Your Honor (2018) 친애하는 판사님께, directed by Boo Sung-cheol, starring Yun Si-yun, Lee You-young, Kwon Na-ra and Park Byung-eun.
Watched 17 - 20 November 2023 — 32 episodes (VIKI PASS/DRAMACOOL)
Han Soo-ho and Han Kang-ho were born as identical twins, but they live totally different lives. Han Soo-ho works as a judge and he is guided by principles. Han Kang-ho's extensive criminal record contains 5 different arrests. One day, Han Soo-ho suddenly disappears. Han Kang-ho secretly takes his brother's place as a judge. Han Kang-ho, who was once considered trash, becomes "Dear Judge" and highly respected. (Synopsis: AsianWiki)
*Decided to watch this legal series — while waiting for new episodes of the ongoing series A Good Day to Be a Dog — because I read some favourable reviews about this and I like both of the leads, Yun Si-yun and Lee You-young.
*The story is compelling. I found Yun Si-yun's acting initially over the top and his facial expressions exaggerated (it's probably meant to be comedic). He plays the dual role of twins, and the character of the criminal twin brother (posing as his brother, the judge) behaves too childishly at times. Being a judge and behaving the way he does is a bit curious. I've only seen Yun Si-yun in Train where he plays all serious and I also like him best here in his serious moments (the twin brother Han Soo-ho looks actually better with his serious demeanour).
*I love the female lead Lee You-young. Love her character, love this actress. She really has the sweetest smile. I think Yun Si-yun and Lee You-young are really cute together and I like the development of their romance. And that kiss in episode 22!!!! Swoon!
*I found the second part of the series notably better than the first, with the bad twin brother Han Kang-ho getting more serious and emotional and the actor toning down the goofiness.
*I love how the writers gave Lee You-young's long-lost sister a happy family: a very sweet and understanding husband, a cute little daughter and a likeable sister-in-law. We don't need misery all the time! The reunion between the sisters choked me up.
*Everything was wrapped up nicely in the last episodes. Yun Si-yun as Han Soo-ho gets his moment with his ex-girlfriend Kwon Na-ra which shows promise for a future together; Han Soo-ho finally helps his brother Han Kang-ho; also love the final scene with Han Kang-ho and his mother; Han Kang-ho sharing his culinary certificates with the restaurant couple; the nice new judge ruling in favour of Lee You-young.
*I love the happy ending between our leads. Yet, I would have preferred to see them properly back together and sharing more scenes. I like the fact that they're both doing well workwise.
*I was waiting for some legal consequences for Han Kang-ho's posing as a judge. What about all the rulings he had done, aren't they unlawful because he's not a judge? Then I read a review and realised his deception hadn't been disclosed to the public and only a handful of people knew about this.
*Nice OST with some catchy tunes.
*Finally, love Kim Gang-hyun as Section chief Jo. So adorable at times and very loyal to judge Han Kang-ho.