20 Upcoming K-Dramas to Watch in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for K-dramas - romance, thrillers, courtroom battles, undercover bosses, and time travel. Pick your favorite and enjoy it, while quietly learning Korean with each new episode. Let’s find that one K-drama that stays in our hearts for the foreseeable future.
I’ve added a small vocabulary list with pronunciation for each K-drama. You’ll hear these words a lot while watching, so reviewing them once or twice will really help.
1. Lawfirm of Shinyirang
Release: January 2026
Network: SBS
Main Cast: Yoo Yeon-seok, Esom
Short Plot: A sharp lawyer works at a traditional law firm and uncovers hidden conspiracies behind polite office smiles.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 법 | Law | Beop |
2 | 변호사 | Lawyer | Byeon-ho-sa |
3 | 법정 | Courtroom | Beop-jeong |
4 | 증거 | Evidence | Jeung-geo |
5 | 음모 | Conspiracy | Eum-mo |
6 | 사무실 | Office | Sa-mu-sil |
7 | 진실 | Truth | Jin-sil |
8 | 미소 | Smile | Mi-so |
9 | 비밀 | Secret | Bi-mil |
10 | 정의 | Justice | Jeong-ui |
2. Dear Bandit
Release: January 2026
Network: KBS2
Main Cast: Nam Ji-hyun, Moon Sang-min
Short Plot: A thief and a detective fall into forbidden love while chasing a bigger criminal syndicate.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 도둑 | Thief | Do-duk |
2 | 형사 | Detective | Hyeong-sa |
3 | 사랑 | Love | Sa-rang |
4 | 추격 | Chase | Chu-gyeok |
5 | 범죄 | Crime | Beom-joe |
6 | 체포 | Arrest | Che-po |
7 | 금지된 | Forbidden | Geum-ji-doen |
8 | 조직 | Syndicate / Organization | Jo-jik |
9 | 위험 | Danger | Wi-heom |
10 | 파트너 | Partner | Pa-teu-neo |
3. The Second Signal
Release: January 2026
Network: tvN
Main Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, Jo Jin-woong, Ahn Jae-hong
Short Plot: Rescue teams race to save survivors trapped underground after a massive disaster in Seoul.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 구조 | Rescue | Gu-jo |
2 | 생존자 | Survivor | Saeng-jon-ja |
3 | 재난 | Disaster | Jae-nan |
4 | 지하 | Underground | Ji-ha |
5 | 신호 | Signal | Sin-ho |
6 | 긴급 | Emergency | Gin-geup |
7 | 팀 | Team | Tim |
8 | 사고 | Accident | Sa-go |
9 | 희망 | Hope | Hui-mang |
10 | 도시 | City | Do-si |
4. Efficient Dating of Single Men and Women
Release: January 2026
Network: JTBC
Main Cast: Han Ji-min, Park Sung-hoon, Lee Ki-taek
Short Plot: Singles test a high-tech dating app where chaos reveals true compatibility.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 연애 | Dating | Yeon-ae |
2 | 앱 | App | Aep |
3 | 싱글 | Single | Sing-geul |
4 | 궁합 | Compatibility | Gung-hap |
5 | 기술 | Technology | Gi-sul |
6 | 혼란 | Chaos | Hon-ran |
7 | 소개팅 | Blind Date | So-gae-ting |
8 | 매칭 | Matching | Mae-ching |
9 | 남자 | Man | Nam-ja |
10 | 여자 | Woman | Yeo-ja |
5. Wife of a 21st Century Prince
Release: February 2026
Network: MBC
Main Cast: IU, Byeon Woo-seok
Short Plot: A fake marriage between a commoner and a rich heir turns into real love.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 왕자 | Prince | Wang-ja |
