2026 K-Drama Schedule: Upcoming New Series and Returning Seasons (Monthly Guide)

K-drama fever is reaching new heights in 2026, with major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and tvN unveiling a slate that blends genre-bending stories with powerhouse performances. But with so many releases dropping every week, how do you stay on top of it all? From high-stakes political thrillers to heart-fluttering rom-coms that redefine "chemistry," we’ve mapped out the entire year for you. Whether you’re counting down the days for a long-awaited sequel or looking for the next breakout hit to obsess over, this comprehensive 2026 K-Drama Release Schedule guide ensures you never miss a single premiere.

💻2026 Korean Drama Preview: Monthly Release Schedule & Streaming Guide

As 2026 unfolds, the Korean drama industry is set to deliver an impressive lineup of new stories and returning favorites. This guide organizes confirmed and anticipated releases by month, providing details on genres, streaming platforms, and key notes to help you plan your watchlist. Please note that release dates, especially those beyond the first quarter, are subject to change by networks and studios.

Key Streaming Platforms for 2026:

• Global/International: Netflix, Netflix, Viki, HBO Max

• Regional (Asia-focused): Viu

• Korean Broadcast Networks: tvN, MBC, KBS2, SBS, JTBC, ENA, Channel A

📅 Q1: Winter & Early Spring Releases (January – March)

The beginning of 2026 is dominated by romantic comedies and high-concept thrillers.

✴️January 2026 Releases

Kicking off the year, January features a strong mix of romance, fantasy, and comedy.

✴️February 2026 Releases

February ramps up the excitement with major thrillers and highly-anticipated romances from global streamers.

✴️March 2026 Releases

The spring season begins with a diverse slate including romantic thrillers, legal dramas, and unique comedies.

📅 Q2: Spring & Early Summer Releases (April – June)

Expect major sequels and high-budget fantasy adaptations to take center stage during this period.

📅 H2: Second Half of 2026 (July – December)

Many high-profile dramas and returning series are slated for the second half of the year, with specific premiere dates often announced closer to release.

📌The latter half of the year focuses on gritty noir, zombie survival, and long-awaited period dramas.

💥 Note: This list highlights confirmed release dates and widely reported upcoming dramas. As more schedules are announced, additional titles and precise dates will likely join the 2026 roster.

💡How to Stay Updated？

The most reliable way to track K-drama releases is to follow the official social media channels or apps of the streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Viki) and Korean broadcast networks (tvN, SBS, KBS). Drama news sites like Soompi also provide timely updates in English

🌟Most Anticipated 2026 K-Dramas: Top Picks & Must-Watch Sequels

If you only have time for a few series this year, these are the heavy hitters currently generating the most global buzz.

1. Can This Love Be Translated?  (이사랑통역되나요?)

Key Cast: Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Why Watch: Written by the famous Hong Sisters (Hotel Del Luna), this drama follows a multilingual interpreter who falls for a top global actress. The chemistry between Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung is already being hailed as the "Visual Couple of the Year."

Release Time: April 3, 2026

Where to Watch: Netflix  (all regions where Disney streams K-dramas).

Plot Summary:Can This Love Be Translated? (2026) is a Netflix romance drama starring Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-jin, a top interpreter, and Go Youn-jung as top star Cha Mu-hee. Ho-jin, who prioritizes precision over emotion, reunites with Mu-hee—whom he previously met in Japan—while working on a global dating reality show. As her interpreter, he bridges language barriers and helps her navigate trauma, unexpectedly falling in love. 

2.The Art of Sarah (레이디두아)

Key Cast: Shin Hye-sun, Lee Joon-hyuk

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery

Why Watch: Shin Hye-sun stars as a woman who meticulously crafts a fraudulent elite life as a luxury executive. When a body is found that might be hers, the mystery begins. It's a dark, elegant descent into deception that reminds us why Shin is the queen of range.

Release Time: Feb 13, 2026

Where to Watch:  Netflix

Plot Summary: The Art of Sarah (premiering Feb 13, 2026, on Netflix) is a Korean mystery-thriller following Sarah Kim (Shin Hae-sun), an ambitious woman who constructs a luxurious life based on lies. When a body is found in a Seoul sewer, detective Park Mu-gyeong (Lee Jun-hyuk) investigates her fabricated identity, uncovering a web of deception that suggests she may not exist at all. 

3.Boyfriend on Demand (월간남친)

Key Cast: Jisoo (Blackpink), Seo In-guk

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Tech

Why Watch: This modern tale explores a subscription-based virtual dating service. Jisoo (Blackpink) plays an exhausted webtoon producer who finds herself torn between a "perfect" virtual boyfriend and her real-life rival, played by Seo In-guk.

Release Time: Mar 6,2026

Where to Watch: Netflix (all episodes expected online).

Plot Summary: Boyfriend on Demand (2026) is a Netflix K-drama featuring Blackpink's Jisoo as Seo Mi-rae, an overworked webtoon producer who escapes her hectic life by using a subscription-based AI virtual dating service. The series follows her journey through virtual relationships, which spark real, unexpected feelings and blur the lines between digital fantasy and reality. 

