Image Credit: MBC
Judge Lee Han-young, featuring actors Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon, will be the first to debut on January 2. The series is a time-travel narrative centered on Lee Han-young, portrayed by Ji Sung. The character, formerly dominated by a large law firm, journeys back ten years to alter his decisions and face the formidable antagonist Kang Shin-jin, played by Park Hee-soon. The series is anticipated for the strong performances by Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon.
The Brilliant Season of You is scheduled to follow, offering a romantic storyline designed to bring warmth during winter. The drama explores the relationship between Chan, enacted by Chae Jong-hyeop, who embraces life with the fervor of a summer break, and Ran, portrayed by Lee Sung-kyung, who lives in emotional winter. Their seemingly destined encounter revives halted time. The production also stars Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
21st Century Grand Duchess features IU and Byun Woo-seok in a romantic setting within a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea. The plot centers on Seong Hee-joo, played by IU, a wealthy woman discontent with her common status, and Prince Ian, played by Byun Woo-seok, who feels unfulfilled despite his royal position. The drama, praised in the MBC drama script competition, is highly anticipated for 2026.
Fifties Professionals is an action comedy portraying three men who, despite appearing ordinary now, were once successful. Fate re-engages them, and although they face life's wear and tear, their loyalty and professional instincts remain strong. The series stars Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, promising a blend of action and humor.
Slated for the latter half of the year, Married Woman Killer depicts a working mother's challenges as she balances the world's most dangerous job and her personal life. Gong Hyo-jin plays Yoo Bo-na, a housewife-turned-criminal hunter returning to her role after a three-year break for maternity leave, navigating family complexities and job dangers. Jung Joon-won plays her husband, who is keen to uncover her hidden life.
Liar, a psychological thriller, features a conflict between two characters who dispute a shared memory, each striving for their version of the truth. Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin reunite in this narrative after their previous collaboration on Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground presents a youth romance centered on a baseball player, interpreted by Gong Myung, whose career is disrupted by a setback. He meets a lawyer-turned-agent, played by Han Hyo-joo, embarking on a path to reclaim his place in sports.
An MBC drama official commented on the 2026 lineup, stating that the selection was made to deliver top-tier dramas while providing viewers with a broad range of genres, emphasizing the lineup's diversity.