8 Most Anticipated Korean Dramas Coming This January 2026

The upcoming Korean drama slate for January 2026 kicks off the new year with an impressive lineup of star-studded shows. K-drama fans have plenty to look forward to as the month brings eight exciting new series spanning various genres.

January 2026 indeed offers something for every viewer's taste. From fantasy legal dramas like "The Judge Returns" premiering on January 2nd to romantic comedies such as "Spring Fever" releasing on January 5th, the new Korean dramas showcase impressive diversity. Notably, Netflix will host several of these upcoming kdramas, including "Can This Love Be Translated?" starring Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung (January 16th), "No Tail to Tell" with Kim Hye Yoon (January 16th), as well as Park Shin Hye's "Undercover Miss Hong" (January 17th). The latest Korean drama offerings also include a fantasy historical romance with "To My Beloved Thief" (January 3rd), "Positively Yours" (January 17th), and concluding the month with "I'll Prescribe You Love" on January 31st.

The Judge Returns

First in the lineup of January's anticipated Korean dramas is a gripping time-travel legal thriller featuring one of Korea's most versatile actors. "The Judge Returns" brings a unique premise that combines courtroom drama with fantasy elements, offering viewers a story of redemption and justice.

Plot Summary of The Judge Returns

"The Judge Returns" follows the story of Lee Han-young, a corrupt judge who misuses his position to benefit his father-in-law's powerful law firm, Haenal. Set initially in a dystopian 2035 where wealth inequality has created a vast societal chasm, Han-young lives as a figurative puppet for the wealthy and powerful. Despite his compromised ethics, his conscience gradually weighs on him, eventually leading him to defy orders and sentence a corrupt chairman to life imprisonment.

This act of defiance costs him everything. Han-young finds himself killed, only to miraculously wake up ten years in the past with all his memories intact. Given this supernatural second chance, he decides to rewrite his fate and deliver true justice, determined to make different choices and confront the powerful figures who once controlled him.

Director Lee Jae-jin described the series as "a story about justice and self-reflection," highlighting how the protagonist must confront his past to change both himself and the world around him.

Main Cast of The Judge Returns

The drama features an impressive ensemble led by Ji Sung, who returns to the judicial role after his previous work in "The Devil Judge". As Lee Han-young, Ji Sung portrays both versions of the character—the morally compromised judge and his redemption-seeking counterpart—demonstrating his range as an actor.

Park Hee-soon takes on the role of Kang Shin-jin, a senior criminal judge at the Seoul Central District Court who serves as a key figure in a shadowy power structure connected to a former president. Unafraid to manipulate the law for his own purposes, Kang becomes Han-young's formidable adversary.

Won Jin-ah portrays Kim Jin-ah, a determined prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Her character partners with Han-young to take down S Group's corrupt chairman Jang Tae-sik, though she initially struggles to fully trust him.

Supporting cast members further enrich the story, with Tae Won-seok as Seok Jeong-ho, Baek Jin-hee as reporter Song Na-yeon, and Oh Se-young as Han-young's wife, Yoo Se-hee.

Release Date of The Judge Returns

"The Judge Returns" premiered on January 2, 2026, marking MBC's first drama of the year. The series airs every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 KST (Korean Standard Time). With a total of 14 episodes planned, the finale is scheduled to broadcast on February 14, 2026. The premiere episode recorded a nationwide household rating of 4.3 percent, with metropolitan areas showing a 4.1 percent viewership.

Streaming Info for The Judge Returns

For international viewers, "The Judge Returns" is available on multiple streaming platforms. The drama can be accessed through HBO Max, Rakuten Viki, TVING, and Wavve. However, availability varies by region due to licensing agreements.

Rakuten Viki offers the most accessible option globally, providing free access to the first two episodes, though a subscription is required to continue watching the full series. The platform offers subtitles in multiple languages, including English and Arabic.

HBO Max carries the series in select countries, while TVING and Wavve primarily serve South Korean viewers. According to Ji Sung himself, the drama isn't a typical courtroom or political series, but rather "an emotional journey" that allows viewers to reflect on questions of right and wrong in society.

To My Beloved Thief

Set in the historical Joseon era, "To My Beloved Thief" brings viewers a captivating fantasy-historical romance featuring an unlikely pairing between a righteous thief and a crime-solving prince. This upcoming Korean drama combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy to create a unique viewing experience.

