Image Courtesy: MBC
Kicking off the lineup is the much-anticipated drama Judge Lee Han-young, featuring the talents of Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon. Set to begin airing on January 2, this drama explores themes of justice and time travel. The story centers around Lee Han-young, portrayed by Ji Sung, a former subordinate in a massive law firm who finds himself transported back a decade. This chance allows him to alter his destiny and challenge the embodiment of malevolence, Kang Shin-jin, played by Park Hee-soon. Viewers eagerly await the riveting performances of these two actors as they engage in a dramatic clash.
Next on the schedule is The Brilliant Season of You, a drama designed to bring warmth to the chilly winter months. It spins a romantic tale between Chan, brought to life by Chae Jong-hyeop, who embraces life with the vibrancy of a summer holiday, and Ran, played by Lee Sung-kyung, who has retreated into her own frosty world. Their chance encounter resembles fate's intervention, and together they thaw time's icy grip. The cast is further enriched by actors Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
IU and Byun Woo-seok headline 21st Century Grand Duchess, a romance set in the backdrop of Korea's modern-day constitutional monarchy. The narrative follows Seong Hee-joo, portrayed by IU, a prosperous woman troubled by her commoner roots, and Prince Ian, played by Byun Woo-seok, a royal plagued by the emptiness of his rank. Celebrated for clinching the top spot in the MBC drama script contest, this show is among the most eagerly awaited of 2026.
Fifties Professionals offers an action-comedy spectacle revolving around three men who, despite leading mundane lives now, were once at the pinnacle of success. Circumstances propel them back into action, and although they face the world's challenges and their own aging bodies, their camaraderie and instincts remain undiminished. Actors Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae join forces to deliver a blend of touching action and humor.
Scheduled for broadcast in the latter half of the year, Married Woman Killer tells the story of a working mother burdened with the planet's most perilous job, all while trying to juggle her domestic responsibilities. Gong Hyo-jin stars as Yoo Bo-na, a housewife for five years who takes down dangerous criminals. After a three-year hiatus for maternity, she reenters the workforce, balancing her chaotic home life with her hazardous career. Adding a twist, Jung Joon-won plays her husband, eager to uncover the secrets of his assassin spouse.
Liar presents a gripping psychological thriller where two individuals, each clinging to contradictory recollections of a pivotal event, engage in a fierce battle to unveil the truth. Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin reunite for this intense drama following their collaboration in Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground captures youthful romance through the story of a baseball player, portrayed by Gong Myung, who faces the aftermath of a career-changing incident. He meets a lawyer-turned-agent, played by Han Hyo-joo, igniting a journey of redemption and a return to the sports arena.
An MBC drama spokesperson expressed, “Our 2026 lineup has been meticulously curated to not only present exceptional dramas but also to offer viewers a spectrum of genres.” This statement underscores the diversity within the new collection.