K‑drama fans were treated to an exciting showdown on January 2 as Ji Sung’s highly anticipated new drama, The Judge Returns, made its grand premiere. Despite entering a competitive time slot dominated by SBS’s blockbuster series Taxi Driver 3, the courtroom thriller managed to carve out its own space in the ratings race.
According to Nielsen Korea, the debut episode of The Judge Returns recorded an average nationwide rating of 4.3 percent. While modest compared to its rival, the figure reflects a promising start for a fresh drama facing off against one of SBS’s most successful franchises. Ji Sung’s commanding presence and the drama’s intriguing storyline appear to have piqued viewers’ curiosity, setting the stage for steady growth in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, SBS’s Taxi Driver 3 proved once again why it remains a fan favorite. The action‑packed series didn’t just win its time slot—it dominated the entire Friday lineup, emerging as the most‑watched program of any kind that day. With an impressive 12.8 percent average nationwide rating, the drama reaffirmed its status as a ratings powerhouse and a must‑watch for fans of high‑octane revenge stories.
On the other hand, JTBC’s romance drama Love Me quietly wrapped up the first half of its run. Episodes five and six drew average nationwide ratings of 1.8 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. While the numbers may be lower compared to its competitors, the series continues to attract a niche audience that appreciates its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth.
With Ji Sung’s return to the small screen, SBS’s juggernaut Taxi Driver 3, and JTBC’s tender romance Love Me all airing simultaneously, the K‑drama landscape is buzzing with variety. Viewers now have a rich mix of genres to choose from—legal thrillers, action revenge sagas, and heartfelt romances—making this season one of the most exciting for drama enthusiasts.
Read: Ji Sung’s Epic Comeback: 3 Reasons Why ‘The Judge Returns’ Is the Must-Watch K-Drama of 2026