Plot Summary of To My Beloved Thief

"To My Beloved Thief" follows the story of Hong Eun-jo, a woman born to a yangban father and a slave mother, legally considered a commoner due to her maternal lineage. By day, she works as a female physician (uinyeo) at Hyeminseo, treating the sick. During the night, she assumes the secret identity of the righteous thief Hong Gil-dong who steals from corrupt officials and distributes wealth to the poor.

When her family's fortunes decline and her father falls ill, Eun-jo becomes the family's main support. Her thieving activities attract the attention of Prince Yi Yeol (also known as Prince Dowol), a royal prince who appears to live a quiet royal life but secretly involves himself in investigations. As he pursues the mysterious thief, he unexpectedly encounters Eun-jo and falls for her without realizing she's the very thief he's been chasing.

The plot takes a fascinating turn when Yi Yeol and Eun-jo mysteriously swap bodies, forcing them to navigate each other's worlds amidst the complexities of duty, identity, and forbidden love. This unexpected development puts both their secrets at risk of exposure.

Main Cast of To My Beloved Thief

The drama features a talented ensemble cast:

Nam Ji-hyun portrays Hong Eun-jo/Hong Gil-dong, who leads a double life as both a physician and thief. Her character navigates the challenges of her lowborn status while caring for her ill father and fighting injustice in her own way.
Moon Sang-min takes on the role of Prince Dowol/Yi Yeol, a resourceful royal with a penchant for investigations. Despite his privileged position, he becomes fascinated with uncovering the thief's identity, unaware that he's falling in love with her in the process.
Hong Min-gi plays Im Jae-yi, Yi Yeol's rival who has lived under his father's strict control. His character experiences significant emotional development after meeting Eun-jo, gradually becoming aware of his suppressed emotions.
Han So-eun appears as Shin Hae-rim, born into a noble family and Jae-yi's fiancée. Their engagement represents a strategic family arrangement rather than personal choice.

Release Date of To My Beloved Thief

"To My Beloved Thief" premiered on January 3, 2026, on KBS2. The series airs every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 KST (Korean Standard Time). According to Nielsen Korea nationwide data, the first episode achieved a 4.3% rating, with the second episode reaching 4.5%. Significantly, its peak minute rating hit 5.7%, outperforming its predecessor which topped out at only 2.7%. The drama is scheduled for a 16-episode run, with the finale expected on February 22, 2026.

Streaming Info for To My Beloved Thief

For international viewers, "To My Beloved Thief" is primarily available on Rakuten Viki worldwide. Simultaneously, the series is accessible to South Korean viewers through Netflix, where it climbed to No. 1 in the 'Today's Top 10 in South Korea' series category just three days after its release. Additionally, Wavve carries the series in some regions. The first two episodes were made available for streaming immediately upon release, with subtitles provided for international audiences.

Spring Fever

Among the most eagerly anticipated romance dramas of January 2026, "Spring Fever" brings viewers a refreshing tale of emotional healing and second chances. This upcoming Korean drama follows the journey of a woman who leaves behind a painful past in Seoul to start anew in a quiet provincial town.

Plot Summary of Spring Fever

"Spring Fever" centers on Yoon Bom (meaning "spring" in Korean), a high school teacher who relocates to the small town of Shinsu-eup after experiencing significant emotional turmoil in Seoul. Once known as a "story slayer" and "goddess of temptation" for her vibrant personality and chattiness in the city, Yoon Bom now presents herself entirely differently. She dresses in all black, maintains a blank expression, and barely speaks to her colleagues, who often talk about her without realizing she's nearby.

The story takes a turn when Yoon Bom encounters Seon Jae-gyu, the CEO of JK Power Energy. Despite his intimidating appearance and wild reputation—complete with a massive dragon tattoo and rumors of leading a gang of thugs—Jae-gyu actually possesses a deeply warm and loyal heart. As his energetic, boisterous personality clashes with Yoon Bom's detached demeanor, a tender romance gradually develops. Throughout the series, viewers witness how their unlikely connection helps Bom slowly lower her defenses and open her heart again.

