Image Credit: MBC
Headlining the year’s premieres is Judge Lee Han-young, a drama that promises to captivate viewers with its riveting blend of time-travel and justice. Scheduled to hit screens on January 2, this drama sees Ji Sung in the titular role as Lee Han-young, a character who grapples with his past decisions after being liberated from the clutches of a powerful law firm. The narrative twists as Han-young finds himself transported back a decade, determined to alter his fate and face off against the formidable adversary, Kang Shin-jin, portrayed by Park Hee-soon. This series is highly anticipated, particularly for the compelling performances expected from its leads, Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon.
Thereafter, audiences can look forward to The Brilliant Season of You, a series crafted to bring warmth to the coldest months. It narrates the enchanting story of Chan and Ran. Chan, played by Chae Jong-hyeop, experiences life with the zeal of a never-ending summer holiday, while Ran, portrayed by Lee Sung-kyung, is emotionally enveloped by a perpetual winter. Their serendipitous meeting sparks a thawing of time’s icy grip. The show’s ensemble cast further includes talented actors such as Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
In a narrative twist, IU and Byun Woo-seok bring to life a unique romance in 21st Century Grand Duchess. Set against the backdrop of a modern-day Korean constitutional monarchy, this drama delves into the lives of Seong Hee-joo, a woman of affluence yet irked by her commoner status, and Prince Ian, a royal figure beset by an absence of true wealth despite his noble birth. Their story, emerging from the MBC drama script competition with much acclaim, stands as one of the most eagerly awaited series of the coming year.
The lineup also features Fifties Professionals, an action-comedy that follows the exploits of three men who, though now appearing ordinary, once led distinguished careers. A twist of fate rekindles their past glories as they navigate life’s second half with unwavering loyalty and instinctual prowess, even as their bodies and spirits show signs of wear. The stellar cast, including Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, promises to deliver a memorable blend of humor and action.
As the year progresses, viewers can anticipate Married Woman Killer, a suspenseful drama centered on a working mother who balances the world's most perilous vocation with her domestic responsibilities. Gong Hyo-jin stars as Yoo Bo-na, a deadly criminal eliminator returning to her hazardous job after a three-year break for maternity leave. The storyline deepens with Jung Joon-won, who portrays her husband, determined to uncover his wife’s dark secret, adding layers of tension to the narrative.
Adding a psychological edge to the lineup is Liar, a thriller that pits two individuals against each other, each claiming ownership of a singular memory. This gripping tale of truth-seeking reunites Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin, who previously shared the screen in Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground rounds out the diverse offerings with a youthful romance that follows a baseball player, played by Gong Myung, whose career faces a setback. His path to redemption is guided by a former lawyer turned agent, portrayed by Han Hyo-joo, as he strives to reclaim his position on the field.
Expressing the channel’s commitment to diverse storytelling, an MBC drama representative emphasized, “We have meticulously curated our 2026 lineup to deliver not only top-tier dramas but also to engage viewers across a spectrum of genres,” underscoring the eclectic nature of the forthcoming series.