As we bid adieu to 2025, we are already excited to see what the new year has in store. With body-swapping rom-coms to political noir thrillers and fantasy mysteries, the year is already looking bright, thrilling and extremely entertaining. The strong cast is an inspiring plus, and with fresh ideas and new & innovative twists, these dramas will leave viewers completely mesmerised.
With that in mind, these most anticipated K-dramas of 2026 are our most sought-after!
Most Anticipated K-dramas of 2026
Perfect Crown
Cast: IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Steve Noh
Release Date: First half of 2026
Set in an alternative version of Korea ruled by a constitutional monarchy in the 21st century, this royal romance Korean drama follows chaebol heiress Hui-ju and Grand Prince Yi-an, who enter into a contract marriage to acquire something that both of them lack in life. The unique setting is this drama’s biggest asset, and the talented cast serves to prove that we are about to get something unique and engaging. Expect palace intrigue and social conflicts as the protagonists find themselves getting more and more tangled in love.
The Remarried Empress
Cast: Shin Min-ah, Lee Jong-suk, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Se-young
Release Date: Second Half of 2026
Adapted from a popular webtoon, this fantasy-romance drama follows the queen of the Eastern Empire, after getting a decree for divorce from her husband, falling in love and eventually asking to marry the king of the Western Kingdom, leading to a clash of powers.
The drama stars a heavyweight cast who get to the nitty-gritties of palace politics and power struggles to bring a deliciously entertaining series. The lavish visuals add to the showcase of opulence and grandeur of the webtoon, and the interesting storyline leaves fans to hope for something enchanting and full of mystique.
Portraits of Delusion
Cast: Bae Suzy, Kim Seon-ho
Release Date: 2026
This period mystery/thriller series, set in 1935 Gyeongseong, follows Yun I-ho, an artist commissioned to draw a portrait of the mysterious and enigmatic Song Jeong-hwa. The owner of the mysterious Nammoon Hotel, Jeong-hwa has not been seen for half a century, and I-ho’s appearance sets off a chain of events that neither was ready to accept.
With big names to boost, this drama takes the words eerie and moody very seriously, promising a dose of suspense and drama that leaves viewers on edge and wanting more. This feels like a unique blend of arts, secrets and dark pasts, which makes it one of the most anticipated dramas of 2026.
The Judge Returns
Cast: Ji Sung, Park Hee-soon, Won Ji-a
Release Date: 02 Jan 2026 – 14 February 2026
In this thrilling courtroom drama series, Judge Lee Han-yeong is killed when he goes against his superior’s orders and sentences a conglomerate chairman to life in prison. In a surprising twist of fate, he is given a second chance at life as he returns with all of his memories and sets out to get revenge.
This time-travel, legal drama with fantasy elements is an absolutely attention-grabbing entry in 2026 and promises a satisfying twist of time, redemption and revenge. The fantastic cast is another reason to be very excited for the drama, and the fact that it goes beyond just a standard courtroom drama and introduces time displacement elements gives it a unique edge.
Spring Fever
Cast: Ahn Bo-hyun, Lee Joo-bin, Cha Seo-won
Release Date: 05 January 2026 – 10 February 2026
For anyone looking for something light and uplifting after all the revenge and thrills, Spring Fever is a light and warm story about an exchange teacher who moves from Seoul to Sinsu to start his life afresh. There, she meets the rough on the outside but soft inside Seon Jae-gyu, and the two kick off an unexpected romance.
Adapted from a web novel, this Korean drama is sure to be a sweet and flirty affair that heals all of our emotional scars and makes us feel warm and giddy on the inside. The emotional realism will hit viewers the hardest, and the journey from heartbreak to healing and second chances will make a lot of viewers’ hearts flutter.
Which of these dramas are you most excited to watch in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!