Main Cast of Spring Fever

The drama features a talented ensemble led by:

Ahn Bo-hyun as Seon Jae-gyu: Though perceived as a rough street type by townspeople, he's actually considerate and genuinely kind-hearted.

The supporting cast includes Cha Seo-won as Choi I-jun, Cho Jun-young as Seon Han-gyul (Jae-gyu's nephew), Lee Jae-in as transfer student Choi Se-jin, Jin Kyung as homeroom teacher Seo Hye-suk, and Bae Jung-nam as PE teacher Jeong Jin-hyeok.

Release Date of Spring Fever

"Spring Fever" premiered on January 5, 2026, simultaneously on Prime Video and tvN. The series follows a bi-weekly release schedule, with new episodes dropping every Monday and Tuesday until the finale airs on February 10, 2026. Originally scheduled for release in the second half of 2025, the series was moved to early 2026 following a script reading in November 2025. On tvN, the show airs at 20:50 KST (Korean Standard Time).

Streaming Info for Spring Fever

For international viewers, "Spring Fever" is primarily available on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. The 12-episode series runs approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes per episode. Based on a web novel by Baek Min-a, the series was produced by Park Won-gook under Bon Factory with screenplay by Kim A-yeong.

First impressions from viewers have been largely positive, with the series currently holding an 8.2 score (rated by 1,419 users) on MyDramaList. The healing romance offers a cozy emotional tale wrapped in beautiful countryside scenery, making it an ideal watch for fans of school settings and warm male lead/cold female lead dynamics.

No Tail to Tell

Fantasy elements take center stage in the fifth anticipated Korean drama of January 2026, with SBS's "No Tail to Tell" bringing viewers a whimsical romance between a mythical creature and a human. This upcoming kdrama presents a modern twist on traditional Korean folklore with a story of unexpected transformation and reluctant humanity.

Plot Summary of No Tail to Tell

"No Tail to Tell" centers around Eun-ho, a cynical gumiho (nine-tailed fox) from Myohyangsan Mountain who has lived for centuries. Unlike traditional gumiho narratives, Eun-ho deliberately avoids becoming human, preferring her immortal existence. She carefully balances her life between avoiding good deeds and accumulating small bad deeds to maintain her non-human status. Eun-ho enjoys the pleasures of the human world—reading books, eating food, and using magic to experience human life from a distance.

Her carefully structured existence collides with Kang Si-yeol, a narcissistic world-class soccer player for Thames FC. Following an unexpected accident involving Si-yeol, Eun-ho finds herself transformed into an ordinary human, forcing her to navigate human emotions for the first time. Their relationship evolves from initial dislike into a chaotic, reluctant romance neither anticipated. Throughout the series, viewers watch as these two strong-willed individuals clash, heal each other's loneliness, and discover unexpected connection.

Main Cast of No Tail to Tell

The drama features:

Kim Hye-yoon as Eun-ho/Kim Ok-soon: A gumiho who relishes her eternal youth and magical powers, avoiding humanity until fate intervenes. Viewers may recognize Kim from her award-winning performance in "Sky Castle" and recent hit "Lovely Runner".

Supporting cast includes Jang Dong-joo as soccer player Hyun U-seok, Lee Si-woo as fellow gumiho Geum-ho, and several others enhancing the narrative.

Release Date of No Tail to Tell

"No Tail to Tell" premieres on January 16, 2026, airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on SBS TV. Originally scheduled for the second half of 2025 in SBS's Monday-Tuesday slot, the network rescheduled it to early 2026. The series comprises 12 episodes with approximate runtimes of 70 minutes each. The finale is expected on February 21, 2026.

Streaming Info for No Tail to Tell

Besides broadcasting on SBS TV, the latest Korean drama will stream exclusively on Netflix globally. New episodes will be available on Fridays and Saturdays until the series concludes. To celebrate the launch, Netflix plans a New Year Live Talk featuring the cast on January 12 at 8:00 PM KST, accessible via Netflix Korea's TikTok and YouTube channels. This arrangement makes the series widely accessible to international viewers interested in this upcoming kdrama.

Can This Love Be Translated?

Netflix's multilingual romance "Can This Love Be Translated?" offers January viewers a globe-trotting love story where communication barriers become the backdrop for unexpected romance. This upcoming Korean drama explores how genuine connection sometimes transcends words, creating a universal language of its own.

