According to Nielsen Korea, a prominent viewership ratings research firm, the 10th episode of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Judge from Hell,’ which aired on October 19th, achieved impressive nationwide ratings. The episode garnered a solid rating of 11.4%, with a peak viewership of 13.9%. This remarkable performance not only secured the drama the top position among Saturday miniseries but also marked it as the highest-rated program for weekly miniseries across all channels during that particular time slot. Furthermore, the drama’s appeal extended to the coveted 2049 demographic, where it achieved a rating of 4.3%, placing it first among all Saturday broadcasts. ‘Judge from Hell’ continues to demonstrate its strong popularity, consistently leading in various metrics and captivating audiences week after week.
In this gripping episode, the central characters, Kang Bit-na, portrayed by the talented Park Shin-hye, and Han Da-on, played by Kim Jae-young, found themselves entangled in an unprecedented crisis that tested their limits. Throughout the episode, both characters displayed remarkable bravery, risking their lives to save one another in a series of heart-pounding moments. Just when they believed they had narrowly escaped the clutches of danger, the narrative took another shocking twist, leaving viewers in suspense. The 80-minute episode was a thrilling rollercoaster ride, filled with unexpected developments and emotional stakes, ensuring that audiences remained glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. The combination of intense drama, well-crafted storytelling, and strong performances contributed to the episode’s success and the show’s ongoing popularity.
Earlier, another demon named Detective Jang, portrayed by Choi Dae-hoon, was summoned by Iarong, played by Kim Ah-young, to eliminate Han Da-on. In reality, he was Paimon, an adversary of Kang Bit-na, who had been vying for the title of Bael’s successor for 400 years. Bael, depicted by Shin Sung-rok, holds the position of the second most powerful figure in Hell. Paimon, disguised as Detective J, menaced and taunted Han Da-on, leveraging the fact that she had destroyed evidence to shield Kang Bit-na.
Kang Bit-na deduced that the serial killer known as J was a Satan who had escaped from Hell, based on his method of severing various body parts from his victims. If he possessed the body parts of virtuous individuals along with the Hell’s treasure, Caelum, he could potentially achieve immortality in a human form. Subsequently, Kang Bit-na accompanied Han Da-on to meet the families of J’s victims, seeking to understand their experiences. Would they ever be able to forget or forgive the actions of the serial killer J?
Han Da-on and Jang Myeong-suk, played by Kim Jae-hwa, the proprietor of Hwang Cheon Villa, were also individuals who had suffered the loss of loved ones at the hands of the serial killer J. Each bore deep emotional scars. As Kang Bit-na listened to their stories, she began to resonate with their anguish. Notably, Han Da-on, who bore her suffering with remarkable strength, became a catalyst for Kang Bit-na’s own tears. Kang Bit-na assured Han Da-on, “I will find you and ensure your demise.”
Kang Bit-na embarks on a quest to locate Jeong Seon-ho, seeking to determine whether he is the notorious serial killer J or a manifestation of Satan. During this pursuit, both Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on encounter an unimaginable threat. Paimon and Iarong pose a danger to Gu Man-do, portrayed by Kim In-kwon, while simultaneously using Kang Bit-na’s voice to lure Han Da-on. In a moment of desperation, Han Da-on, who had contemplated killing Detective Jang to safeguard Kang Bit-na, abandons her plans and rushes toward the sound of Kang Bit-na’s voice, pleading for her life.
Upon learning from Gu Man-do about Han Da-on’s peril, Kang Bit-na hurries to her aid, only to find Han Da-on bloodied due to Paimon’s actions. This sets the stage for an intense confrontation between Kang Bit-na and Paimon. As Paimon is momentarily subdued, he ensnares Kang Bit-na in a deceptive fantasy. In this illusion, Paimon, disguised as Han Da-on, approaches Kang Bit-na, pleading, “Your Honor. You love me. Please die.”
Kang Bit-na is jolted back to reality by Han Da-on’s voice and manages to defeat Paimon. She then embraces Han Da-on tightly, assuring her, “From now on, focus solely on me and trust in me. I will keep you safe.” Just when it seems the ordeal has concluded, the demon Paimon revives and lunges at Kang Bit-na. In a selfless act, Han Da-on sacrifices her life to protect Kang Bit-na, bringing episode 10 of “Judge from Hell” to a dramatic close.
In the 10th episode of “Judge from Hell,” Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on put their lives on the line for one another, leading to a dramatic climax in their tumultuous relationship. The conclusion, in which Han Da-on offers to sacrifice himself for Kang Bit-na, delivered a profound impact. Actors Park Shin-hye and Kim Jae-young skillfully captured the evolution of their characters’ bond through their nuanced performances, enhancing viewer engagement. Additionally, the full backstory of the serial killer J was unveiled, prompting reflection on the suffering of the victims’ families and those left behind.
Will Han Da-on truly sacrifice himself to save Kang Bit-na? Who is the elusive serial killer J that they are pursuing? Can Kang Bit-na track down the serial killer J, eliminate him, and send him to hell? Episode 11 of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Judge from Hell‘ is set to air on Friday, October 25th at 10 PM.
Photo = SBS /Fri-Sat drama ‘Judge from Hell’