Image Source: MBC
Kicking off the lineup is Judge Lee Han-young, featuring Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon in the lead roles. Scheduled to hit screens on January 2, this drama delves into themes of justice and time travel. In the story, Lee Han-young (portrayed by Ji Sung) transforms from a pawn in a massive law firm into a man who travels back ten years to alter his past choices. He faces off against the embodiment of evil, Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon). The fierce acting duel between the two actors is eagerly awaited by fans.
Next in line is The Brilliant Season of You, a drama designed to bring warmth during the winter months. It narrates the love story between Chan (played by Chae Jong-hyeop), whose life mirrors an endless summer, and Ran (played by Lee Sung-kyung), who lives in perpetual winter. Their fateful encounter sparks a thaw in their lives. The series also features performances by Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
In 21st Century Grand Duchess, IU and Byun Woo-seok take on a romantic narrative set in an alternate 21st-century Korea governed by a constitutional monarchy. The plot follows Seong Hee-joo (played by IU), a wealth-laden woman disgruntled by her commoner roots, and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), who feels empty despite his royal lineage. This drama, which garnered acclaim at the MBC drama script contest, is one of the most eagerly awaited of 2026.
Fifties Professionals offers a comedic twist on action, focusing on three men who once thrived professionally and are thrust back into action by fate. Despite facing life's challenges and the wear of time, their loyalty and instincts are as sharp as ever as they tackle the latter half of their lives as true professionals. The cast includes Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, who promise to deliver a blend of poignant action and humor.
Set to premiere in the latter half of the year, Married Woman Killer explores the life of a working mother in an exceptionally perilous profession as she juggles work and home responsibilities. Yoo Bo-na (played by Gong Hyo-jin) resumes her role as a formidable criminal eliminator after a three-year break for maternity, all while managing a chaotic family life. Adding complexity to the narrative is Jung Joon-won as her husband, who is eager to uncover his wife's deadly secret.
Liar presents a psychological drama where two individuals are locked in a conflict over a disputed memory, each striving to reveal the truth. This series reunites Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin, who previously starred together in Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground focuses on a youthful romance centered around a baseball player (played by Gong Myung) who, after facing a single career-ending hurdle, crosses paths with a lawyer-turned-agent (played by Han Hyo-joo). Together, they embark on a journey to reclaim his spot on the field.
An MBC spokesperson commented, “Our 2026 lineup has been meticulously curated to not only offer top-notch dramas but also to engage audiences with a wide range of genres,” underscoring the variety of content.