Episodes 5 and 6 arrive at a key point in The Judge Returns, where early momentum starts turning into long-term conflict.
The show has already moved past simple courtroom wins and losses, and these episodes focus more on consequences, not just verdicts. Han-young’s choices now affect people far beyond the courtroom walls. The fantasy element stays quiet but sharp, shaping how he reads situations before others do.
Han-young’s return to the past sharpens the guilt. Instead of clean hero moments, the series leans into discomfort and compromise. This approach gives The Judge Returns its edge, setting it apart from standard courtroom dramas. The next episodes are set to release on January 16 and 17, respectively.
The Judge Returns: Release date of episodes 5–6, time, and streaming details

Episode 5 premieres on Friday, January 16, 2026, and episode 6 follows on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
New episodes of the show drop at 9:50 PM KST as the series continues its steady Friday–Saturday pattern. This release rhythm gives each episode space to breathe and spark discussion.
Where to Watch The Judge Returns
The Judge Returns streams officially on Viki, and subtitles are available shortly after release. The platform follows the original broadcast schedule closely. Episodes stream weekly without breaks unless announced otherwise.
Episodes 5 and 6: What to expect
Episode 5 opens with the fallout from the shocking courtroom reveal in Episode 4, and Han-young feels the weight of public attention more than praise. Senior judges begin watching him closely, not all with good intent. The insurance murder case grows complicated as hidden ties surface, and prosecutors push harder, sensing weakness in witness credibility.
Han-young revisits old case files from his past life, searching for patterns he once ignored, and his alliance with Jin-ah grows stronger, but it also draws suspicion. Shin-jin quietly expands his influence behind closed doors. Yoon-hyeok’s jealousy turns into action, not just resentment. In short, Episode 5 ends with a legal twist that threatens to overturn everything built so far.
Episode 6 shifts focus from the case to the system itself, and Han-young faces pressure to step back or “play along.” A witness changes their statement, raising red flags, and in-ah uncovers links between law firms and political donors.
The courtroom scenes feel tighter, more hostile. Han-young’s past decisions echo louder, especially one verdict he regrets deeply. Family dynamics enter the picture, complicating his sense of duty.
Shin-jin makes a bold move that signals open war as the episode highlights how justice bends when power feels threatened. Episode 6 closes with a quiet but unsettling moment, hinting at betrayal ahead.
These episodes mark the show’s shift from setup to strategy as Han-young stops reacting and starts planning. The moral cost of doing the right thing becomes clearer as relationships now carry risk, not comfort. The story leans into realism, even with its fantasy core.

From here, the future episodes promise deeper political conflict, and old enemies step forward, no longer hiding. You can expect Han-young’s second chance begin to feel limited. The question is no longer whether he can change the system, but how much it will cost him.