. But digging about KYH and blaming him directly for his brother's death with any circumstantial evidence! Like really! Are they really public servents? What right do these two jerks has to dig up someone life? And barging in and blaming someone without even knowing atleast a part of the truth let alone whole truth. Getting manipulated easily by others words without using their brain these two are the one's talking about law, rules, system, order. Wow! What a joke! They really looked like a team of hipocrates. It's because KYH let them off but in reality if I find someone digging up my past life then I would file a case of prying on my privacy and stalking.

As for the main five antagonists the president, Bussinessman, Channel owner, Minister and the Foundation Chairman. Sometimes I really felt the urge to go inside my phone, given a chance, and kill them myself. So you can imagine what kind of emotions I felt! These are the people in power who have a lot to loose but still hold on to the power and the money they have to manipulate the system as they like.

Overall the drama was an eye-opener to the harsh reality that power and money even make or break any kind of person whether he/she may be a president or a low-life begger. They have explained life of an individual in a very extra-ordinary way that "Life of a person is not a case of judgment to judge what is right and what is wrong. It's just a journey of choices to choose what you want to do and what you don't. And every choice you make in that journey comes with a heavy price ".

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Not a "court case of the week" type of show

I planned to watch this drama from when it started airing, but I knew it would be better to binge it once it was over. For that reason, I completely skipped any news or comments about the show. I didn’t even realize that every episode was over 1h.

The initial premise of the show would make you believe that the court cases would be a big part of the show, once it’s actually just a tool for the main plot to develop. I can see how people that expected more court cases could be disappointed, but I was very happy with how the cases we got were part of the main story and had interesting twists. If we got any cases that were not 100% crucial to the big plan, I wish we’d seen a case with a split vote. I guess the closest we got to that was the electric chair one, where the public was not totally agreeing at first.

The team of villain on this show is outstanding. I completely hated all of them with my entire body. Kudos to the fantastic work done by the actors, specially the president. I never liked and trusted the professor, so I was happy to see that my suspicions were correct.

This is a prime kdrama, so we all knew that we’d not get a romance between the two male leads. But the hints and chemistry were there. The two hugs on episode 16 were the crumbs for Ga On/Yo Han shippers. I think there is a big issue that would difficult the plot going on that path: Ga On being the split image of Yo Han deceased brother. The same way that I think Elijah had a “crush” on Ga On just because he cared about her, then he kinda became her second dad, with Yo Han. I also didn’t expect the show to make Ga On and Soo Hyun’s relationship endgame. But I thought they’d do that by making her just move on after being in love with him for so long.

As much as I believe that Ga On liked Soo Hyun for real, when she died he cried and wanted revenge. While with Yo Han, he literally tried to blow himself up twice in one 1h. I guess the thought of a world without Yo Han was pretty scary…

Even though the ending of the show is not a “we’ll never meet again” situation, the fact that Elijah has such a strong connection to Ga On makes me believe she’d not agree to just go to Switzerland in the middle of the night. I doubt she’d go 1 month without contacting him, she’s a computer genius. I understand that Yo Han is technically dead in Korea, so they can’t live like a happy family at the mansion, but they’d still keep in touch.

The show is open ended and the ending we get is “happy”. But, in a weird way, Sun Ah’s plan worked in a way that Yo Han is not all alone, but Ga On is. By the end of episode 16, Ga On has lost his best friend, his “best buddy”, his mentor and his two work colleagues. He’s left alone in life and on the fight against the system.

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Tell me it's a subtle South Korean Hannibal without telling me it is...

I suppose only people who have watched Hannibal will see the parallels, and I saw them all. The context is so different, but the key moments and characters are all there! I won't go into detail about how the shows line up because this review is meant to be about The Devil Judge, which is just fantastic in the same visual, emotional, indulgent and treacherously intriguing way that Hannibal NBC was, while being an entire treat by itself in it's interesting story. I did not mind a single second of all 16 eps.

I don't know if the writer of this has actually watched Hannibal or if the energy of this show was coincidental, but either way, it was a hell of a fix and a damn good watch.

