Today, I'll discuss the beloved 2018 courtroom drama Miss Hammurabi, a heartwarming series that tackles societal issues with warmth and sincerity, standing apart from typical courtroom dramas. Let’s explore it together!
Miss Hammurabi (미스 함무라비) Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Go Ara (Park Cha O-reum), Kim Myung-soo (Im Ba-reun), Sung Dong-il (Han Se-sang), Lee Elijah (Lee Do-yeon), Ryu Deok-hwan (Jung Bo-wang) |
| Broadcast | May 21, 2018 – July 16, 2018 (JTBC, 16 episodes); available on Netflix, TVing, Wavve |
| Genre | Courtroom Drama, Emotional Healing Drama |
| Synopsis | The growth story of an idealistic rookie judge and a principled judge navigating the realities of the courtroom. |
| Rating | ⭐7.5/10⭐ "A courtroom drama filled with warmth, balancing reality and heartfelt emotions." |
- Im Ba-reun
When you think of judges and courtrooms, what comes to mind? Cold, rigid environments? Perhaps something authoritarian and inaccessible? Miss Hammurabi challenges these stereotypes, redefining the courtroom drama genre. Initially, I assumed it would just be another courtroom drama, but from the first episode to the last, I remained thoroughly engaged. So today, let’s delve into why Miss Hammurabi resonated so deeply with its viewers.
Honest Review
Miss Hammurabi, aired on JTBC in 2018, remains memorable for its humanistic approach, standing out from typical courtroom dramas by focusing not on dramatic legal battles but rather on the personal growth and humanity of those enforcing the law.
Park Cha O-reum (Go Ara), nicknamed "Miss Hammurabi," is an idealistic rookie judge. Inspired by Hammurabi, famous for his law of equal retaliation ("an eye for an eye"), she strives for fairness, emphasizing genuine equality rather than mechanical interpretations of the law.
Throughout, the drama highlights empathy and communication. Cha O-reum listens sincerely to each case, often becoming emotionally involved, effectively conveying that judges are also human beings. This contrasts the common image of emotionally detached judges and emphasizes that emotions can lead to better judgments.
Notably, the drama addresses contemporary social issues such as sexual violence, workplace power abuse, and "gapjil" (abusive behavior by those in power), doing so directly yet sensitively without becoming overly heavy or preachy.
The evolving relationship between characters, especially the initially clashing Park Cha O-reum and Im Ba-reun (Kim Myung-soo), was particularly compelling. Their gradual understanding and respect grew organically through shared experiences rather than forced external circumstances, making it both realistic and emotionally satisfying.
Moreover, even single-episode characters are thoughtfully portrayed, giving depth to each individual's story and allowing viewers to encounter diverse human experiences beyond the courtroom.
Ultimately, Miss Hammurabi beautifully underscores the principle that "the law ultimately exists for people." By questioning the practical impact of laws on individuals' lives and exploring the true nature of justice, the series proposes a refreshing and meaningful direction for courtroom dramas.
Character Introductions
Park Cha O-reum – Go Ara
An idealistic and justice-driven rookie judge. Straightforward and honest, she strongly advocates for the socially vulnerable. Her judgments always prioritize people, bringing strong energy that disrupts traditional norms.
Im Ba-reun – Kim Myung-soo
A rational, cool-headed judge who strictly adheres to the law, contrasting Cha O-reum’s approach. Through his interactions with Cha O-reum, he begins to evolve, understanding the human aspects behind the law. His concealed warmth gradually emerges, becoming a key aspect of the drama.
A neutral and realistic senior judge. Observing the passion and mistakes of younger judges, he guides them with advice and humor. His experience and insight play a crucial role in leading the team.
A vibrant and energetic judge who provides humor and practical insights. His diverse perspectives maintain balance within the narrative.
Plot Summary
Key Messages
Miss Hammurabi significantly differs from conventional courtroom dramas by emphasizing human aspects over dramatic legal battles or twists. It consistently conveys the message that the law ultimately serves people, urging consideration of the impact of judgments on individuals’ lives.
The drama realistically portrays the legal profession, dispelling myths about judges as flawlessly impartial beings. Instead, it highlights their humanity, showcasing their vulnerabilities, mistakes, and personal growth.
Moreover, the series addresses numerous social issues such as sexual violence, workplace abuse, and hierarchical exploitation, highlighting legal and systemic limitations and potentials. Released during the height of the #MeToo movement, which significantly impacted Korean society in 2018, it remains timely in its empathetic exploration from the perspectives of women and social minorities.