2 | 결혼 | Marriage | Gyeol-hon |
3 | 가짜 | Fake | Ga-jja |
4 | 평민 | Commoner | Pyeong-min |
5 | 상속녀 | Heiress | Sang-sok-nyeo |
6 | 계약 | Contract | Gye-yak |
7 | 궁궐 | Palace | Gung-gwol |
8 | 전통 | Tradition | Jeon-tong |
9 | 신분 | Social Status | Sin-bun |
10 | 로맨스 | Romance | Ro-maen-seu |
6. Plum Blossom, Moon
Release: 2026 (Estimated)
Network: KBS2
Main Cast: Kim Myung-soo, Lee Sun-bin
Short Plot: A forbidden Joseon-era romance unfolds amid palace intrigue.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 조선 | Joseon | Jo-seon |
2 | 달 | Moon | Dal |
3 | 매화 | Plum Blossom | Mae-hwa |
4 | 전하 | Your Majesty | Jeon-ha |
5 | 권력 | Power | Gwon-ryeok |
6 | 암투 | Intrigue / Infighting | Am-tu |
7 | 운명 | Destiny | Un-myeong |
8 | 역사 | History | Yeok-sa |
9 | 한복 | Hanbok | Han-bok |
10 | 선비 | Scholar | Seon-bi |
7. Okay, Let’s Get a Divorce
Release: 2026 (Estimated)
Network: MBC
Main Cast: Kim Ji-suk, Lee Min-jung
Short Plot: A fake divorce for inheritance brings back real love.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 이혼 | Divorce | I-hon |
2 | 상속 | Inheritance | Sang-sok |
3 | 부부 | Married Couple | Bu-bu |
4 | 다시 | Again | Da-si |
5 | 후회 | Regret | Hu-hoe |
6 | 유산 | Legacy / Heritage | Yu-san |
7 | 돈 | Money | Don |
8 | 가족 | Family | Ga-jok |
9 | 화해 | Reconciliation | Hwa-hae |
10 | 웃음 | Laughter | Ut-eum |
8. Miss Undercover Boss
Release: 2026 (Estimated)
Network: tvN
Main Cast: Park Shin-hye, Go Kyung-po
Short Plot: A CEO goes undercover as an employee to expose corruption.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 대표 | CEO / Representative | Dae-pyo |
2 | 잠입 | Undercover | Jam-ip |
3 | 부패 | Corruption | Bu-pae |
4 | 직원 | Employee | Jik-won |
5 | 회사 | Company | Hoe-sa |
6 | 정체 | Identity | Jeong-che |
7 | 정장 | Suit | Jeong-jang |
8 | 비서 | Secretary | Bi-seo |
9 | 승진 | Promotion | Seung-jin |
10 | 월급 | Salary | Wol-geup |
9. Marble of God
Release: 2026 (Estimated)
Network: JTBC
Main Cast: Ahn Bo-hyun, Lee Sung-min
Short Plot: Rivals chase magical marbles that grant divine wishes - at a deadly cost.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 신 | God | Sin |
2 | 구슬 | Marble / Bead | Gu-seul |
3 | 소원 | Wish | So-won |
4 | 라이벌 | Rival | Ra-i-beol |
5 | 마법 | Magic | Ma-beop |
6 | 대가 | Cost / Price | Dae-ga |
7 | 죽음 | Death | Juk-eum |
8 | 힘 | Power | Him |
9 | 탐욕 | Greed | Tam-yok |
10 | 기적 | Miracle | Gi-jeok |
10. Your Ground
Release: 2026 (Estimated)
Network: SBS
Main Cast: Han Hyo-joo, Gong Myoung
Short Plot: A fallen baseball star fights his way back to success.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 야구 | Baseball | Ya-gu |
2 | 선수 | Athlete / Player | Seon-su |
3 | 재기 | Comeback | Jae-gi |
4 | 성공 | Success | Seong-gong |
5 | 훈련 | Training | Hun-ryeon |
6 | 경기장 | Stadium / Ground | Gyeong-gi-jang |
7 | 열정 | Passion | Yeol-jeong |
8 | 팀원 | Teammate | Tim-won |
9 | 승리 | Victory | Seung-ri |
10 | 꿈 | Dream | Kkum |
11. The Judge Returns
Release: January 2026
Network: MBC
Main Cast: Ji Sung, Won Jin-ah
