Image Credit: MBC
The first show to be released is Judge Lee Han-young, featuring Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon. Scheduled for broadcast on January 2, the series is centered around a justice-themed time-travel narrative. It follows the character Lee Han-young (portrayed by Ji Sung), who, once a subordinate in a large law firm, goes back ten years to alter his past decisions and confronts the formidable Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon). The drama is noted for the anticipated strong performances from Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon.
Next in line is The Brilliant Season of You, intended to provide a touching experience during the winter. This romantic story involves Chan (played by Chae Jong-hyeop), who approaches life with the excitement of a summer vacation, and Ran (played by Lee Sung-kyung), who has isolated herself in a winter setting. Their encounter seems destined to revive halted time. The drama also stars Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
IU and Byun Woo-seok headline 21st Century Grand Duchess, a romance drama situated in a 21st-century Korean constitutional monarchy. It explores the life of Seong Hee-joo (played by IU), a wealthy individual troubled by her commoner background, and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), who feels unfulfilled despite his royal status. This drama received accolades in the MBC script competition and is among the year's most anticipated shows.
Fifties Professionals is an action-comedy series about three men who, despite appearing ordinary, were once highly successful. They are driven by fate to reignite their past successes. While they have faced challenges and physical decline, their loyalty and professional instincts stay strong as they navigate midlife adventures. The show features Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, who bring together action and comedy.
Scheduled for the latter half of the year, Married Woman Killer follows the story of a working mother with an exceptionally dangerous job who balances familial responsibilities and professional duties. Yoo Bo-na (portrayed by Gong Hyo-jin), a homemaker-turned-enforcer of justice against criminals, returns to her job after a three-year break for maternity leave. The narrative also involves her husband, played by Jung Joon-won, who is set on uncovering his wife's hidden life.
Liar is a psychological thriller centered on two individuals who contest each other's versions of a shared memory, each determined to uncover the truth. Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin reunite in this drama following their previous collaboration in Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground presents a youthful romance about a baseball player (portrayed by Gong Myung) who, after facing a significant career setback, meets a lawyer-turned-agent (played by Han Hyo-joo). Together, they work towards his return to the baseball field.
An MBC drama spokesperson commented, “The 2026 lineup has been curated to offer not only top-quality dramas but also to cater to audience preferences with a broad spectrum of genres,” emphasizing the variety of the offerings.