'THE JUDGE RETURNS' Achieves Highest Rating at the End of the Drama, Cast Expresses Gratitude

Kapanlagi.com - The MBC drama THE JUDGE RETURNS has just concluded its airing with a very impressive note. Its final episode, which aired on February 14, 2026, achieved the highest rating to date.

With leading star Ji Sung, the drama recorded a very impressive viewer rating. According to Nielsen Korea, its final episode achieved an average national rating of 12.8 percent, making it the top in its time slot.

The series concluded its airing with its best rating achievement, especially for the Saturday slot, which was previously lower than Friday. This success is reflected not only in Nielsen Korea's data but also in the responses from the cast, who expressed their gratitude to the viewers after the final episode aired on February 14.

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1. Final Episode Aired on February 14 and Achieved Highest Rating

The Judge Returns concluded with a rating of 12.8 percent (credit:instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)

On February 14, THE JUDGE RETURNS officially aired its final episode on MBC. This final episode recorded an average national rating of 12.8 percent according to Nielsen Korea. This figure became the highest Saturday rating ever achieved by this drama during its airing period.

In fact, the series ranked first in its timeslot among all television channels that night. This achievement serves as a strong conclusion after the Saturday ratings had previously tended to be lower compared to Friday's airing.

2. Dominance in the 20-54 Age Demographic

The Judge Returns closed with a rating of 12.8 percent (credit:instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)

In addition to leading overall, THE JUDGE RETURNS also became the most-watched program on Saturday among the key demographic of ages 20 to 54. In that category, the drama achieved a rating of 4.5 percent.

This success demonstrates its appeal is not only wide-ranging in general but also strong among the target audience group for advertisers. This data further solidifies its position as a flagship program on the closing night. This achievement also showcases the consistent interest of viewers up to the final episode.

3. Competition with Other Dramas in the Weekend Slot

The Judge Returns closed with a rating of 12.8 percent (credit:instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)

On the same day, KBS 2TV aired TO MY BELOVED THIEF, which also recorded its highest Saturday rating of 6.9 percent. The drama is now entering its last two weeks of airing.

Meanwhile, tvN through UNDERCOVER MISS HONG started the second half of its airing with an average national rating of 7.1 percent. Channel A via POSITIVELY YOURS recorded a rating of 1.0 percent that night.

On the other hand, KBS 2TV also maintained a strong position through RECIPE FOR LOVE, which became the most-watched program on Friday with a rating of 14.5 percent for its fifth episode.

4. Ji Sung Delivers an Emotional Message to the Audience

The Judge Returns concluded with a rating of 12.8 percent (credit:instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)

After the last episode aired, the cast delivered their closing messages. Ji Sung expressed his heartfelt thanks to the viewers who have loved THE JUDGE RETURNS until the end.

He mentioned that the character Lee Han Young kept running towards justice until the last second despite facing false accusations and fierce conflicts. Ji Sung hopes that the journey of this character will be remembered for a long time.

He also emphasized that the success of this drama is not the work of just one actor. According to him, the dedication of the staff and production team who worked tirelessly is the key reason this drama could air every Friday and Saturday.

5. Park Hee Soon and Won Jin Ah Express Gratitude

The Judge Returns ended with a rating of 12.8 percent (credit:instagram.com/mbcdrama_now)

Park Hee Soon also expressed appreciation to the viewers who faithfully followed the drama until the end. He mentioned that closing his first MBC project felt very meaningful amidst the positive responses.

He admitted that he felt heavy at times because he portrayed the most wicked antagonist, but he is still grateful for the audience's empathy towards his character. He hopes to return with a different role in the future.

Won Jin Ah also expressed her gratitude for the love given to this drama. She admitted to learning a lot from her more senior co-stars and realizing her own shortcomings during the filming process.

She thanked the viewers who got angry and supported the story from the beginning to the end. Won Jin Ah promised to show a better version of herself in the next project.

6. Popular Q&A About The Judge Returns Drama

Q: What was the rating for the last episode of The Judge Returns?
A: The final episode recorded a national average rating of 12.8 percent according to Nielsen Korea.

Q: When did the last episode of The Judge Returns air?
A: The last episode aired on February 14.

Did The Judge Returns lead its time slot?
A: Yes, this drama ranked first in its time slot among all channels on the final night.

Who were the main cast members that delivered the closing message?
A: Ji Sung, Park Hee Soon, and Won Jin Ah expressed their gratitude to the viewers.

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(kpl/vna)