The competition among Friday night K‑dramas is heating up, and MBC’s brand‑new series The Judge Returns is quickly proving itself to be a rising contender.
“The Judge Returns” Hits New Ratings High
On January 9, the legal thriller starring Ji Sung achieved its best performance yet with its third episode. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama soared to an average nationwide rating of 5.8 percent, marking a significant leap of more than a full percentage point compared to its previous episode.
This steady climb signals growing viewer interest in Ji Sung’s powerful portrayal of a judge navigating justice, morality, and personal struggles. With only three episodes aired, the drama is already gaining momentum and positioning itself as one of MBC’s most promising titles of the season.
“Taxi Driver 3” Continues Its Reign
Meanwhile, SBS’s blockbuster Taxi Driver 3 continued to dominate the same time slot. Ahead of its highly anticipated finale, the penultimate episode scored an impressive 11.4 percent average nationwide rating, reaffirming its status as the most‑watched show of Friday night.
The vigilante action drama, led by Lee Je Hoon, has captivated audiences throughout its third season with gripping storylines and justice‑driven missions. With the finale just around the corner, fans are eagerly awaiting how the Rainbow squad’s journey will conclude.
“Love Me” Begins Second Half of Its Run
JTBC’s romance drama Love Me also returned with fresh episodes, kicking off the second half of its run. The seventh and eighth episodes recorded average nationwide ratings of 1.8 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively. While modest compared to its competitors, the series continues to attract a loyal audience invested in its heartfelt storytelling.
The Battle of Friday Night Dramas
With The Judge Returns steadily climbing, Taxi Driver 3 holding strong at the top, and Love Me carving out its niche, Friday nights are shaping up to be a diverse showcase of genres—from courtroom tension to vigilante justice to tender romance.
As Taxi Driver 3 prepares to wrap up, all eyes are on whether The Judge Returns will continue its upward trajectory and possibly challenge the reigning champion in the weeks ahead.
Read: Weekend Drama Ratings: To My Beloved Thief Joins the Fierce Battle with a Strong Debut
