Image Credit: MBC
The first in the lineup is Judge Lee Han-young, starring Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon, slated for a January 2 premiere. This drama delves into themes of justice and time travel as protagonist Lee Han-young, portrayed by Ji Sung, is depicted as a former subordinate of a powerful law firm. He travels back a decade to redefine his choices and challenge the formidable antagonist Kang Shin-jin, played by Park Hee-soon. The intense on-screen rivalry between these actors is generating significant anticipation.
Subsequently, The Brilliant Season of You seeks to provide warmth amidst winter's chill. This narrative centers on Chan, depicted by Chae Jong-hyeop, who approaches life with the vibrancy of a perpetual summer holiday, and Ran, played by Lee Sung-kyung, who isolates herself in a metaphorical winter. Their encounter, seemingly orchestrated by destiny, thaws the passage of time. Additional cast members include Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
The 21st Century Grand Duchess, featuring IU and Byun Woo-seok, explores romance within the framework of a 21st-century South Korean constitutional monarchy. It follows the story of Seong Hee-joo, an affluent character perturbed by her lack of noble status, played by IU, and Prince Ian, portrayed by Byun Woo-seok, a royal disheartened by his lack of possessions despite his title. This production garnered accolades in the MBC drama script contest and stands as one of the most eagerly awaited series of 2026.
Fifties Professionals, blending action and comedy, revolves around three ostensibly ordinary men who were once successful and find themselves reactivated by destiny. Despite facing life's adversities and physical decline, their dedication and instincts prevail as they navigate the latter half of their lives as consummate professionals. The cast, including Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, promises a compelling mix of action and humor.
Married Woman Killer, scheduled for broadcast in the latter half of the year, presents a working mother balancing the world's most perilous occupation with her domestic responsibilities. Gong Hyo-jin plays Yoo Bo-na, a housewife turned assassin of notorious criminals, who resumes her career following a three-year hiatus for maternity leave. Her husband, portrayed by Jung Joon-won, intensifies the drama as he seeks to uncover his wife's clandestine operations.
Liar is a psychological thriller that delves into the conflict between two individuals possessing contradictory recollections of a singular memory, each in pursuit of uncovering the truth. Reuniting after their collaboration in Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim, Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin lead this gripping storyline.
Your Ground, categorized as a youth romance, narrates the comeback journey of a baseball player, played by Gong Myung, who recovers from a pivotal failure with the aid of a lawyer-turned-agent, portrayed by Han Hyo-joo, guiding him back to the sport.
According to an MBC drama representative, the 2026 lineup has been meticulously curated to not only deliver top-tier dramas but also to engage audiences with a broad spectrum of genres, emphasizing the network's commitment to diversity in storytelling.