Short Plot: A corrupt judge travels back in time to fix his past.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 판사 | Judge | Pan-sa |
2 | 과거 | Past | Gwa-geo |
3 | 시간여행 | Time Travel | Si-gan-yeo-haeng |
4 | 잘못 | Mistake | Jal-mot |
5 | 기회 | Opportunity | Gi-hoe |
6 | 법전 | Law Code | Beop-jeon |
7 | 정의 | Justice | Jeong-ui |
8 | 돌아오다 | To Return | Dol-a-o-da |
9 | 판결 | Verdict / Judgment | Pan-gyeol |
10 | 인생 | Life | In-saeng |
12. In Your Radiant Season
Release: H1 2026 (Estimated)
Network: MBC
Main Cast: Chae Jong-hyeop, Lee Sung-kyung
Short Plot: Two artists heal through love and creativity.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 예술가 | Artist | Ye-sul-ga |
2 | 치유 | Healing | Chi-yu |
3 | 계절 | Season | Gye-jeol |
4 | 그림 | Painting / Drawing | Geu-rim |
5 | 창의성 | Creativity | Chang-ui-seong |
6 | 감동 | Touching / Moving | Gam-dong |
7 | 따뜻한 | Warm | Tta-tteut-han |
8 | 마음 | Heart / Mind | Ma-eum |
9 | 찬란한 | Radiant | Chan-ran-han |
10 | 함께 | Together | Ham-kke |
13. Fifties Professionals
Release: H1 2026 (Estimated)
Network: MBC
Main Cast: Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se
Short Plot: Middle-aged experts reunite for one last dangerous mission.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 전문가 | Professional / Expert | Jeon-mun-ga |
2 | 임무 | Mission | Im-mu |
3 | 위험한 | Dangerous | Wi-heom-han |
4 | 동료 | Colleague | Dong-ryo |
5 | 은퇴 | Retirement | Eun-toe |
6 | 작전 | Operation / Strategy | Jak-jeon |
7 | 우정 | Friendship | U-jeong |
8 | 베테랑 | Veteran | Be-te-rang |
9 | 마지막 | Last | Ma-ji-mak |
10 | 액션 | Action | Aek-syeon |
14. A Bona Fide Killer
Release: 2026 (Estimated)
Network: MBC
Main Cast: Gong Hyo-jin
Short Plot: An assassin mom balances family life and deadly missions.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 킬러 | Killer / Assassin | Kil-reo |
2 | 엄마 | Mom | Eom-ma |
3 | 육아 | Childcare | Yuk-a |
4 | 비밀 | Secret | Bi-mil |
5 | 무기 | Weapon | Mu-gi |
6 | 균형 | Balance | Gyun-hyeong |
7 | 이중생활 | Double Life | I-jung-saeng-hwal |
8 | 평범한 | Ordinary | Pyeong-beom-han |
9 | 보호 | Protection | Bo-ho |
10 | 가사 | Housework | Ga-sa |
15. Liar
Release: 2026 (Estimated)
Network: MBC
Main Cast: Yoo Yeon-seok, Seo Hyun-jin
Short Plot: Conflicting memories reveal a dangerous truth.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 거짓말쟁이 | Liar | Geo-jit-mal-jaeng-i |
2 | 기억 | Memory | Gi-eok |
3 | 진실 | Truth | Jin-sil |
4 | 충돌 | Conflict | Chung-dol |
5 | 의심 | Suspicion | Ui-sim |
6 | 심리 | Psychology | Sim-ri |
7 | 증거 | Evidence | Jeung-geo |
8 | 조작 | Manipulation | Jo-jak |
9 | 과거 | Past | Gwa-geo |
10 | 미스터리 | Mystery | Mi-seu-teo-ri |
16. The Gilded Crown
Release: Summer 2026 (Estimated)
Network: tvN
Main Cast: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun
Short Plot: A reimagined history where a modern-day historian finds herself ruling a forgotten kingdom.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 뱀파이어 | Vampire | Baem-pa-i-eo |
2 | 초상화 | Portrait | Cho-sang-hwa |
3 | 화가 | Painter / Artist | Hwa-ga |
