Photo Source: MBC
The first drama to be released is Judge Lee Han-young, featuring actors Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon. Scheduled to air on January 2, this drama involves a narrative centered on justice and time travel. The character Lee Han-young, portrayed by Ji Sung, revisits his past after being a subordinate at a major law firm, aiming to alter past decisions and confront the formidable Kang Shin-jin, represented by Park Hee-soon. The dynamic performances of Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon are generating significant interest.
Subsequently, The Brilliant Season of You will debut, aiming to bring warmth during the winter months. The romance between Chan, played by Chae Jong-hyeop, who approaches life with the zest of a summer vacation, and Ran, portrayed by Lee Sung-kyung, who remains emotionally anchored in winter, forms the crux of the story. Their meeting is depicted as serendipitous, leading to a revival of time. The drama also features Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju in supporting roles.
IU and Byun Woo-seok headline in 21st Century Grand Duchess, a romantic drama set in a modern constitutional monarchy in Korea. The storyline follows Seong Hee-joo, played by IU, who is wealthy but perturbed by not having noble status, and Prince Ian, played by Byun Woo-seok, a royal figure disillusioned by his lack of material wealth. The drama, acclaimed in the MBC drama script competition, is anticipated to be a major highlight of 2026.
Fifties Professionals is framed as an action-comedy focusing on three men who, despite leading ordinary lives now, once experienced success and are prompted by fate to embark on a new journey. The narrative explores their loyalty and instincts as they navigate the latter half of their lives. Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae collaborate to deliver elements of both action and comedy.
Scheduled for the latter part of the year, Married Woman Killer centers on a working mother who balances a high-risk profession with her personal life. Gong Hyo-jin plays Yoo Bo-na, a professional engaged in eliminating dangerous criminals, resuming her career following a three-year break for maternity. The storyline also explores her family dynamics, with Jung Joon-won portraying her husband, who seeks to uncover his wife's hidden occupation.
Liar is a psychological thriller that depicts a conflict between two individuals with differing narratives about a shared memory, as they strive to uncover the truth. Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin reunite, having previously worked together on Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground is a romantic drama featuring a baseball player, portrayed by Gong Myung, who aims to return to his sport after facing a setback, with the help of a lawyer-turned-agent, played by Han Hyo-joo.
An official from MBC commented, “The 2026 lineup has been meticulously curated to offer not only exceptional dramas but also to engage audiences with a variety of genres,” underscoring the diversity presented in the selection.