Devil Judge is precisely like that, a "game " set in a dystopian world where the corrupt rule the people.
And where those think they are the rulers of everything with their dirty deeds and personal greed.
The true mastermind arrives like a storm with a LIVE court, to punish the criminals with his own unconventional ways.

"It's like playing a game. And if you can't prove anything you lose the game."

Kang Yo Han is not a hero, but he isn't a criminal either.

He is playing a dangerous game against powerful forces. If there is no fairness in their dark world and society, then he makes his own rules by giving the rights for people to vote and decide on the proper punishments, by using the court app DYKE. We can say it gives the rights to people but also a dangerous influence on certain oppositions. But then again it's all in the public eye, it's bound to happen. He did not made it on purpose, the president on the other hand promoted it using excuses.

"If the devil really does exist among us, it would be... in the self-pity of the powerful."

His road to personal vengeance was long and torturous, and he carried a heavy cross not only in the scar on his back but upon his shoulders for his losses. For someone who was ostracized since young and suffered in the hands of an abusive father he grew up to be the most altruist character among them all. Perhaps we could thank Isaac for that, because he guided him well, and also Elijah for being his weakness and only family. Despite their miscommunication, they were always bonded and family.

"I am used to people looking at me like a monster, but having you look at me like that with that face... hurts my feelings a bit..."

Kim Ga On, the always indecisive player in this game. Impulsive and reckless when it comes to make decisions.
"Judas" could be an insult since in a way he is also a victim caught by the evil and played by being too gullible. He is easily influenced by others, and was coddled by his best friend since losing his parents. Coincidentally he is also a doppelganger of Yo Han's older brother, Isaac, hence the reason why he was manipulated and used in all of this.

"Are you saying that being a monster is better than being a victim?"

Although both were victims, and different forces. It was enjoyable to see their bond being created that until Ga On wavered.
Because at a certain point he did sensed a newfound family with Yo Han and Elijah, maybe because of how at ease it all seemed between them. How easily they opened the door of their house and trust to him, only to be broken down so easily...

"The anger... I understand that. Even if nobody in the world understands. I do. At least when it comes to that emotion."

That's his own and personal downfall. - The anger - It blinded him to the truth. Soo Hyun's death being the turning point.
Now, we cannot hold that accountable solely on his part. If Yo Han had been more direct in his own affairs, then perhaps they wouldn't have that rift between them that divided and created a mess of events which led to where they ended. Still, its only natural for Yo Han to not trust anyone easily and Ga On had to prove himself. He knew from the start who he was associated with, and maybe he caught on how easily manipulated Ga On could be whenever it came down to his own broken emotions.

That's what makes them apart. Where Yo Han is broken but remains strong with his eyes wide open and creating plans.
Ga On is broken and drowns in his own misery, often misjudging situations and people around him, only to regret it afterwards.

"If there's no justice in reality and it's just a game. I would like to be on the winning team."

He is naïve and too righteous to the world he lives in, while Yo Han has seen his fair share of despicable beings.

"I want to fight... the corrupt world."

Ga On showed interest the minute Yo Han let him in. However, he did not open his mind at all and put his all in this conviction.

"I don't remember asking you to understand me.
Will you stand in my way... or stand by my side?"

The minute Yo Han confronted him with this statement its bound to know it was one of the last tests for Ga On to take.
And from there on it all went down the hill. Now Ga On's intentions might have been righteous in his mind, abiding by the law and to save Yo Han from the darkness and of becoming a devil himself for his actions. But, we cannot disregard how easily swayed he was on certain things, while he should confronted and demand explanations, he jumped straight into accusations that led to unfortunate events. And in his regret, he tries his best and finally gives his all only it's too late for redemption.

"I have no choice. Once the performance ends, the actor must disappear."
"I'll go with you."
"You'll be a hero. There need not be... more than one devil."

Redemption is also a big word in this gaming world. I mean there's none for the villains.
Some even easily chose to make their way out instead of facing punishment.

Why make Sun Ah regret anything in the END? Made no sense to me. For a woman who easily killed others to achieve things and to hit Yo Han, why make her have self pity towards a young girl? Because that girl reminded her of herself? Why show that she had a bit of humanity left when she easily discarded that when killing others? Lack of love, and blinding obsession made her that way. My only complaint, her sidekick Jae Hee, did not paid for anything she did. She killed for money and got away.

It was a game with many characters, some were useless... others plain annoying and loud. The villains were greedy and snob. Sun Ah was more cunning, and ambitious so I expected more at the end. But she made her grand finale by her own hands.

Yo Han calling his Hyung in there was impactful and something that was highly anticipated.

Ga On was turned into the hero, and Yo Han probably remained a devil by the public eye.
The thing is about heroes.... loneliness is granted - He ends up alone - losing people he loved, betrayed by those he thought he could trust, and far away from those he did betrayed. Those whom he could have formed a family with, Yo Han and Elijah.

For those of us who really enjoyed this game, it's a hope for a second season.

"Do it well. If you don't, I'll come back."

As this warning lingers in the air, with that final scene.
Still, albeit hopeful it would not be the same as this one.
Sometimes, less is more. And Devil Judge is definitely that.

Ji Sung, Jin Young and Min Jung did not disappoint in their roles. They carried the whole show that's for sure.

The cinematography here was amazing, production wise really does deserves its praise. The majority of the shots were clean, and the CGI effects were believable, mainly with the major screens displayed. I really enjoyed the way they did the LIVE court, as a show with an app for voting. It's a different view of a somehow futuristic courtroom. The cases were interesting as well.

The OST is just *CHEF'S KISS* it went smooth with the scenes. The instrumental pieces worked in emotional moments.
It's hard for me to pick a favorite because I liked them all. Remarkable OST for such a powerful drama.

Devil Judge was made to be impactful. The first half was good, the second half became a bit messy but at the same time it held the interest and higher ratings. Although we are bound to either love or hate these characters, and doubt the plot we cannot deny that it was a good and different drama from the usual that we are used to see. I am glad I followed it from the start.

Highly recommended it. Either binge watch it, or savor every episode. In the end it will be worth it.
Just remember to chose a proper side, do not let your feelings cloud your decisions and theories.
I was Team Yo Han from the very start ;) So, which one will you chose?