Park Shin-hye, renowned for her wholesome and charming persona, commonly referred to as the “Romantic Comedy Queen,” is now embracing a bold transformation. Fans are excited to witness how her audacious shift from this conventional image will be perceived.
She is set to return to television in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama “The Judge from Hell,” premiering on September 21st. This drama delves into the themes of good versus evil, featuring Kang Bit-na (played by Park Shin-hye), a devilish character who inhabits the body of a judge. She encounters detective Han Da-on (Kim Jae-young), whose humanity contrasts with the hellish circumstances they face, leading to her rebirth as a genuine judge through punishing criminals.
Kang Bit-na is a character steeped in malevolence, embracing the adage “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” With her devilish core, she lacks the sense of duty or accountability associated with her judicial role. Once she deems a criminal irredeemable, she intentionally delivers nonsensical verdicts that release them back into society, only to enact her own form of justice.
In her portrayal of Kang Bit-na, Park Shin-hye exhibits a cynical demeanor, accentuated by a mischievous smile. A teaser showcases her donned in a judge’s robe, boldly proclaiming, “Justice is dead.” In another chilling scene, she confronts Kim Jae-young, wide-eyed as she coldly utters, “Just die.” This starkly contrasts with her usual roles. Notably, she is depicted brutally assaulting a villain, leaving her audience unsure whether she embodies the hero or the villain.
The transformation is even more dramatic considering her previous role in “Doctor Slump,” which concluded in May, where she played a doctor battling depression who discovers love and starts to heal. While Park Shin-hye has explored darker characters in Netflix’s films “#Alive” and “The Call,” this marks her first portrayal of an innately evil character.
Her agency, S.A.L.T Entertainment, stated, “This character presents a stark departure from her previous roles. Visually, she will sport flamboyant outfits, embodying the essence of a devil. Park focused on delivering the character’s nature through her voice, gestures, and facial expressions, striving for an ideal balance.”
The teaser also features Park Shin-hye striding confidently, dismissing accusations of being a “crazy psycho” while cheekily asking, “How do I look? Pretty, right?” She effortlessly converts her character’s evildoing into a form of charm. Her unpredictable persona is accentuated by vibrant, bold outfits, including yellow, pink, and red tweed suits, emphasizing her dynamic allure.
There is considerable anticipation surrounding Park Shin-hye’s portrayal of a judge. Having successfully embodied various professional roles such as a reporter in “Pinocchio,” a doctor in “The Doctors” and “Doctor Slump,” and a lawyer in the film “Heart Blackened,” she has always exuded righteousness. However, in “The Judge from Hell,” she takes on the role of a devilish judge who fundamentally questions the concept of justice, portraying a complex character caught in the duality of good and evil.
Pop culture critic Ha Jae-geun noted, “Actors known for their endearing and lovable images often struggle with transitioning to more unconventional roles. Yet, Park Shin-hye has consistently demonstrated stable acting across various projects and has boldly explored new characters. If she continues to receive acclaim for these efforts, she may solidify her reputation as an actress capable of portraying an even broader spectrum of characters.”
Source: Daum
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