As the connection between Park Shin-hye and Kim Jae-young evolves, ‘Judge from Hell‘ has achieved a new milestone in viewership ratings.
On the 12th, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Judge from Hell‘ (written by Jo Yi-soo, directed by Park Jin-pyo and Jo Eun-ji, produced by Studio S) aired its eighth episode, surpassing its previous highest viewership record with a rating of 13.6% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea.
In the latest episode, the tumultuous relationship between Kang Bit-na (Park Shin-hye) and Han Da-on (Kim Jae-young) reached a significant turning point. Pushed to her limits, Han Da-on reached out to Kang Bit-na in a moment of desperation. Kang Bit-na, taking her hand, connected with Han Da-on’s feelings and was moved to tears.
On that fateful day, the two women stumbled upon the sound of a gunshot and the sight of red bloodstains, coinciding with the mysterious disappearance of Kim So-young (Kim Hye-hwa). As J, the serial killer responsible for the murder of Han Da-on’s family 25 years prior, emerged as a prime suspect, Kang Bit-na felt her heart ache once more while witnessing Han Da-on tremble with rage.
The trial of Choi Won-joong (Oh Eui-sik), a criminal associated with a major conglomerate, took place as well. Choi Won-joong employed various forms of external influence through his wealth and connections. In an effort to hold him accountable, Kang Bit-na issued a lenient sentence during the proceedings. Choi Won-joong failed to express remorse to the victim’s family and instead chose to visit a church, proclaiming that he had been saved by God. His dismissive demeanor, which included rejecting the police’s offer of personal protection, was particularly infuriating.
Simultaneously, Han Da-on confronted Kang Bit-na, who was preparing to impose a penalty on Choi Won-joong. Kang Bit-na referenced the case of serial killer J and urged Han Da-on, “Instead of pursuing me, assist me. I will track him down and ensure he faces justice.” Unable to accept this proposition, Han Da-on embraced Kang Bit-na tightly, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in her and affirming that it was not her fault.
Kang Bit-na’s true confrontation with the criminal Choi Won-joong commenced thereafter. True to her nature, Kang Bit-na executed Choi Won-joong in a manner reflecting the principle of retribution. The execution scene, both shocking and exhilarating, took an unexpected turn. Han Da-on captured footage of Kang Bit-na carrying out the execution and dragging Choi Won-joong away. It was revealed that Han Da-on had secretly placed a location tracker on Kang Bit-na’s clothing during their earlier embrace.
As Kang Bit-na grappled with feelings of betrayal, Han Da-on incapacitated her using sulfur powder and secured her with handcuffs. The effects of the sulfur powder rendered Kang Bit-na immobile for several hours. At that critical moment, Han Da-on’s phone rang, delivering the grim news that Kim So-young had been located. Tragically, Kim So-young was found deceased, and beside her body lay a mark that appeared to be associated with the serial killer known as J.
Kim So-young was the pillar of strength for Han Da-on after she lost her entire family to the serial killer J. She filled the roles of mother and older sister, becoming more of a family member than anyone else. Overwhelmed by grief, Han Da-on sought out Kang Bit-na on her own and destroyed the cell phone that held crucial evidence. She then implored Kang Bit-na to eliminate the serial killer J, insisting that they would confront him together and end his life.
When Kang Bit-na hesitated, Han Da-on cried out, “Once I take down that monster, you can kill me and send me to hell. I would welcome death at your hands.” Kang Bit-na turned to her, affirming, “I will certainly honor that promise.” In that moment, Kang Bit-na felt her heart race, and tears streamed down her face, marking the conclusion of episode 8.
SBS’s drama ‘Judge from Hell‘ is broadcast every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.
Images credits = SBS ‘Judge from Hell’