Shim Eun Seok is a successful judge with a reputation for being rude and abrasive.  When she is transferred into the juvenile court system, she is challenged to balance her hatred of young offenders with her belief in justice.  Though her attitude and methods may seem unconventional, her need to expose the truth makes her perfect for the job.  But, even as she tries her best to always be fair in the face of the law, a tragic memory from her past continues to take a toll on her personal life.  Meanwhile, her new co-worker and office-mate shows a more empathetic approach with his cases.  His own personal backstory is the perfect reminder that with the right encouragement, these young people still have a chance to grow up as responsible, law-abiding adults.  

Kim Mu Yeol as  Cha Tae Joo

Cha Tae Joo has been working in the juvenile justice deptarment for awhile.  He is empathetic and personally involved with all of his cases.  He is always willing to go the extra mile if it means proving a young person's innocence or helping lessen their punishment.  He is also not afraid to challenge his new co-worker if he feels like Eun Seok is being unfair or missing something in one of her cases.  

Cha Tae Joo is the perfect foil for Shim Eun Seok.  He is emotional and empathetic while she is all logic and cold indifference.  Having been in trouble with the law himself as a young person, Tae Joo understands the need for second chances.  I liked Kim Mu Yeol in this role, but I wish we could have seen a bit more character development for Cha Tae Joo.  Compared to Eun Seok's depth and backstory, Tae Joo didn't get to show much growth personally or professionally.

Lee Jung Eun as Na Geun Hee

Na Geun Hee takes over as Chief after Won Joong is forced to resign.  She is strict and decisive and she expects her judges to follow her lead.  She and Shim Eun Seok butt heads immediately, but over time she proves that she is willing to listen if she feels a person's point is valid.

♥ Fascinating Subject

This insight into the workings of the Korean juvenile system was very interesting.  I enjoyed learning about some of the difference between Korean and American laws.  And I liked that the series did a great job of highlighting the complexities of the problems without offering unrealistic answers.  It was also interesting knowing that some of the cases used in this drama were based on real stories.  This theme was unique and enlightening, which is what kept me engaged with the show.

 ♥ Moral Messages

This drama asks some important questions about our legal systems and the way we deal with young offenders.  It examines the pros and cons of rehabilitation over punishment and emphasizes the need for social responsibility.  It also wrestles with the reality that the law "cannot protect every victim".   This series isn't looking to solve the problems, but at least they are willing to bring the issues to light.  

Shim Eun Seok's Background

It doesn't seem realistic to me that any aspect of a judge's past could be kept a secret, especially when that incident could effect her ability to do her job well.  The idea that the events of her son's death never surfaced don't really make sense to me.  It seems like a judge would have more scrutiny, both from the public and the justice department.

Does She Hate the Criminals?

The whole premise of this series revolves around the idea that Eun Seok hates young offenders.  But as the show went on, it seemed like what she was really passionate about was helping the victims and their families find closure.  If a crime was deserving of punishment, she never hesitated to dole it out.  But her empathy for the victims seemed like much more of a motivating factor.

Because each case in this series ended as we went, there isn't much breakdown needed for the ending.  The boys who killed her son are charged with a whole string of serious crimes.  In the court room, Eun Seok gets them to turn on each other, and the truth of their violent history is uncovered.  Shim Eun Seok is brought in front of the disciplinary committee for serving on a case which she was personally involved in.  Kang Won Joong makes one last appearance to ask Na Geun Hee to speak on Eun Seok's behalf, which she apparently does, since Eun Seok runs into her on the way in.  A time jump brings us full circle as  Eun Seok comes back to work.  As she raises her head in the first case back, she sees Baek Sung Woo, the offender from her first case.  He is back with a new crime and looking much rougher from his time in detention.  And if there is a season 2, I'm sure we will get a chance to catch up with what he has been up to.  But for now, that is all we get.