That said, this show checks ALL of my boxes, so it may not be to everyone's taste and my review is totally based on my bias.
For those who like a clear line between good and bad, this is not for you, the 'good guys' are not the focus, but the 'right guys' on the other hand...

All GOOD, no BAD or UGLY. I've already rewatched it and I will do so again.

This show made me a FAN ya'll. And Ji Sung is perfection.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama "The Devil Judge" is a law drama with strong characters.

The main story is not something original, rather, it's a well-used trop, with the bad rich people in power corrupting the system and using the masses to their own advantages, and some people trying to stop them. The new thing that the drama introduces, however, was the live court theme, which was well handled. The some sort of family that was created in the mansion was pretty sweet as well and created enough cute moments to provide the drama with the right emotions and enhance the dynamics between the characters.

However, the drama started getting boring halfway through and only the live court cases were the main source of entertainment. Also, Sun Ah's character was simply unlikable and forcefully trying to be a strong lead and the main villain. In addition, the first episodes had an interesting camera work and editing which was a bit over-the-top.

Still, the final episodes were pretty intense, with an overused twist though. The performances were top-notch too, and the OST suited the story perfectly.

So, overall, 6 out of 10.

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The Devil Judge

I just finished ep 15 and I was blown and I legit mean blown away. This whole Kdrama was so full of suspense and mystery and anxiety of not knowing what's to come. But that's the charm to it not knowing. I was mesmerised and taken away from the start. I liked how the drama slowly brings u into storyline and then suddenly hits u with like milion facts at once and with such a messy plot. It is a messy but I like it. I like how messy and twisted it can be and how it actually shows reality of some real possible future or like a stimulation of one. Directors and writers did a good one on this one and the actors are amazing at portraying their emotions. I could feel every single emotion they felt and that means a lot when I as an audience member can connect on that level with characters. Through this drama I felt various emotions from the unfairness to injustice and just raw and cruel emotions and real. This drama was really real. And it portrayes many sides at once that's another charm of its own. I really love this drama it might even be my favorite so far. That's how good it is!
It is worth rewatching again but that first time the first thrill and suspense emotions u feel, well nothing can replace the first time. I fully recommend watching this K-Drama it is so worth your time trust me I won't be wrong on this one.
Can't wait to see the final episode and what's in store for us

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Revenge served in a decorated platter

Once again a high class revenge story. Yes .The acting and cast is perfect. The music is on par with movies. But ridiculous and loopholes are everywhere. CCtV doesn't exist in this drama.. i don't get what the police officer deal? How can she be everywhere? and jump to everything ...
some people are saying because of the ML looks it didn't get more ratings than Vinzenco..relax guys.Mr.queen made it to top without ant A class actors.. This story is refreshing but it's still lacking some sense.

How come no body questions Ms.Kim even when she murdered people but people suspect ML ..writers stop portraying ML with contracting to his own self..I am still waiting for the rest of the episodes,But i hope it doesn't disappoint like vinzenco at the end...

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You need to watch this!!!!

The Devil Judge is a story about Kang Yo Han seeking justice for His Brother who died in a mysterious fire accident with his wife. He become one of the Prominent Judge of South Korea. He handle his court hearing and announce verdict through a live coverage nationwide and allow the citizen of Korea to vote if the Defendant is guilty or not in the crime. The people behind the establishment of this kind of justice system was really the target of Kang Ho Yan. The story for seeking justice is common in kdrama but what is unique in Devil Judge is the process plus the twist and the pacing was really perfect and unpredictable. Ji Sung proves again that this is His genre and his acting is thumbs up.... and Park Jin-Young , I already watch him in He is Psychometric, but in this series, the Acting, the Visuals...he really leveled up......10/10

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ANOTHER SEASON PLEASE

I just finished binge watching this. I loved it!!!!!!!, the whole gist of this was ‘the end justifies the means’ and Judge Han did just that. There are so many twists and turns in the plot it gets you addicted to see what happens next. Lots of bad guys (male and female). I honestly did not know how it would end until the very last few minutes. First ML was absolutely perfect in his role as was second ML. The villainess really made you hate her but what a devious mind. Hope society never comes to this stage in any country. Really hope for a season two. Pleasssssseeeee.

