New year, new K-dramas! As we step into 2026, the world of Korean dramas is ready to deliver an exciting lineup to kick off the year. From high-stakes legal fantasies and retro undercover comedies to the much-anticipated return of Hallyu royalty, January is shaping up to be absolutely packed.
Whether you crave a heart-fluttering romantic comedy set in a cozy rural town or a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, there’s something for everyone. If your New Year’s resolution is to watch more quality television, you’re in luck! Grab your favorite blanket and a warm drink. Here is your definitive sneak peek at the must-watch Korean dramas premiering in January 2026!
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The Judge Returns (Ji Sung, Park Hee-Soon, Won Jin-Ah)
- Premiere Date: January 2, 2026
- Network: MBC
- Schedule: Friday & Saturday, 21:50
- Genre: Fantasy, Legal, Thriller
- Cast: Ji Sung, Park Hee-Soon, Won Jin-Ah
Ji Sung is back, and based on his impressive track record in legal dramas, we can expect a masterclass in acting. ‘The Judge Returns’ is a fantasy-legal thriller inspired by a popular webtoon. The story follows Lee Han-Young (played by Ji Sung), a judge who once lived a corrupt life but meets an unjust end. However, fate gives him a second chance as he wakes up ten years in the past. Armed with the knowledge of the future and a burning desire for justice, he embarks on a mission to dismantle the corrupt system he once served.
Fans are particularly excited to witness the intense confrontation between Ji Sung and the legendary Park Hee-Soon, who portrays a powerful and shadowy figure in the judicial world. With Won Jin-Ah joining the cast as a fierce prosecutor, this drama is poised to be the first major hit of the year.
Trailer
To My Beloved Thief (Nam Ji-Hyun, Moon Sang-Min)
- Premiere Date: January 3, 2026
- Network: KBS2
- Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 21:20
- Genre: Historical, Romantic Comedy, Fantasy
- Cast: Nam Ji-Hyun, Moon Sang-Min
Get ready for a whimsical, high-stakes historical romance! ‘To My Beloved Thief’ features the “queen of chemistry,” Nam Ji-Hyun, alongside the rising heartthrob, Moon Sang-Min.
Set in the Joseon era, the story follows Hong Eun-Zo (played by Nam Ji-Hyun), a woman leading a secret double life. By day, she is a skilled physician at Hyeminseo; by night, she becomes the legendary thief “Gil-dong,” stealing from corrupt officials to help the starving poor. Her life becomes even more complicated when she encounters Prince Yi Yeol (played by Moon Sang-Min), a handsome detective enthusiast determined to uncover her true identity.
The dynamic between a righteous “bandit” and a prince who treats crime-solving like a hobby creates pure romantic comedy gold. With Nam Ji-Hyun’s proven talent in historical dramas and Moon Sang-Min’s rising charisma, this is definitely a must-watch for the weekend!
Trailer
Spring Fever (Ahn Bo-Hyun, Lee Joo-Bin)
- Premiere Date: January 5, 2026
- Network: tvN
- Schedule: Mondays & Tuesdays, 20:50
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Cast: Ahn Bo-Hyun, Lee Joo-Bin
If you enjoyed the healing vibes of ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’, then ‘Spring Fever’ is for you. This heartwarming series stars Ahn Bo-Hyun and Lee Joo-Bin as they explore love and healing in unexpected places. Yoon Bom (Lee Joo-Bin) is a popular teacher from Seoul who moves to the quiet town of Sinsu to escape a painful past. There, she meets Seon Jae-Kyu (Ahn Bo-Hyun), a man who may look like a rough-and-tumble figure but is, in fact, a devoted uncle with a warm heart.
Ahn Bo-Hyun is known for his versatility, and fans are excited to see him portray a “manly man” with a heart of gold, alongside Lee Joo-Bin’s elegant yet guarded character. This drama is set to take over the slot previously held by ‘Nice to Not Meet You’, bringing a refreshing touch of romance to our Monday and Tuesday nights.