Plot Summary of Can This Love Be Translated?

The story revolves around Joo Ho-jin, a talented polyglot interpreter fluent in Korean, English, Japanese, and Italian. Known for his linguistic precision both professionally and personally, Ho-jin ironically remains emotionally "illiterate" when it comes to matters of the heart. His path crosses with Cha Mu-hee, an actress who rose to global stardom through her breakout role as Do Ra-mi in a hit zombie film.

Their story takes an interesting turn when Ho-jin is hired as an interpreter for "Romantic Trip," a dating reality show where Mu-hee travels to picturesque international destinations with Japanese actor Hiro Kurosawa. As Ho-jin translates conversations between the two stars, he unexpectedly finds himself becoming emotionally invested in Mu-hee. His rigid personality frequently clashes with Mu-hee's, creating numerous comedic misunderstandings throughout their journey. Yet as they spend more time together, their rapport deepens, gradually bridging the gap between language and emotion.

Main Cast of Can This Love Be Translated?

The series features a stellar cast:

Kim Seon-ho portrays Joo Ho-jin, the multilingual interpreter whose meticulous nature extends from his professional translations to his personal life. Viewers may recognize him from previous roles in "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha," "Run On," and "Start-Up".
Go Youn-jung plays Cha Mu-hee, the actress whose career skyrocketed after her zombie film role. Her previous works include "Sweet Home," "Alchemy of Souls," and "The School Nurse Files".
Sota Fukushi takes on the role of Hiro Kurosawa, the Japanese actor paired with Mu-hee for the dating show.

Supporting cast includes Choi Woo-sung as Kim Yong-woo (Mu-hee's manager) and Lee Yi-dam as Shin Ji-seon, a producer recognized for her exceptional abilities.

Release Date of Can This Love Be Translated?

"Can This Love Be Translated?" premieres exclusively on January 16, 2026. Originally slated for release in Q4 2025, the series was pushed to early 2026. Filming began in mid-June 2024 and concluded in early 2025.

Streaming Info for Can This Love Be Translated?

The series will be available exclusively on Netflix worldwide. It consists of 10 episodes, though some sources indicate 12 episodes. Written by the acclaimed Hong Sisters (Jung Eun and Mi Ran) and directed by Yoo Young-eun, this romantic comedy brings their signature charm to a story that explores whether true connection can overcome language barriers.

Positively Yours

Channel A's romantic comedy "Positively Yours" brings a fresh twist to January's lineup with its story of unexpected consequences from a one-night encounter. Based on a popular webtoon, this upcoming Korean drama presents a compelling narrative about two marriage-averse individuals whose lives intertwine after an unplanned pregnancy.

Plot Summary of Positively Yours

"Positively Yours" centers on a "shotgun romance" between Kang Du-jun and Jang Hui-won, both of whom previously vowed never to marry. Du-jun, a seemingly perfect second-generation chaebol, dedicates his life to his family business following his older brother's death. Hui-won, meanwhile, excels professionally yet scores "zero in romance" after being scarred by her parents' divorce and her mother's harsh criticism. Their carefully structured lives face an unforeseen twist when a one-night stand results in pregnancy. Subsequently, Du-jun discovers that the woman carrying his child works at his company, Taehan Liquor. Consequently, he approaches the situation with responsibility, contemplating options between offering child support or proposing marriage.

Main Cast of Positively Yours

The drama features four main actors:

Choi Jin-hyuk portrays Kang Du-jun, the CEO of Taehan Liquor who appears perfect from head to toe
Oh Yeon-seo plays Jang Hui-won, the youngest-ever manager on Taehan's new product development team
Hong Jong-hyun takes the role of Lee Min-uk, Hui-won's longtime male friend of 20 years
Kim Da-som appears as Hwang Mi-ran, Hui-won's dependable drinking buddy

Release Date of Positively Yours

"Positively Yours" premieres January 17, 2026, on Channel A at 10:30 PM KST. The series comprises 12 episodes, each running approximately 70 minutes. Directed by Kim Jin-seong, the drama will conclude on February 22, 2026, following a weekend broadcast schedule with episodes airing every Saturday and Sunday.