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superbe série

C'est une superbe série. L'acteur principal Ji Sung est époustouflant dans ce rôle taillé sur mesure pour lui !
C'est un acteur que je ne connaissais pas, du coup je vais regarder ses autres séries.
La réplique est très bien donnée par Kim Min Jung qui est détestable à souhait !
L'intrigue est bien menée, parfois volontairement un peu lentement histoire de bien énerver le spectateur.
C'est très bien filmé et très esthétique.
Les autres personnages secondaires sont un peu décevants, notamment Park Jin Young dont le personnage est un peu fade et pas tellement crédible.

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One thing you should know: Each character was a different face of mankind.

The thing i love the most about this drama: Each character showed us a different face of mankind.

Yohan shout out to us that as long as we stay silent about injustices we are no different from other corrupt people. That's why he chose to be the devil rather than being a silent hypocrite under "good person" mask, even if it makes him the scapegoat.

Gaon showed us the consequences of acting ignorantly. We saw through him that sometimes our conscience blinds us.

Sunah said man's worst enemy is himself. That's why she never loved herself, she always wanted more, but she was never happy. Because she couldn't win her war with herself. She thought she wanted Yohan's love, but what she really wanted was to feel like someone worthy of love.

Soohyun made us understand what we saw may not be true and what we think is wrong may not be wrong at all. We shouldn't act depending only our prejudice.

*opinions about ending from here -implicit spoilers-*

Some people found the show extreme, but it was actually so realistic. It was far from ordinary. You just need to look at it from a different perspective. Not everyone suddenly became a "good" person from villain. Not the system suddenly changed well. Not everything suddenly became peaceful at the end.

There was a war, it was fought, it was won.

But as in real life, years must pass after wars so that mankind can learn a lesson and do better. I couldn't have imagined a better finale than this.

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Justice does not exist in reality, all that exists is a terribly unfair game...

Devil Judge is precisely like that, a "game " set in a dystopian world where the corrupt rule the people.
And where those think they are the rulers of everything with their dirty deeds and personal greed.
The true mastermind arrives like a storm with a LIVE court, to punish the criminals with his own unconventional ways.

"It's like playing a game. And if you can't prove anything you lose the game."

Kang Yo Han is not a hero, but he isn't a criminal either.

He is playing a dangerous game against powerful forces. If there is no fairness in their dark world and society, then he makes his own rules by giving the rights for people to vote and decide on the proper punishments, by using the court app DYKE. We can say it gives the rights to people but also a dangerous influence on certain oppositions. But then again it's all in the public eye, it's bound to happen. He did not made it on purpose, the president on the other hand promoted it using excuses.

"If the devil really does exist among us, it would be... in the self-pity of the powerful."

His road to personal vengeance was long and torturous, and he carried a heavy cross not only in the scar on his back but upon his shoulders for his losses. For someone who was ostracized since young and suffered in the hands of an abusive father he grew up to be the most altruist character among them all. Perhaps we could thank Isaac for that, because he guided him well, and also Elijah for being his weakness and only family. Despite their miscommunication, they were always bonded and family.

"I am used to people looking at me like a monster, but having you look at me like that with that face... hurts my feelings a bit..."

Kim Ga On, the always indecisive player in this game. Impulsive and reckless when it comes to make decisions.
"Judas" could be an insult since in a way he is also a victim caught by the evil and played by being too gullible. He is easily influenced by others, and was coddled by his best friend since losing his parents. Coincidentally he is also a doppelganger of Yo Han's older brother, Isaac, hence the reason why he was manipulated and used in all of this.

"Are you saying that being a monster is better than being a victim?"

Although both were victims, and different forces. It was enjoyable to see their bond being created that until Ga On wavered.
Because at a certain point he did sensed a newfound family with Yo Han and Elijah, maybe because of how at ease it all seemed between them. How easily they opened the door of their house and trust to him, only to be broken down so easily...

"The anger... I understand that. Even if nobody in the world understands. I do. At least when it comes to that emotion."