Read more: ‘Spring Fever’ Fashion Info
Trailer
Can This Love Be Translated? (Kim Seon-Ho, Go Yoon-Jung)
- Premiere Date: January 16, 2026
- Network: Netflix
- Schedule: All episodes released at once
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Cast: Kim Seon-Ho, Go Yoon-Jung
Arguably the most anticipated Netflix original of the year, ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ marks the long-awaited return of Kim Seon-Ho to the rom-com genre. Written by the iconic Hong Sisters, known for hits like ‘Hotel Del Luna’ and ‘Alchemy of Souls,’ this drama follows the globe-trotting story of Ju Ho-Jin (played by Kim Seon-Ho), a multilingual interpreter fluent in English, Italian, and Japanese. He is hired as the personal translator for Cha Mu-Hee (Go Yoon-Jung), a world-famous actress. However, their differing views on love and life lead to a series of hilarious linguistic and emotional misunderstandings.
Filmed in stunning locations across Canada and Italy, the visual scale of this drama is impressive. The pairing of Kim Seon-Ho and Go Yoon-Jung has already captivated audiences during production, making this a must-watch for every K-drama fan.
Read more: ‘Can This Love Be Translated’ Fashion Info
Trailer
No Tail to Tell (Kim Hye-Yoon, Lomon)
- Premiere Date: January 16, 2026
- Network: SBS / Netflix
- Schedule: Friday & Saturday, 21:50
- Genre: Fantasy, Romantic Comedy
- Cast: Kim Hye-Yoon, Lomon
Mixing Gumiho folklore with a modern twist, ‘No Tail to Tell’ is a fantasy romantic comedy that subverts traditional tropes. Kim Hye-Yoon stars as Eun-Ho, a quirky nine-tailed fox who actually enjoys being a mythical creature. She avoids good deeds at all costs because she has no interest in becoming human. However, an accident involving world-class soccer star Kang Si-Yeol (played by Lomon) forces her into human form. Now, the narcissistic athlete and the reluctant human gumiho must navigate a chaotic new reality together.
Kim Hye-Yoon’s infectious energy combined with Lomon’s brooding soccer-star persona creates a perfect pairing for a K-drama. This series promises a unique take on the Gumiho myth, focusing on comedy and character growth rather than a tragic fate.
Read more: ‘No Tail To Tell’ Fashion Info
Trailer
Positively Yours (Choi Jin-Hyuk, Oh Yeon-Seo)
- Premiere Date: January 17, 2026
- Network: Channel A
- Schedule: Saturday & Sunday
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
- Cast: Choi Jin-Hyuk, Oh Yeon-Seo
Based on a massive webtoon hit, ‘Positively Yours’ is the “contract marriage/accidental pregnancy” trope done right. Choi Jin-Hyuk stars as Kang Du-Jun, a cold and seemingly perfect chaebol who has vowed to avoid marriage. Oh Yeon-Seo plays Jang Hee-Won, a career-focused woman who has also shut herself off from romance. After an unexpected one-night stand, their lives are turned upside down, forcing them to navigate an unforeseen path toward parenthood and, ultimately, love.
Fans of the webtoon have been eagerly anticipating this adaptation for years. Although the casting skews slightly older compared to the comic, the chemistry between Choi Jin-Hyuk and Oh Yeon-Seo is expected to be dynamic, bringing a more grounded and emotionally rich interpretation of this beloved story.
Trailer
Undercover Miss Hong (Park Shin-Hye, Go Kyung-Pyo)
- Premiere Date: January 17, 2026
- Network: tvN / Netflix
- Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 21:10
- Genre: Workplace Comedy, Mystery
- Cast: Park Shin-Hye, Go Kyung-Pyo
Park Shin-Hye returns to the small screen with a role that is unlike anything she’s done before!
‘Undercover Miss Hong’ is a nostalgic workplace comedy set in late-1990s Seoul. Park Shin-Hye plays Hong Geum-Bo, a 35-year-old elite financial inspector who looks remarkably young for her age. To catch a corporate criminal, she goes undercover as a 20-year-old high school graduate at a suspicious investment firm. There, she encounters the ambitious CEO Shin Jeong-Woo (Go Kyung-Pyo), a man who might just see through her disguise.
Featuring a retro aesthetic and a plot filled with “identity reveal” tension, this drama is perfect for fans of the humor found in ‘Business Proposal’ combined with a touch of mystery. Watching Park Shin-Hye portray a 35-year-old pretending to be an entry-level employee is something we never knew we needed!
Read more: ‘Undercover Miss Hong’ Fashion Info
Trailer
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