Park Shin Hye wore about 300 outfits in The Judge from Hell +Director Park on Season 2's possibility

The Judge from Hell's Park Shin Hye shared her closing remarks and behind-the-scenes story of the K-drama.

The Judge from Hell is an action fantasy K-drama about a demon, Kang Bit Na (Park Shin Hye), who inhabits the body of an elite judge. In a hellish reality, she meets the passionate human detective Han Da On (Kim Jae Young) and becomes a true judge by dispensing justice to wrongdoers. 

In The Judge from Hell, Park Shin Hye played the role of Kang Bit Na, a character who sends sinners to hell by giving them a taste of their own medicine. Park’s performance surprised viewers; her dynamic banter with other characters and unconventional lines and actions amplified her character's multifaceted charm. 

Here is a Q&A of Park Shin Hye:

What are your thoughts on the conclusion of The Judge from Hell?

It feels like it will be an unforgettable project. Although there were challenging moments during the seven months of filming, I have more joyful and happy memories overall.

You received a lot of love for showing a new side of yourself in this role. How do you feel about that? 

Above all, I was glad and happy to hear people say, 'I didn't know Park Shin Hye had this kind of side [to her].' I think being an actor means being chosen by someone and, in some ways, constantly waiting. I am truly grateful to have been given the chance to portray a character like Kang Bit Na after waiting for a role with this kind of complexity.

Kang Bit Na, an unconventional character, received a lot of love from viewers. Could you share what mindset you had when you took on the character of Kang Bitna and what aspects you focused on in terms of acting? 

To portray Bit Na, I tried to appear kind without actually being kind. I paid extra attention to my speech, expressions, and tone of voice so that viewers wouldn't feel uncomfortable watching her deal with older or victimized characters. Since Kang Bit Na has a lively, sparkling personality like a fizzy drink, I also practiced a lot to bring out that 'pop' in her speech, focusing on pacing and the distinct flavor of her words.

A lot of effort was put into showcasing Kang Bit Na's personality, such as wearing about 300 outfits. Was there anything you paid special attention to when selecting costumes to portray Kang Bit Na?

I aimed for a colorful concept, choosing impactful colors like pink, blue, and red, and adding accents to darker tones. In the script, there were often notes describing Bit Na as wearing 'beautiful and flashy clothes' when she punishes the criminals. While some outfits were for action [scenes], I tried to ensure they stayed in line with Bit Na's love for flashiness. Since we needed various looks, including homewear, outfits for her justice scenes, and everyday wear, the styling team had a hard time because I had to wear a lot of outfits.

There were various action scenes, from hand-to-hand combat to using knives and guns. Did you find anything challenging during filming?

I diligently prepared by learning action in advance at the action school. Since they taught me so well, I was able to coordinate with my co-stars on set, matching each move step-by-step. For especially dangerous scenes, a stunt double stepped in to help. Honestly, I think the actors [playing characters] who were punished by Bitna had it tougher than I did. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the actors who endured Bit Na's wrath.

Was there a comment or reaction that stood out or amused you?

'Becoming A Rong [the character played by Kim Ah Young].' I found it funny seeing people say they were becoming like A Rong, who shows blind devotion to Justitia. I also enjoyed the comments that simply cried out, 'Justitia-nim????' It almost felt like I was gathering demonic allies. There were a lot of memorable reactions thanks to the witty and sweet fans.

What kind of drama do you think The Judge from Hell will be remembered as?

The Judge from Hell will be remembered as the drama where I met so many sweeties and demonic allies! Through this show, I was able to empathize and emotionally connect with the viewers, creating a sense of emotional connection with them. It's also a project I will remember for the great chemistry among the cast and crew.

A final message for the viewers who loved The Judge from Hell.

To all the viewers, I sincerely thank you. I was so happy for the lots of love I was given that made me realize, 'Wow, so many people are watching our drama.' I wish you all good health always.

Director Park Jin Pyo comments on the possibility of The Judge from Hell Season 2

Director Park Jin Pyo also expressed his gratitude for the interest and success of the K-drama, saying, "I sincerely thank the viewers for their abundant support and love for The Judge from Hell. We were in the final stages of post-production and the broadcast started at the same time, so their support truly was a great help until the very end. I felt very reassured."