4 | 망상 | Delusion | Mang-sang |
5 | 매혹적인 | Captivating | Mae-hok-jeok-in |
6 | 슬픔 | Sadness | Seul-peum |
7 | 고독 | Solitude | Go-dok |
8 | 비밀 | Secret | Bi-mil |
9 | 아름다움 | Beauty | A-reum-da-un |
10 | 시대극 | Period Drama | Si-dae-geuk |
17. Echoes of Silence
Release: Q3 2026 (Estimated)
Network: Netflix / OCN
Main Cast: Son Suk-ku, Jun Ji-hyun
Short Plot: A profiler who can't hear sounds must team up with a witness who can't speak to catch a rhythmic serial killer.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 요원 | Agent | Yo-won |
2 | 검사 | Prosecutor | Geom-sa |
3 | 시대 | Era | Si-dae |
4 | 정치 | Politics | Jeong-chi |
5 | 권력 | Power | Gwon-ryeok |
6 | 정의 | Justice | Jeong-ui |
7 | 경쟁 | Competition / Rivalry | Gyeong-jaeng |
8 | 스릴러 | Thriller | Seu-ril-reo |
9 | 반전 | Twist | Ban-jeon |
10 | 야망 | Ambition | Ya-mang |
18. Midnight Bakery
Release: October 2026
Network: JTBC
Main Cast: Cha Eun-woo, Shin Ye-eun
Short Plot: A mystical bakery opens only at midnight, serving bread that allows customers to talk to their past selves.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 황후 | Empress | Hwang-hu |
2 | 재혼 | Remarriage | Jae-hon |
3 | 배신 | Betrayal | Bae-sin |
4 | 궁정 | Royal Court | Gung-jeong |
5 | 경쟁자 | Rival | Gyeong-jaeng-ja |
6 | 사랑 | Love | Sa-rang |
7 | 품격 | Dignity / Class | Pum-gyeok |
8 | 이혼 | Divorce | I-hon |
9 | 복수 | Revenge | Bok-su |
10 | 황제 | Emperor | Hwang-je |
19. Algorithm of Love
Release: November 2026
Network: SBS
Main Cast: Rowoon, Suzy
Short Plot: An AI developer falls for a woman who intentionally lives a "low-tech" life, challenging his views on love and data.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 금 | Gold | Geum |
2 | 공항 | Airport | Gong-hang |
3 | 보안 | Security | Bo-an |
4 | 도주 | Escape / Flight | Do-ju |
5 | 범죄자 | Criminal | Beom-joe-ja |
6 | 돈 | Money | Don |
7 | 위험 | Danger | Wi-heom |
8 | 추적 | Tracking / Pursuit | Chu-jeok |
9 | 탐욕 | Greed | Tam-yok |
10 | 행운 | Luck | Haeng-un |
20. The Final Witness
Release: December 2026
Network: tvN
Main Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Lee Do-hyun
Short Plot: A veteran prosecutor and a rookie medical examiner team up to solve a cold case that involves the city’s most powerful family.
Must-know Vocabulary:
# | Korean | English | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 남자친구 | Boyfriend | Nam-ja-chin-gu |
2 | 대여 | Rental / Demand | Dae-yeo |
3 | 로코 | Rom-Com | Ro-ko |
4 | 가짜 | Fake | Ga-jja |
5 | 진짜 | Real | Jin-jja |
6 | 데이트 | Date | De-i-teu |
7 | 설렘 | Flutter / Excitement | Seol-rem |
8 | 연기 | Acting | Yeon-gi |
9 | 고백 | Confession | Go-baek |
10 | 인기 | Popularity | In-gi |
How This Helps You Learn Korean:
Watching K-dramas improves listening skills, vocabulary, and cultural understanding naturally. By following these upcoming hits, you can practice real-world dialogue and trendy slang.
Your Turn:
Which 2026 K-drama are you most excited to watch - and which one will help your Korean the most?
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