List of Korean Dramas with the Highest Ratings in 2026, Including One That Just Released Four Episodes

Korean dramas in 2026 are once again showing tight competition with various titles achieving high ratings. Several dramas have even attracted attention right from the start of their airing due to their strong storylines.

Some titles released from the beginning of the year until April 2026 recorded double-digit ratings according to Nielsen. This indicates a high interest from viewers in stories with diverse concepts.

Interestingly, there are also dramas that have just aired four episodes but have already made it to the high ratings list. This situation shows how the appeal of the story and characters can influence achievements from the early airing. Check out the list of Korean dramas with the highest ratings below.

1. THE JUDGE RETURNS

(credit: mydramalist)

The drama THE JUDGE RETURNS will air from January 2 to February 14, 2026, with a total of 14 episodes. Each episode has a duration of about 1 hour and 10 minutes and has achieved a rating of 13.6 percent according to Nielsen.

The story focuses on Lee Han Yeong, who comes from a humble family but succeeds in becoming a judge. After experiencing death, he returns to the past with complete memories and tries to correct his mistakes with the help of prosecutor Kim Jin A.

2. UNDERCOVER MISS HONG

(credit: mydramalist)

UNDERCOVER MISS HONG will air from January 17 to March 8, 2026, with a total of 16 episodes. This drama recorded a high rating of 13.12 percent according to Nielsen.

The story is set in the late 1990s and follows Hong Geum Bo, who goes undercover as a high school graduate to investigate suspicious funds. She then meets Sin Jeong U, the CEO of a securities company who has an emotional past with her.

3. PERFECT CROWN

(credit: mydramalist)

PERFECT CROWN just started airing on April 10, 2026, and so far has released 4 episodes. Nevertheless, this drama has already achieved a rating of 11.1 percent.

The story is set in a Korean version of a constitutional monarchy and follows Seong Hui Ju, who wants to gain royal status through a contract marriage. Her meeting with Grand Prince Yi An becomes a turning point in both of their lives.

4. PHANTOM LAWYER

(credit: mydramalist)

PHANTOM LAWYER began airing on March 13, 2026, with a total of 16 episodes. This drama received a rating of 10.0 percent based on Nielsen data.

The story revolves around a lawyer who can see ghosts and handles unusual clients. Sin I Rang collaborates with Han Na Hyeon, an elite lawyer, to uncover the truth behind the cases of the spirits.

5. TO MY BELOVED THIEF

(credit: mydramalist)

TO MY BELOVED THIEF airs from January 3 to February 22, 2026, with a total of 16 episodes. The drama achieved a rating of 7.7 percent according to Nielsen.

The story follows Hong Eun Jo, who lives as a doctor by day and a thief by night. She catches the attention of Prince Yi Yeol, leading both of them into unexpected situations that reveal each other's secrets.

6. FAQ

Q: What is the highest-rated Korean drama in 2026?
A: THE JUDGE RETURNS recorded the highest rating with 13.6 percent according to Nielsen.

Q: Are there any new dramas in 2026 that received high ratings immediately?
A: PERFECT CROWN is one example as it has only aired 4 episodes but has already achieved a rating of 11.1 percent.

Q: Which 2026 Korean drama features a unique theme?
A: PHANTOM LAWYER presents the concept of a lawyer handling ghost clients with a legal approach.

Q: What is the average duration of episodes for Korean dramas in this list?
A: Each drama in this list has a duration of about 1 hour and 10 minutes per episode.

Want to read the latest updates on other Korean dramas? Check out KapanLagi.com. If not now, when?

(kpl/sjn)