He continued, "To be honest, I didn't think about the success factor at all. That's because the main setting and premise of The Judge from Hell — the worldview involving hell, demons, the devil punishing sinners, and the fantasy — could feel somewhat unfamiliar to viewers and, in a way, might require a bit of mental grit to watch. But thanks to the fervent support and love that viewers showed for The Judge from Hell, all the staff and actors were able to push through to the end and complete the series safely. Once again, I want to say thank you."

What message did director Park Jin Pyo want to convey to viewers through The Judge from Hell? "In episode 13, during Bit Na's trial where Jung Tae Gyu is sentenced to death, there's a line that says, 'In the end, what they [victims' families] truly want is to mourn the victims who unjustly lost their lives and be consoled for the painful life they have been living since. Crimes unforgiven by the victims and their families shall not be forgiven by the law, either.' Bit Na, the production team, the writer, and I walked a rough path to deliver this line, and in episode 14, with the scene where we bring each of the deceased after Jung Tae Gyu is executed, we wanted to convey the feelings of the people who created The Judge from Hell to the viewers," he explained. 

Director Park went on to say, "I hoped that the viewers, the production team, Bit Na, and all of us would share the same sentiment. And two years later, we'll face the victims and bereaved families with Bit Na. Despite everything, those people are still living and find the strength to take even a small step forward. I hope that The Judge from Hell can be a small source of comfort for someone like that." 

With the success of the K-drama, there has been a lot of interest for a second season. Regarding plans for Season 2, director Park commented, "It seems that many viewers are showing interest because they loved the intriguing premise of a demon embodying a judge and punishing criminals and the compelling characters."

He added cautiously, "I'm very happy and excited, but for now, I'm simply grateful that we were able to finish the season safely and receive so much love. It seems we'll need a bit more time before we can consider and discuss [production of] Season 2."

Director Park praises Park Shin Hye

Director Park Jin Pyo said, "Since everyone is calling it a success if I had to pinpoint five factors for the success of The Judge from Hell, as a director, I would say: 1. A good script with great intentions 2. The best production company and staff 3. Park Shin Hye 4. The passionate performances of all the actors. 5. The music (Director Jeon Chang Yeop's Gehenna  and Sunmi's OST)." 

He continued, "Actress Park Shin Hye was our hero who shouldered everything I just mentioned and charged forward to meet the audience at the front. She is a very unique actress whose large, clear eyes emit a gravitational pull. All of us, including the viewers, are drawn into her world, experiencing something truly unique."

Director Park Jin Pyo revealed that Kang Bit Na's line "Welcome to my world," which was the main copy on the poster, was created by Park Shin Hye herself. He emphasized, "I believe everyone experienced this [feeling of getting lost in the moment], but even I, as the director, often found myself forgetting to direct while watching her performance from the last monitor. She was Kang Bit Na and Justitia, but to me, she was Joan of Arc."

Director Park on what it took to make The Judge from Hell

He stated, "The most important aspect was the work of creating and developing characters through communication with over 40 actors, including the lead actors  and actors who were making guest appearances."

He also explained, "Because we had to portray the visuals and the worldview of hell, we put a lot of effort into VFX, special makeup, art, props, costumes, and makeup. I didn't want to replicate the feel the existing works had already given, even just a little. So, from the entrance, we created the gates of hell (referencing Rodin's Gates of Hell) and included a phrase from the new song: 'Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.'

He stated, "All of the execution sequences of [the sinners] take place at night, combining VFX, lighting effects, special effects, special makeup, special props, martial arts, and drones. The seven execution sequences seen in the even-numbered episodes of the drama were filmed with all the staff and actors concentrating in a state of extreme tension."

"The action was realistically directed under the responsibility of action directors Yoon Sung Min and Kwon Tae Ho, utilizing various weapons created by the props team, including swords, spears, bows, guns, hammers, and axes, under the concept of action with facial expressions ad breathing sounds."

He stated, "For cinematography, production design, lighting, sound recording, martial arts, art, props, makeup, costumes, music, mixing, and editing, we worked with experts who have the highest reputation in their fields and are incredibly creative. I received tremendous help from them as partners rather than as subordinates to my direction. If even one person had been missing, things could have gone awry, as each one quietly did his best in his respective domain. The one thing I asked of them — which I as the director also tried to do — was simple: to approach the work as creatively as possible, but without overshadowing the actors' performances or emotions. What brings me great satisfaction is that their efforts are all visible on screen and clearly heard — none of them stand out; it's all very harmonious."

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