That's his own and personal downfall. - The anger - It blinded him to the truth. Soo Hyun's death being the turning point.
Now, we cannot hold that accountable solely on his part. If Yo Han had been more direct in his own affairs, then perhaps they wouldn't have that rift between them that divided and created a mess of events which led to where they ended. Still, its only natural for Yo Han to not trust anyone easily and Ga On had to prove himself. He knew from the start who he was associated with, and maybe he caught on how easily manipulated Ga On could be whenever it came down to his own broken emotions.

That's what makes them apart. Where Yo Han is broken but remains strong with his eyes wide open and creating plans.
Ga On is broken and drowns in his own misery, often misjudging situations and people around him, only to regret it afterwards.

"If there's no justice in reality and it's just a game. I would like to be on the winning team."

He is naïve and too righteous to the world he lives in, while Yo Han has seen his fair share of despicable beings.

"I want to fight... the corrupt world."

Ga On showed interest the minute Yo Han let him in. However, he did not open his mind at all and put his all in this conviction.

"I don't remember asking you to understand me.
Will you stand in my way... or stand by my side?"

The minute Yo Han confronted him with this statement its bound to know it was one of the last tests for Ga On to take.
And from there on it all went down the hill. Now Ga On's intentions might have been righteous in his mind, abiding by the law and to save Yo Han from the darkness and of becoming a devil himself for his actions. But, we cannot disregard how easily swayed he was on certain things, while he should confronted and demand explanations, he jumped straight into accusations that led to unfortunate events. And in his regret, he tries his best and finally gives his all only it's too late for redemption.

"I have no choice. Once the performance ends, the actor must disappear."
"I'll go with you."
"You'll be a hero. There need not be... more than one devil."

Redemption is also a big word in this gaming world. I mean there's none for the villains.
Some even easily chose to make their way out instead of facing punishment.

Why make Sun Ah regret anything in the END? Made no sense to me. For a woman who easily killed others to achieve things and to hit Yo Han, why make her have self pity towards a young girl? Because that girl reminded her of herself? Why show that she had a bit of humanity left when she easily discarded that when killing others? Lack of love, and blinding obsession made her that way. My only complaint, her sidekick Jae Hee, did not paid for anything she did. She killed for money and got away.

It was a game with many characters, some were useless... others plain annoying and loud. The villains were greedy and snob. Sun Ah was more cunning, and ambitious so I expected more at the end. But she made her grand finale by her own hands.

Yo Han calling his Hyung in there was impactful and something that was highly anticipated.

Ga On was turned into the hero, and Yo Han probably remained a devil by the public eye.
The thing is about heroes.... loneliness is granted - He ends up alone - losing people he loved, betrayed by those he thought he could trust, and far away from those he did betrayed. Those whom he could have formed a family with, Yo Han and Elijah.

For those of us who really enjoyed this game, it's a hope for a second season.

"Do it well. If you don't, I'll come back."

As this warning lingers in the air, with that final scene.
Still, albeit hopeful it would not be the same as this one.
Sometimes, less is more. And Devil Judge is definitely that.

Ji Sung, Jin Young and Min Jung did not disappoint in their roles. They carried the whole show that's for sure.

The cinematography here was amazing, production wise really does deserves its praise. The majority of the shots were clean, and the CGI effects were believable, mainly with the major screens displayed. I really enjoyed the way they did the LIVE court, as a show with an app for voting. It's a different view of a somehow futuristic courtroom. The cases were interesting as well.

The OST is just *CHEF'S KISS* it went smooth with the scenes. The instrumental pieces worked in emotional moments.
It's hard for me to pick a favorite because I liked them all. Remarkable OST for such a powerful drama.

Devil Judge was made to be impactful. The first half was good, the second half became a bit messy but at the same time it held the interest and higher ratings. Although we are bound to either love or hate these characters, and doubt the plot we cannot deny that it was a good and different drama from the usual that we are used to see. I am glad I followed it from the start.

Highly recommended it. Either binge watch it, or savor every episode. In the end it will be worth it.
Just remember to chose a proper side, do not let your feelings cloud your decisions and theories.
I was Team Yo Han from the very start ;) So, which one will you chose?

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