Juvenile Justice Review: Kim Hye Soo starrer dares to show ugly side of crimes inspired by true events

By Nandini Iyengar -

February 28, 2022 - 11:05 AM IST

Legal dramas always stir up high level of tension and nail-biting sequences. Netflix's latest Korean drama Juvenile Justice starring Kim Hye Soo is no different. She plays the role of Shim Eun Seok, a hard-as-nail juvenile court judge. The series follows the juvenile crime cases that she encounters and meets out rulings for. The series premiered on Netflix on February 25, 2022 with 10 episodes [Spoilers Ahead].

Juvenile Justice Review: Kim Hye Soo starrer dares to show ugly side of crimes inspired by true events

All episodes are packed with facts, numbers, and certain predictable twists and according to reports; some of them are inspired by true events. The show displays a gritty picture of reality, without a rosy tint albeit with a dash of dramatisation for maximum effect on the viewers. The crimes are shown at length which just sends shivers down the spine. In the very first episode, Kim Hye Soo's character Shim Eun Seok makes an impactful statement saying – “I hate juveniles.” For a judge who has to be unbiased in any ruling, Eun Seok's statement can leave a salty impression. She has her own personal reasons for that statement, and it is later drawn out to justify her claim. But one can't help but feel that her views are not adequately challenged. In any story, there comes a point where the lead is challenged to the extent of rethinking their mottos. Here these chances seem rare and at one point she does mend her ways to a certain level. In the final episode, the story comes to a full circle with Eun Seok repeating her daring statement from the first episode.

Along with Kim Hye Soo, we have Kim Mu Yeol playing Cha Tae Joo, another associate judge and a foil to Eun Seok's hard-as-nails personality. He is like a ray of sunshine. He thinks there is some positivity and good in everyone. This attitude of his extends to him speaking with the juvenile criminals on occasion and trying to be their friend. His approach is severely protested by Eun Seok, but he sticks firm to his belief.

Lee Seung Min plays the role of President Judge Kang Won Joong, who wants to venture into politics soon. For doing that, he wishes to have cases that are open and shut and won't stir up attention towards the proceedings. But as luck would have it, Shin Eun Seok captures attention with every move and the halls of the courthouse are never silent. Juvenile Justice also shows the staff around these judges. The staff prepares the papers, handles the press, and does much more to help the judges in every case.

The visuals are hard cuts and the framing makes it easy to focus attention on the details. There are close-up shots of the crime and characters which take the intensity several notches up. The cases are soul-stirring, and they can make one uncomfortable to watch as well. The makers have left nothing to the imagination for they have shown young children murdering and mutilating bodies to them being physically abused and much more. The stories presented don't only tell what happens to the judges and the criminals, but it also tells how it affected those around the concerned parties. It also gives a peek into what goes into making or changing a legal clause. There is less music, and sounds like paper shuffles, opening, and closing of courtroom doors are added to induce an immersive experience.

Juvenile Justice made a great attempt when it comes to the story. Somewhere the writing fell into a set pattern which is expected to an extent considering the drama is procedural. After the first few moments, it becomes predictable but you stick to the story nonetheless because it has captured all your attention. If you aren’t used to heavy dramas, we would advise you to not binge it as it can get triggering. Indulge in one or perhaps two episodes, and even out the quaking experience that the show offers.