Streaming Info for Positively Yours

International viewers can access "Positively Yours" through Rakuten Viki. Furthermore, South Korean audiences have additional options via Wavve. The drama will be available with subtitles in multiple regions, although availability may vary depending on location.

Undercover Miss Hong

Workplace comedy meets undercover intrigue in tvN's "Undercover Miss Hong," a 1990s-set drama featuring Park Shin-hye as a securities inspector navigating dual identities. This upcoming Korean drama combines financial investigation with nostalgic elements and unexpected romance.

Plot Summary of Undercover Miss Hong

Set in 1997 Seoul, the story follows Hong Keum-bo, a 35-year-old elite inspector at the Financial Supervisory Service. Known as the "Witch of Yeouido," Keum-bo is a tenacious, cool-headed professional focused exclusively on her career. Utilizing her naturally youthful appearance, she goes undercover as Hong Jang-mi, a 20-year-old rookie employee at Hanmin Securities, where suspicious financial transactions have been detected. Her mission grows complicated upon encountering Shin Jeong-woo, the newly appointed CEO. Remarkably, he's her former lover who now fails to recognize her undercover persona. Throughout the series, Keum-bo struggles to maintain her fake identity while investigating corporate corruption, adapting to office trends she barely understands, and navigating workplace politics.

Main Cast of Undercover Miss Hong

The cast features:

Park Shin-hye as Hong Keum-bo/Hong Jang-mi, the determined inspector whose undercover mission becomes increasingly personal
Go Kyung-pyo as Shin Jeong-woo, a corporate raider who believes "only numbers are honest"
Ha Yoon-kyung as Ko Bok-hui, a resilient secretary with dreams of escaping to America
Cho Han-gyeol as Albert Oh, a reluctant executive with film studies background

Release Date of Undercover Miss Hong

"Undercover Miss Hong" premieres January 17, 2026, on tvN. The series will air every Saturday and Sunday at 21:10 KST. With 16 episodes planned, the finale is scheduled for March 8, 2026.

Streaming Info for Undercover Miss Hong

International viewers can access the upcoming kdrama globally on Netflix. Furthermore, South Korean audiences will have additional options through TVING. Each episode runs approximately 70 minutes. The series was created by Park Seon-ho, Moon Hyeon-kyeong, and Na Ji-hyun.

Recipe for Love

KBS2's family drama "Recipe for Love" rounds out January's impressive lineup with a story of healing and reconciliation. This upcoming Korean drama offers viewers a poignant exploration of long-standing family conflicts and unexpected romance.

Plot Summary of Recipe for Love

"Recipe for Love" portrays two families entangled in a bitter 30-year feud centered in the Onjeong neighborhood. As misunderstandings resolve and old wounds heal, these households gradually unite as one family. At the heart of this narrative stands a Romeo and Juliet-esque romance between Gong Ju-ah and Yang Hyun-bin. Ju-ah, formerly a medical student who abandoned her path to become a fashion designer at Taehan Group, encounters Hyun-bin, the newly appointed general manager of Taehan's fashion division. Upon reuniting at work, Hyun-bin becomes convinced their meeting is fate, gradually closing the distance between them. Nevertheless, their blossoming relationship must navigate the complicated history and emotional scars that have kept their families apart for decades.

Main Cast of Recipe for Love

The drama stars Jin Se-yeon as Gong Ju-ah, who left her medical career to pursue fashion design, and Park Ki-woong as Yang Hyun-bin, the stylish and sharp-minded head director of Taehan Group's fashion division. Additionally, the cast features Joo Jin-mo as Yang Seon-chul, a proud and principled doctor of Korean medicine, and Kim Mi-sook as Na Seon-hae, a pharmacist married to the Gong family's eldest son.

Release Date of Recipe for Love

"Recipe for Love" premieres on January 31, 2026, on KBS2. The series will air every Saturday and Sunday at 20:00 KST. Originally scheduled for February 2026, the premiere was moved up to January 2026.

Streaming Info for Recipe for Love

For international viewers, streaming availability has not yet been officially announced. In essence, Korean audiences can watch via KBS2's broadcast channel. Since most KBS dramas typically become available on international platforms shortly after their domestic release, global fans of upcoming kdramas should monitor streaming services for future announcements regarding this latest Korean drama.