8 Most Anticipated Korean Dramas of 2026: Can This Love Be Translated, Perfect Crown, Merry Berry Love, And More
Korean Dramas of 2026: Korean dramas continue to expand their global footprint, and the year 2026 is packed with an impressive slate of titles. From cross-border romances to gripping political thrillers and imaginative fantasy series, K-drama fans have plenty to celebrate. The upcoming year brings together top stars, bold storytelling concepts, and major OTT platforms competing with high-quality original content.
Whether you enjoy lighthearted love stories or intense edge-of-the-seat narratives, the Korean drama lineup of 2026 offers something for every viewer. Let’s explore the eight series generating the most excitement.
8 Best Korean Dramas Releasing in 2026
| Korean Drama Releasing in 2026 | Release Date | OTT Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Can This Love Be Translated? | January 16, 2026 | Netflix |
| Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia | October 2026 | TBA |
| Merry Berry Love | 2026 | Disney+ |
| Perfect Crown (The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife) | 2026 | Disney+ |
| The Judge Returns | January 2, 2026 | Rakuten Viki |
| Bloody Flower | February 4, 2026 | Disney+ |
| Climax | 2026 | TBA |
| Portraits of Delusion | 2026 | Disney+ |
1. Can This Love Be Translated?
One of the flagship Netflix originals for 2026, Can This Love Be Translated? is a romantic comedy centered on communication barriers and emotional discovery. The series follows a talented interpreter who begins working closely with a celebrated actress. Though he excels at translating languages, he struggles to decode the complexities of love.
The drama uses international backdrops and humorous situations to show how feelings often speak louder than words. With charming performances and a modern premise, it is expected to be among Netflix’s biggest Asian hits of the year.
2. Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia
Returning to the small screen in 2026, Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia continues the legacy of the popular medical-drama franchise. This season promises new hospital rivalries, ethical dilemmas, and mysterious high-profile cases.
Starring Kim Ji-won, Lee Jung-eun, Son Hyun-joo, and Kim Woo-seok, the series blends sharp professional conflict with moments of dry humor. Longtime fans are eager to see how the story deepens and what fresh challenges await the brilliant doctors.
3. Merry Berry Love
A delightful Korea–Japan collaboration, Merry Berry Love stars Ji Chang-wook alongside Japanese actor Mio Imada. Set on a peaceful strawberry farm on a remote Japanese island, the drama brings a soothing, slice-of-life romance.
The plot revolves around a struggling Korean spatial designer who meets a hardworking local farmer. Their simple lives gradually intertwine, creating a gentle love story filled with warmth, nature, and cultural connection. Disney+ is positioning this drama as a comforting escape for international audiences.
4. Perfect Crown (The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife)
Headlined by superstar IU and rising heartthrob Byeon Woo-seok, Perfect Crown reimagines royal romance in a modern constitutional monarchy. The drama portrays the relationship between a powerful chaebol heiress and a humble grand prince.
The series mixes fairytale appeal with social-status conflict, political pressure, and family expectations. Lavish production design and massive star power have already made it one of Disney+’s most promoted releases for 2026.
5. The Judge Returns
Streaming on Rakuten Viki, The Judge Returns is a fantasy-legal drama with a dark twist. A fearless judge sentences an influential business tycoon to life imprisonment—and soon pays for it with his own life.
Instead of ending there, the story takes an unexpected turn involving time travel, buried childhood secrets, and a quest for true justice. Its blend of law, revenge, and supernatural elements offers a distinctive alternative to conventional courtroom dramas.
6. Bloody Flower
Crime-thriller fans will look forward to Bloody Flower, scheduled for February 2026 on Disney+. Adapted from a bestselling novel, the drama deals with a controversial “miracle cure” and the chain of violence surrounding it.
The series explores moral ambiguity: is the protagonist a savior or a manipulator? Strong investigative themes, suspenseful pacing, and complex characters make it one of the most serious and mature Korean dramas planned for 2026.
7. Climax
Expected later in the year, Climax is described as a political survival noir. The drama digs into the ruthless world of power brokers, corrupted leaders, and ambitious outsiders.
With high stakes and a gritty tone, the series is likely to appeal to viewers who enjoyed dramas such as Chief of Staff or Stranger. Although its platform is not yet confirmed, industry analysts expect intense bidding among major streaming services.
8. Portraits of Delusion
Blending period aesthetics with supernatural mystery, Portraits of Delusion is a visually ambitious Disney+ original. Set during the early 20th century in colonial-era Korea, it narrates the unusual bond between a vampire woman and a reclusive painter.
The haunting storyline, romantic tension, and artistic cinematography have placed this drama high on watchlists. With stars like Bae Suzy attached to the project, it is anticipated to be one of the most talked-about Korean series of the year.
A Year Full of Variety
From romantic comedies that cross oceans to thrillers that question morality and fantasies that rewrite history, Korean dramas of 2026 demonstrate the creative evolution of the industry. Global platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ are investing heavily, ensuring bigger budgets and wider reach than ever before.
As 2026 unfolds, these eight titles will shape the conversation among drama lovers worldwide.
FAQs on Korean Dramas of 2026
Q1. Which Korean drama releases first in 2026?
The earliest major release is The Judge Returns on January 2, 2026.
Q2. What is the most anticipated Netflix K-drama of 2026?
Can This Love Be Translated? is generating the biggest pre-release buzz on Netflix.
Q3. Are there any international co-productions this year?
Yes, Merry Berry Love is a Korea–Japan joint production.
Q4. Which platform is releasing the most Korean dramas in 2026?
Disney+ currently hosts the largest number of confirmed titles.
Q5. Will popular Korean stars appear in 2026 dramas?
Absolutely—IU, Ji Chang-wook, Bae Suzy, and many others headline upcoming series.
Q6. What genres are covered in the 2026 lineup?
Genres include romance, medical drama, legal fantasy, crime thriller, and political noir.
Q7. Is Doctor X a new drama?
No, it is a returning franchise with a fresh season in 2026.
Q8. Which drama involves vampires?
Portraits of Delusion features a supernatural vampire theme.
Q9. Are all release dates finalized?
Some series still list 2026 without exact premiere dates.
Q10. Where can I watch subtitled Korean dramas for free?
Rakuten Viki offers several ad-supported free viewing options.