4. All of Us Are Dead Season 2 (지금우리학교는2)

Key Cast: Lomon, Park Ji-hu

Genre: Zombie Thriller / Survival / Action

Why Watch: After a long four-year wait, we return to the aftermath of the Hyosan High zombie outbreak. While rumors suggest a late 2026 or early 2027 release, production updates indicate we will finally see how the "half-bies" (half-zombies) survive in a world that fears them.

Release Time: Late 2026

Where to Watch: Netflix

Plot Summary: All of Us Are Dead Season 2 will follow traumatized Hyosan High survivors, especially Nam On-jo, now a university student facing a new Seoul outbreak, encountering new student survivors with survival skills and NIS agent Han Du-seok, while exploring the fate of "halfbie" mutants like Nam-ra and Cheong-san (who returns) amidst an expanding apocalypse, promising deeper dives into virus origins and hybrid revenge.

5.Perfect Crown （21세기대군부인）

Key Cast: IU, Byeon Woo-seok

Genre: Historical ， Fantasy, Romance

Why Watch: Strong casting buzz and modern aristocracy themes make this one intriguing. The concept reportedly blends high society romance with contemporary struggles.

Release Time: April,3 2026 

Where to Watch: Disney+

Plot Summary: Perfect Crown (2026) is a Korean romantic drama set in an alternate modern-day constitutional monarchy, focusing on a contracted marriage between Sung Hee-joo (IU), a wealthy but commoner-status chaebol heiress, and Grand Prince Yi An (Byeon Woo-seok), a royal with status but no real power. They navigate intense palace politics to find love and control over their lives. 

6.A Shop for Killers – Season 2 (킬러들의 쇼핑몰 시즌2 )

Key Cast: Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun

Genre: Action, Thriller

Why Watch: The first season surprised viewers with its stylish action and layered backstory. Season 2 is expected to explore deeper secrets behind the assassin marketplace.

Release Time: Second Half of 2026

Where to Watch: Disney+

Plot Summary: A Shop for Killers Season 2 is confirmed for Disney+ following the dramatic Season 1 finale where Jeong Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook) is revealed to be alive, returning to support his niece, Jeong Ji-an (Kim Hye-jun). The new season is expected to focus on Jin-man’s final battle against Bale and the expansion of the "Murthehelp" underground weapons business. 

7.Bloodhounds Season 2 （사냥개들 2）

Key Cast: Lee Dong-wook, Kim Hye-jun

Genre: Action / Crime / Thriller

Why Watch: Season 1 delivered gritty fight choreography and strong chemistry between the leads. The sequel promises even larger criminal networks and more brutal underground operations.

Release Time: Expected Mid-2026

Where to Watch: Disney+/Netflix

Plot Summary:Bloodhounds Season 2 brings back Kim Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi), who reunite to combat a new threat in an illegal underground boxing league. The duo faces off against a powerful new villain, Baek-jeong (played by Rain), who uses his influence to draw them into a dangerous, high-stakes fight world. 

8.In Your Radiant Season （찬란한너의계절에）

Key Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Hong Su-zu

Genre: Romance / Melodrama

Why Watch: An animator with memory/hearing troubles and a designer find healing and connection.

Release Time: Feb 20, 2026

Where to Watch: MBC, Disney+

Plot Summary:In Your Radiant Season (premiering Feb 20, 2026, on MBC) is a South Korean romance drama following Sunwoo Chan, a cheerful animator with hidden trauma from a past accident, and Song Ha-ran, a reserved designer living in a self-imposed "winter" of grief. They reconnect after seven years to heal each other's emotional wounds. 

9.Signal – Season 2 （두번째시그널）

Key Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Lee Je-hoon

Genre: Crime / Time-Slip Thriller

Why Watch: The original Signal remains one of the highest-rated Korean crime dramas ever. After years of fan demand, a continuation is reportedly in development.

Release Time: First half of 2026

Where to Watch: tvN / Disney+

Plot Summary: Signal Season 2, expected in early 2026 for tvN's 20th anniversary, continues the time-bending thriller where detectives Lee Jae-han, Cha Soo-hyun, and Park Hae-young use a mysterious walkie-talkie to solve cold cases. The plot focuses on the consequences of changing the past, further investigation into Jae-han’s disappearance, and battling new, complex corruption. 

10.Yumi's Cells Season 3 （유미의세포들 시즌3）

Key Cast: Kim Go-eun, Kim Jae-won

Genre: Romantic Comedy / Slice of Life

Why Watch: One of the most unique rom-com formats in K-drama history returns. Fans are eager to see how Yumi’s love life evolves — and whether she finally gets her lasting happy ending.

Release Time: April 13, 2026

Where to Watch: tvN / iQIYI

Plot Summary:Yumi's Cells Season 3 (expected 2026) follows Yumi (Kim Go-eun) as a established, successful romance author navigating her career, while her now-quiet cell village is stirred by a new, final love interest: Shin Soon-rok (Kim Jae-won), a young, principled, and initially cold editor at her publishing house. 

