Year 2025 delivered memorable Korean dramas, but 2026 promises an even stronger lineup. Big-name returns, beloved actors, and fresh concepts from acclaimed writers and directors are making this year a golden era for K-drama fans. Whether you love swoon-worthy romances, fantasy folklore, superhero action, or high-stakes thrillers, there's something for everyone on Netflix, Disney+/Hulu, and other platforms.
Here's the Top 10 most anticipated K-dramas of 2026, compiled from expert roundups like TIME's "The Most Anticipated K-Dramas of 2026." Release dates can shift, so check your streaming service for the latest updates.
1. Can This Love Be Translated? (Netflix)
As per The Chosun Daily, The Hong sisters (Alchemy of Souls) deliver a charming globetrotting romance. Kim Seon-ho (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) plays Joo Ho-jin, a brilliant polyglot interpreter more fluent in foreign languages than in matters of the heart. When he teams up with rising actress Cha Mu-hee (Go Youn-jung from Resident Playbook), his orderly world gets delightfully disrupted. Filmed across three continents, this series blends travel, chemistry, and heartfelt emotion.
Release: January 16, 2026 (full binge release)
Why watch: Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and charismatic leads.
2. No Tail To Tell (Netflix)
Lovely Runner standout Kim Hye-yoon returns as a gumiho (nine-tailed fox) who cherishes her eternal youth and has no desire to become human. An accident with narcissistic soccer star Kang Si-yeol (Lomon from All of Us Are Dead) forces her into mortal life, sparking a magical, enemies-to-lovers story rooted in Korean folklore.
Release: Weekly episodes starting January 16, 2026
Why watch: Fresh take on the popular gumiho trope with strong performances and fantasy-romance vibes.
3. Boyfriend on Demand (Netflix)
Blackpink's Jisoo stars as overworked webtoon producer Seo Mi-rae, who turns to a subscription-based virtual dating service filled with ideal AI boyfriends. Seo In-guk (Café Minamdang) plays her real-world rival colleague who slowly wins her heart. Directed by the team behind No Gain, No Love, this modern rom-com explores technology, burnout, and authentic connection.
Release: March 6, 2026 (full release)
Why watch: Unique premise + K-pop star power makes it a must-watch for younger audiences and rom-com lovers.
4. Yumi's Cells Season 3 (TBA)
This delightful adaptation of the popular webtoon feels like a romantic Inside Out. Kim Go-eun returns as Yumi, now a novelist navigating love and life through her animated inner cells. A new cold publishing director (Kim Jae-won) enters her world and could change everything.
Expected: April 2026
Why watch: Heartwarming mix of humor, emotion, and clever animation that fans of the first two seasons will adore.
5. Perfect Crown (Hulu/Disney+)
In an alternate Korea ruled by constitutional monarchy, Byeon Woo-seok (Lovely Runner) plays a melancholic prince who enters a contract marriage with chaebol heiress IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines). Directed by Park Joon-hwa (Alchemy of Souls, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim), this series blends royal tropes with modern romance.
Expected: Weekly release starting April 2026
Why watch: Dream pairing of two massive stars coming off major hits—chemistry guaranteed.
6. The Wonderfools (Netflix)
Park Eun-bin (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) and Cha Eun-woo (True Beauty) lead this superpowered action-comedy set in 1999. Ordinary townspeople gain powers and battle villains as Y2K doomsday approaches. Directed by the Extraordinary Attorney Woo team.
Expected: Binge release in the first half of 2026
Why watch: Korea continues to excel at creative superhero stories—think Moving meets fun ensemble chaos.
7. The Remarried Empress (Hulu/Disney+)
One of Disney's most expensive K-dramas yet, this lavish fantasy romance adapts a hit webtoon. Shin Min-a (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) stars as Empress Navier, who agrees to divorce her husband on one condition: she can remarry the emperor of the rival Western Empire (Lee Jong-suk). Filmed across Europe.
Expected: Second half of 2026
Why watch: Epic scale, political intrigue, and forbidden romance in a stunning royal setting.
8. Made in Korea Season 2 (Hulu/Disney+)
The stylish 1970s political thriller returns with Hyun Bin (Crash Landing on You) as Baek Ki-tae, a former KCIA agent turned international smuggler, and Jung Woo-sung as the determined prosecutor chasing him. Season 2 dives deeper into family legacy, power, and moral gray areas.
Expected: Latter half of 2026
Why watch: Slick production and intense cat-and-mouse tension that made Season 1 a hit.
9. Embers (TBA)
Director Jung Ji-in (Jeongnyeon: A Star is Born, The Red Sleeve) teams with Vincenzo writer Park Jae-bum for this dynamic youth period drama. A dedicated National Security agent goes undercover at a broadcasting station to uncover spies but begins questioning her own mission.
Expected: 2026 (date TBA)
Why watch: Strong directorial vision and spy-thriller elements with emotional depth.
10. Scandals (Netflix)
Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You) leads this Joseon-era tale of seduction and desire, inspired by the 2003 film Untold Scandal (itself based on Dangerous Liaisons). She stars alongside Ji Chang-wook, Nana, and Chani in a story of intrigue and forbidden romance.
Expected: 2026
Why watch: Classic literary adaptation with powerhouse veteran actors in a lush historical setting.
