Photo Source: MBC
Kicking off the lineup on January 2, Judge Lee Han-young makes its debut with a captivating plot centered around justice and time travel. The drama stars Ji Sung as Lee Han-young, a character who once found himself at the mercy of a formidable law firm. Now, he travels a decade into the past to rewrite his destiny and face off against the embodiment of malevolence, Kang Shin-jin, portrayed by Park Hee-soon. Audiences eagerly await the intense acting duel between these two seasoned actors.
Next in line is The Brilliant Season of You, a heartfelt tale that promises to melt the winter chill. This romantic drama depicts the enchanting relationship between Chan, played by the dynamic Chae Jong-hyeop, who views life as a perpetual summer, and Ran, embodied by the talented Lee Sung-kyung, who has isolated herself in a metaphorical winter. Their seemingly predestined encounter thaws the frozen passage of time. The series also features the talents of Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
Adding a touch of regality to the lineup, IU and Byun Woo-seok headline 21st Century Grand Duchess, set against the backdrop of a modern-day Korean constitutional monarchy. The narrative follows Seong Hee-joo, portrayed by IU, a woman of wealth yet perturbed by her commoner roots, alongside Prince Ian, depicted by Byun Woo-seok, a royal burdened by his lack of worldly possessions. This drama, celebrated in the MBC drama script competition, stands as one of the most anticipated entries of the year.
Bringing laughter and action, Fifties Professionals centers on three men, once successful, who are unexpectedly thrust back into action. Despite the physical toll life has taken on them, their camaraderie and instincts as seasoned professionals endure. Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, the show promises a comedic yet moving exploration of their mid-life adventures.
Scheduled for the latter half of the year, Married Woman Killer tells the story of a working mother with one of the world's most dangerous occupations. Gong Hyo-jin stars as Yoo Bo-na, who navigates the dual challenges of family commitments and her perilous job as a criminal assassin after returning from a three-year maternity hiatus. The drama intensifies as Jung Joon-won plays her husband, driven to uncover her deadly secret.
Liar delves into the realm of psychological thrillers, presenting a tense narrative where two individuals battle over the veracity of a shared memory. This gripping series reunites Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin, rekindling their on-screen dynamic from Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground weaves a tale of youthful romance and resilience, following a baseball player, portrayed by Gong Myung, who struggles after a career setback. His journey to reclaim his place on the field is aided by a lawyer-turned-agent, played by Han Hyo-joo, leading to an inspiring narrative of redemption and partnership.
Reflecting on the year's offerings, an MBC drama representative remarked, “Our 2026 selection is curated meticulously to provide not only high-quality dramas but also to engage audiences with a wide range of genres,” underscoring the lineup's remarkable diversity.