If you’ve been meaning to dive into The Devil Judge, now is the time. The acclaimed K-drama, praised by fans as one of the boldest courtroom thrillers in recent years, will be leaving Netflix on 23 August. First aired in South Korea during the summer of 2021, the show quickly stood out thanks to its daring concept: in a dystopian future, criminal trials are broadcast live on television like a reality show, and the public becomes judge and jury.
At the centre of it all is Kang Yo-han, played by Ji Sung, a man both feared and admired. Known as the “devil judge,” he uses the courtroom to expose the corruption of political leaders. But his unorthodox methods raise a burning question — is he a hero fighting for justice or simply another tyrant in disguise? His greatest rival, portrayed by Kim Min-jung, is determined to strip away his secrets and challenge his authority.
With only sixteen episodes, the series struck a chord with viewers worldwide. On Viki, a streaming platform dedicated to Asian dramas, The Devil Judge holds a near-perfect 9.7/10 rating, with more than 51,000 votes. That kind of reception doesn’t come often, and it shows just how much the story resonated.
A cast that shines
Part of the magic lies in the ensemble. Ji Sung, already celebrated for roles in Kill Me, Heal Me, brings intensity and nuance to a character caught between justice and vengeance. Kim Min-jung (Mr. Sunshine) provides the perfect counterbalance, embodying both strength and cunning. Fans will also recognise Park Jin-young, who recently charmed audiences in New Page in Seoul, and Park Gyu-young, unforgettable as guard No-eul in Squid Game. Their performances ground the drama in human conflict, even as the story grapples with big ideas about power and morality.
Other courtroom dramas to try on Netflix
If you’re hooked on legal thrillers, Netflix isn’t short on options. Extraordinary Attorney Woo has become a global hit, telling the story of a brilliant autistic lawyer navigating a prestigious Seoul law firm. The series was so successful that a remake is already in the works.
Another standout is The Good Bad Mother star Lee Jin-wook in The Way of the Law, which offers a look inside a firm through the eyes of a new recruit. For something a little different, Law School follows students caught up in a shocking murder investigation after their professor is accused of a crime.
And if you like your legal dramas sprinkled with romance, Suspicious Partner could be the perfect pick. Starring Ji Chang-wook, it blends courtroom tension with a tender story about a prosecutor and a trainee who find themselves drawn to each other.
Watch before it disappears
With its mix of social commentary, gripping suspense and unforgettable characters, The Devil Judge remains one of the most highly rated K-dramas of the past decade. But with its days numbered on Netflix, fans only have a short window to experience it. If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if justice itself became entertainment, this is the series you shouldn’t miss.
