Photo Credit: MBC
The first drama to be broadcast is Judge Lee Han-young, featuring performances by Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon. Set to air on January 2, this series is a time-travel drama centered around justice. The plot follows Lee Han-young, portrayed by Ji Sung, who, after previously working for a major law firm, travels back ten years to alter his past decisions and confronts a significant antagonist, Kang Shin-jin, played by Park Hee-soon. The intense acting between Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon is a focal point of the drama.
Subsequently, The Brilliant Season of You is scheduled to air, promising to deliver warmth during the winter season. This romantic narrative features Chan, played by Chae Jong-hyeop, who embodies a carefree lifestyle reminiscent of summer, and Ran, portrayed by Lee Sung-kyung, who is reserved and withdrawn. Their encounter appears fated, and they work together to revive stagnant time. The cast is further supported by actors Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
IU and Byun Woo-seok lead the cast in 21st Century Grand Duchess, a romantic drama set in a fictional 21st-century Korean constitutional monarchy. The story centers on Seong Hee-joo, played by IU, a wealthy individual frustrated by her commoner origins, and Prince Ian, portrayed by Byun Woo-seok, who grapples with a lack of personal fulfillment despite his noble status. This drama, recognized in the MBC drama script competition, is among the highly anticipated releases for 2026.
Fifties Professionals is an action-comedy series that revolves around three men who were once successful but are now ordinary. Their lives are reawakened by fate, and although they have endured life's challenges and are not as physically fit anymore, their dedication and skills remain. Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, the show balances action with comedic elements.
Married Woman Killer is slated for the latter half of the year and follows the story of a working mother with a dangerous occupation. Gong Hyo-jin plays Yoo Bo-na, a killer who targets heinous criminals and returns to her job after a three-year break following maternity leave. The series explores her efforts to balance family life with her perilous career, with Jung Joon-won featuring as her husband who is keen to uncover her secret.
Liar is a psychological thriller centered on two characters with conflicting memories, each seeking to uncover the truth. Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin reunite for this drama following their collaboration on Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground portrays a youth romance featuring a baseball player, played by Gong Myung, who meets a lawyer-turned-agent, played by Han Hyo-joo, after facing a significant setback. Together, they navigate the player's return to the sport.
An MBC drama spokesperson indicated that the 2026 lineup was curated to present top-quality dramas while offering a diverse array of genres to engage viewers.