Park Shin-Hye helps Kim Jae-Young in ‘The Judge From Hell’ (EP7)

The Judge from Hell kdrama – Episode 7 Recap and Spoilers.

A hug between Park Shin-hye and Kim Jae-young from The Judge from Hell was captured, but it is far from sweet.

Episode 7 of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama The Judge from Hell, which aired on the 11th, surprised viewers with its shocking ending. While the appearance of the serial killer J, who murdered Han Da-on’s (Kim Jae-young) family 25 years ago, was hinted at, Kim So-young (Kim Hye-hwa), whom Han Da-on trusts like a mother, disappears with a gunshot, leaving only a red bloodstain behind.

Episode 7 recorded an 11% nationwide rating and 11.1% in the metropolitan area (according to Nielsen Korea), taking first place among Friday-Saturday dramas. This figure also ranked first among all programs in the same time slot on Fridays. The peak viewership rating soared to an impressive 13.8%, with a 3.3% rating among viewers aged 20 to 49.

The previews for the seventh episode left viewers on the edge of their seats with unpredictable developments. Notably, the ending scene where Kang Bit-na (Park Shin-hye) and Han Da-on (Kim Jae-young) discover red bloodstains amidst the gunshots hinted at shocking developments, stirring emotions in living rooms across the country.

Yoo Jeong-im (Park Ji-yeon), a resident of Hwangcheon Villa, encounters an unidentified assailant while walking alone late at night. Fortunately, Gu Man-do (Kim In-kwon) and Jang Myeong-sook (Kim Jae-hwa), who were passing by, witness the situation and save her life. Later, during the police investigation, Yoo Jeong-im describes the assailant’s unique knife shape. When police officer Kim So-young (Kim Hye-hwa) sees this, she is shocked to find that the knife matches the description of the one used by serial killer J, who murdered Han Da-on’s family 25 years ago. Kim So-young realizes that the serial killer has reappeared after 25 years.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on shows signs of change. While Han Da-on still suspects Kang Bit-na of being the “culprit behind the serial murders targeting criminals,” Kang Bit-na comforts Han Da-on, who has long blamed herself for her family’s deaths. Kang Bit-na’s reassurance, “You didn’t kill them,” disarms Han Da-on, leading her to view Kang Bit-na with more complex feelings.

On the other hand, Kang Bit-na discovers a can of Coke she left behind at the scene of a past crime in Han Da-on’s house. Furious upon learning that Han Da-on suspects her, she moves into a house across the street to keep an eye on her. Determined to find and punish serial killer J, she vows to return to hell.

Amidst all this, a new incident unfolds. Choi Won-joong (Oh Eui-sik), who presents himself as an “icon of good deeds,” is revealed to be a hypocrite who values money over human life. He gives money to Won Chang-sun (Kang Shin-il), a laborer demanding fair rights, but when Won Chang-sun refuses to bend, Choi kidnaps and assaults him.

Won Chang-sun’s body is discovered later, along with evidence of Choi’s assault. However, Choi shamelessly denies his crimes, even mocking those without money as “people living at the bottom.” This infuriates Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on. At Han Da-on’s request, Kang Bit-na investigates Won Chang-sun’s death, uncovering that it was murder, not suicide.

That night, as Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on return to Hwangcheon Villa together, they encounter Park Dong-hoon (Kim Ji-hoon), an undercover police officer in Hwangcheon-dong. A gunshot rings out as Kim So-young, who was also undercover with Park Dong-hoon, disappears. Shortly after, Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on witness blood flowing across the dark alley floor. The seventh episode of The Judge from Hell ends powerfully, highlighting Kang Bit-na’s shock and Han Da-on’s anger.

Episode 7 skillfully weaves together diverse storylines, including the evolving relationship between Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on, Oh Mi-ja (Kim Young-ok) whose hidden identity begins to surface, Lee Ah-rong’s growing suspicion of Kang Bit-na, and the introduction of Choi Won-joong, a new criminal exhibiting abusive behavior. The breathtaking ending left viewers breathless, raising numerous questions and expectations for future developments.

Has serial killer J returned after 25 years? Was the person Kim So-young encountered just before her disappearance serial killer J? With these questions lingering, a significant shift in the relationship between Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on appears imminent. Both characters must confront serial killer J: Kang Bit-na, who seeks to punish criminals and return to hell, and Han Da-on, who, having lost her family, may also lose Kim So-young, whom she views as family.

In the midst of this tension, the production team of The Judge from Hell teased a critical moment between Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on ahead of the eighth episode, airing on October 12. While the two have exhibited palpable chemistry that hints at deeper feelings, their interactions this time promise to be complex and multifaceted, adding to the tension.

The production team stated, “In the eighth episode airing today (the 12th), the relationship between Kang Bit-na and Han Da-on will become stronger and more dramatic. This will intertwine with Kang Bit-na’s quest for justice, delivering unprecedented tension. The detailed and energetic performances by Park Shin-hye and Kim Jae-young will amplify the shock viewers will experience, enriching the drama. We appreciate your interest and anticipation.”

Episode 8 of The Judge from Hell, which promises a stronger narrative and heightened tension, will air today (the 12th) at 10 p.m.

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