11 Most Anticipated Korean Dramas of 2026 That Are Ready to Go Viral (Part 1)

THE JUDGE RETURNS: Premiering January 2, 2026, it tells the story of Lee Han Yeong, a judge who refuses to bow to power and pays a heavy price for his idealism. After being murdered for sentencing a conglomerate, he comes back to life with all his past memories. This drama explores the moral struggles in the Korean legal system, showing how Lee Han Yeong confronts a corrupt system.

TO MY BELOVED THIEF: Premiering January 3, 2026, this drama takes viewers back to the Joseon era with a romantic story between a female thief and a prince. Hong Eun Jo, a noble girl living as a people's thief, meets Prince Yi Yeol, who is curious about her true identity. This story combines comedy and romance with a touch of soul-swapping fantasy.

SPRING FEVER: Premiering on January 5, 2026, SPRING FEVER highlights Yun Bom, a high school teacher who moves to a small village after a difficult time in Seoul. She gradually opens her heart thanks to Seon Jae Gyu, an eccentric man with a complex past. Their relationship grows amidst a calm and colorful rural atmosphere.

CAN THIS LOVE BE TRANSLATED?: Airing on January 16, 2026, this drama presents the relationship between Ju Ho Jin, a multilingual translator, and Cha Mu Hui, a confident and cheerful star. Their different ways of understanding love create sweet misunderstandings. The story illustrates how love can transcend the boundaries of language and perception.

NO TAIL TO TELL: Also on January 16, 2026, NO TAIL TO TELL introduces Eun Ho, a gumiho who chooses to enjoy her immortality rather than become human. Her life changes completely when she meets Kang Si Yeol, a narcissistic world football player. The meeting of these two worlds results in a story that is funny, thrilling, and touching.

UNDERCOVER MISS HONG: Premiering January 17, 2026, UNDERCOVER MISS HONG is set in the late 1990s, telling the story of Hong Geum Bo, a financial supervisor who goes undercover to uncover illegal fund flows. She meets the ambitious CEO Sin Jeong U, who turns out to have a past with her. This drama presents a nostalgic atmosphere and captivating financial intrigue.

POSITIVELY YOURS: Also on January 17, 2026, this drama portrays an unexpected love story between Kang Du Jun, a young wealthy heir, and Jang Hui Won, a career woman who rejects marriage. Everything changes after one impulsive night that alters both of their lives. This drama features a rom-com theme with a realistic adult vibe.

BOYFRIEND ON DEMAND: Premiering February 2026, it follows Seo Mi Rae, a weary webtoon producer who finds an escape through a virtual dating program. In the online world, she meets perfect men who rekindle her hopes for love. However, her encounter with her coworker, Park Gyeong Nam, changes everything. This drama explores the reality of modern relationships amid technology and digital loneliness.

SOLD OUT AGAIN TODAY: Premiering March 2026, this drama brings together Matthew Lee, a researcher of natural cosmetic ingredients, and Dam Ye Jin, a successful home shopping host. Both are known to be ambitious but harbor emptiness in their lives. This story serves as a mirror for many modern workers who have lost their way in routine. With a warm atmosphere, this drama promises a touching tale of healing.

CLIMAX: Premiering March 2026, CLIMAX highlights the world of law and politics in Korea through the character of prosecutor Bang Tae Seop, who is power-hungry. He marries a famous actress and gets trapped in an elite network full of intrigue. This drama offers a tale full of secrets and manipulation, where every character has hidden motives.

PERFECT CROWN: Closing the list, PERFECT CROWN will premiere in April 2026 and is set in a modern monarchy version of Korea. Seong Hui Ju, the heir to a conglomerate who desires noble status, enters into a contract marriage with Prince Yi An for the sake of royal title. Their meeting gives rise to a complex love story amidst the pressures of status and identity. This drama becomes a symbol of the struggle between power and true feelings. Come on, read articles about other Korean drama recommendations at Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when, KapanLagi?