Top 2026 K-Dramas: What to Watch Next Year

In 2026, Korean dramas are set to hit the small screen with a bang, bringing back some fan-favorite series, actors, and creators. Netflix’s youth zombie drama All of Us Are Dead is gearing up for a return, alongside new seasons of Yumi’s Cells, A Shop For Killers, and Made in Korea. Lovely Runner stars Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon each have exciting new series on the horizon, as do When Life Gives You Tangerines leads IU and Kim Seon-ho. Behind the scenes, the Hong sisters are back with an epic romance drama, while director Jung Ji-in and writer Park Jae-bum are teaming up for a dance team period spy thriller.

If you’re already excited to dive into the world of K-dramas in 2026, here’s a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated shows coming your way:

“Can This Love Be Translated?” (Netflix)
Release date (binge): Jan. 16th
This globe-trotting romance drama from the Hong sisters stars Kim Seon-ho as a polyglot interpreter who struggles with the language of love. When he meets actress Cha Mu-hee, played by Go Youn-jung, their worlds collide in unexpected ways. Filmed across three continents and featuring two of Korean TV’s most charming actors, “Can This Love Be Translated?” promises to be a romantic journey to remember.

“No Tail To Tell” (Netflix)
Release date (weekly): Jan. 16th
Kim Hye-yoon, known for her role in Lovely Runner, is back in a new role as a gumiho in “No Tail to Tell.” Explore the mythical world of gumiho creatures with Kim’s character Eun-ho, who faces a dilemma when an accident turns her human. Teaming up with a narcissistic soccer player played by Lomon, the two must navigate the consequences of this unexpected change.

“Boyfriend on Demand” (Netflix)
Blackpink’s Jisoo stars in this romantic drama as a webtoon producer who has no time for love. Enter a virtual dating service that offers virtual dates with picture-perfect boyfriends, stirring up Mi-rae’s desire for romance. Co-starring Seo In-guk, “Boyfriend On Demand” offers a modern take on love and relationships set in the world of webtoon production.

“Yumi’s Cells Season 3” (TBA)
Based on a popular webtoon, “Yumi’s Cells” follows the romantic adventures of an office worker named Yumi and the cells that govern her emotions. Kim Go-eun returns as Yumi, with a new character entering her life to shake things up. The third season of this delightful series is expected to premiere in April.

“Perfect Crown” (Hulu/Disney+)
In an alternate version of Korea with a constitutional monarchy, Byeon Woo-seok and IU star in “Perfect Crown.” As a melancholic prince and a chaebol heiress navigate a contract marriage, viewers can expect a blend of historical and modern romance tropes. Helmed by Park Joon-hwa, known for his work on Alchemy of Souls, this series is set to premiere in April.

“The Wonderfools” (Netflix)
Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo team up in this superpowered action comedy set in 1999. As a group of townspeople discover unexpected abilities in the lead-up to the new millennium, chaos ensues as they battle villains. Inspired by Stan Lee’s The B-TEAM, “The Wonderfools” promises a unique twist on the superpowered genre to binge-watch in the early part of the year.

“The Remarried Empress” (Hulu/Disney+)
Starring Shin Min-a and Lee Jong-suk, “The Remarried Empress” is rumored to be Disney’s most expensive K-drama. Filmed across Europe, this fantasy romance follows the life of empress Navier as she navigates unexpected twists and turns in her marriage. Set to premiere in the second half of 2026, the series promises a captivating blend of drama and romance.

“Made in Korea Season 2” (Hulu/Disney+)
Following the success of the first season, “Made in Korea” returns with more political intrigue and suspense. Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung reprise their roles in this 1970s-set thriller, offering viewers a look into a turbulent Korea through the eyes of a former agent turned smuggler. The second season is expected to premiere in the latter half of the year.

“Embers” (TBA)
Director Jung Ji-in’s next project, “Embers,” is shrouded in mystery but promises a dynamic youth period drama that showcases her artistic prowess. With limited details available, fans can look forward to another visually stunning series from