Image Credit: MBC
Leading the pack with an early debut is Judge Lee Han-young, casting the spotlight on Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon. Scheduled to premiere on January 2, this drama unfolds a gripping narrative of justice intertwined with time travel. The protagonist, Lee Han-young—portrayed by Ji Sung—revisits his past ten years earlier. Once ensnared in the clutches of a formidable law firm, he seizes this chance to forge new paths and square off against Kang Shin-jin, a personification of malevolence brought to life by Park Hee-soon. Audiences eagerly await the electrifying performances and intense rivalry between Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon.
Next in line is The Brilliant Season of You, a tale designed to bring warmth to the frosty months. This romantic story features Chan, brought to life by Chae Jong-hyeop, who navigates each day as if it were a thrilling summer, and Ran, played by Lee Sung-kyung, who resides in a self-imposed wintry seclusion. Their serendipitous meeting thaws the frozen passage of time. The drama also stars Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju, contributing to the enticing narrative.
IU and Byun Woo-seok take center stage in 21st Century Grand Duchess, a love story intricately woven within the fabric of a 21st-century Korean constitutional monarchy. The plot follows Seong Hee-joo, characterized by IU, a woman of considerable wealth yet vexed by her non-aristocratic standing, and Prince Ian, played by Byun Woo-seok, whose royal status belies a life devoid of personal fulfillment. This drama, a celebrated winner of the MBC drama script competition, stands as one of the year's most anticipated series.
Fifties Professionals combines action and comedy to paint the adventures of three men who, despite their ordinary appearance, once flourished in their respective fields. Fate reignites their careers, guiding them through the latter half of life as consummate professionals. Though life has wearied their bodies, their steadfast loyalty and innate instincts remain undiminished. The series stars Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, who promise to deliver both heartfelt action and comedic relief.
Scheduled for the latter part of the year, Married Woman Killer introduces viewers to a challenging work-life juggle faced by a mom with the world’s most perilous profession. Yoo Bo-na, played by Gong Hyo-jin, steps back into her career of pursuing dangerous criminals after a three-year hiatus for maternity leave. Balancing her tumultuous domestic life with her hazardous job, her husband—portrayed by Jung Joon-won—is determined to unearth the secret life of his killer wife.
Liar presents a psychological thriller where two protagonists lock horns over a singular, contested memory in a relentless quest for truth. Reuniting after their previous collaboration in Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim, are Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin.
Your Ground tells the story of personal and professional revival in a youthful romance, featuring a baseball player, brought to life by Gong Myung, who faces a career setback. His encounter with a lawyer-turned-agent, played by Han Hyo-joo, sparks a journey back to the sport he loves.
An MBC spokesperson emphasized the careful curation of the 2026 drama slate, remarking, “We have meticulously assembled this lineup to not only showcase premier dramas but also to connect with our audience through a spectrum of genres,” underscoring the diversity offered by the selection.