"Defendant" has maintained its lead against "Rebel: Thief Who Stole The People" and "Ms. Perfect" after Monday broadcasts. In fact, the SBS legal series scored its highest record by far as Ji Sung struggles to prove his innocence on the murder of his wife.

On the Mar. 13 episode of "Defendant," Park Jung Woo (Ji Sung) submitted a new evidence to plead for a retrial. With the help of his inmate, the prosecution managed to deliver the evidence for analysis.

However, the villainous character of Cha Min Ho (Uhm Ki Joon) fabricated the results, destroying Park Jung Woo's last hope to clear his name. Hence, Lee Sung Kyu (Kim Min Suk) turned himself in and confessed his involvement in the killing of Park Jung Woo's wife.

But before he could even spill everything about the case, Cha Min Ho had him killed inside the jail. Following the death of Lee Sung Kyu, who knew what happened on the night of the murder, Park Jung Woo is now left with a slim chance of getting a retrial.

Soompi cited "Defendant" episode 15 mustered a viewership rating of 25.6 percent, which is 0.7 percent higher than the previous installment.

The Ji Sung-starrer managed to maintain a double digit lead against Yoon Kyun Sang's "Rebel: Thief Who Stole The People" and Ko So Young's "Ms. Perfect" with 10.6 and 3.5 percent ratings, respectively.

Not only that, the SBS legal drama has been commended for presenting socially-relevant issues in the series. A culture critic told Korea Times said dramas like "Defendant" is a proof that Korean dramas have evolved through the years.

Meanwhile, Park Jung Woo is expected to turn the tables on tonight's episode of "Defendant." Based on the preview, it is likely that Ji Sung's character succeeded in proving his innocence on the court.

Don't forget to watch "Defendant" episode 16 tonight and its last two episodes on Mar. 20 and 21 at 10:00 p.m. on SBS.