📺Viewing Guide: How to Choose the Right K-Dramas

Choosing the right K-drama can feel weirdly overwhelming. There are hundreds of titles, multiple streaming platforms, 16-episode commitments, and suddenly it’s 3AM and you’re emotionally attached to fictional people. We’ve all been there.

So instead of scrolling endlessly, here’s a practical (and sanity-saving) guide to picking the right K-drama for you.

1️⃣Choosing by Genre & Mood

K-drama genres often come with specific tones and storytelling styles. Here are reliable starting points based on what you're in the mood for:

Watching something that fits your current emotional state makes all the difference.

2️⃣Consider the Production "Pedigree"

If you don't know what you like yet, follow the Gold Standard names in the industry.

Category	Why it matters	Top 2026 Examples
Star Writers	The "Hong Sisters" are known for fantasy hits like Alchemy of Souls.	Can This Love Be Translated?
Power Pairs	High-budget dramas often pair the biggest icons together.	Tantara (Gong Yoo & Song Hye-kyo)
Webtoon Hits	Dramas based on top-rated comics already have a proven story.	The Remarried Empress (Shin Min-a)

3️⃣Choose Your Viewing Style

How much time do you actually have?

1. The "One-and-Done" (12–16 Episodes): These are typical prime-time dramas. Perfect for a 1-2 week binge.

   • Pick: After Marriage (12 episodes).

2. The Long-Form Commitment (50–100+ Episodes): These "Daily Dramas" or "Weekend Sagas" are slower but provide a deep sense of community over several months.

   • Pick: Red Pearl (100 episodes).

3. The "Fast & Furious" (Seasonals): Short, high-impact seasons with only 6–10 episodes.

   • Pick: Bloodhounds S2 (8 episodes).

4️⃣Check the Episode Commitment

Most K-dramas run:

• 12 episodes (tighter pacing, minimal filler)

• 16 episodes (classic format)

• 20+ episodes (often epic or emotionally layered)

• 50–120 episodes (daily/family dramas)

If you're busy, maybe don’t start a 100-episode daily drama on a Tuesday night. Just saying.

5️⃣Decide: Character-Driven or Plot-Driven?

This is huge.

• Character-driven dramas focus on relationships and growth (e.g., romance, slice-of-life).

• Plot-driven dramas revolve around twists, crimes, or big events (thrillers, revenge dramas).

If you loved slow emotional development in shows like Yumi’s Cells, you probably lean character-driven.
If you binged something like Bloodhounds in one sitting, you’re plot-driven.

Knowing your preference saves hours of regret.

6️⃣Don’t Ignore Platform Differences

Different platforms lean toward different styles:

• Netflix: Big-budget, global appeal, darker genres

• Disney+: Stylish action, thrillers, edgy storytelling

• tvN / JTBC: Character-driven, emotional storytelling

• SBS / KBS / MBC: Classic broadcast formats

• TVING / Wavve: Experimental or youth-focused content

If you’re already watching on one platform, explore their similar recommendations.

7️⃣Read Reviews — But Carefully

Instead of reading “10/10 masterpiece!!!” comments, look for:

• Pacing feedback

• Ending satisfaction

• Chemistry between leads

• Tone consistency

A drama can be critically praised but still not match your taste.

8️⃣Try the 2–Episode Rule

Here’s the golden rule:
If you're not hooked after two episodes, drop it.

Life is too short to force yourself through 14 more hours.

9️⃣If You’re New to K-Dramas…

Start with widely loved gateway dramas:

• Romantic comedy with strong chemistry

• High-production thriller

• Modern fantasy romance

Avoid extremely niche or heavy political sageuks at the beginning unless that’s your thing.

💎Pro-Tips for Discovery

• Use MyDramaList (MDL): Check the "Vibe" tags. If you see "Contract Marriage," "Revenge," or "Hidden Identity," you’ll know exactly what tropes to expect.

• The "3-Episode Rule": Many K-dramas use the first two episodes for massive backstory. Don't drop a show until you've finished the 3rd episode, which is usually where the modern plot officially begins.

• Platform Specialties:

  • Netflix: Gritty originals, high-budget sci-fi, and global rom-coms.

  • Viki/Viu: Best for traditional broadcasting hits (tvN, SBS) and a wider variety of "idol" dramas.

  • Disney+: Currently the home of massive historical and action epics.

📌 Tips for Watching K‑Dramas in 2026

• ✔ Mark your calendar with confirmed premiere dates early — many series release weekly episodes.

• ✔ Follow official streaming pages for exact episode schedules and subtitles.

• ✔ Join fan communities for ongoing discussions, reviews, and reactions.

• ✔ Explore different platforms — not all dramas stream exclusively on one service.

🔍 2026 New K-Drama Viewing: Common Questions & Solutions

When navigating the vast landscape of 2026 K-dramas, viewers often face challenges ranging from region-locked content to choosing the right platform.

Below is a summarized FAQ guide in English to help you streamline your viewing experience this year.

🚀 Pro-Tips for the Best 2026 Experience

• The "12-Hour Rule": For platforms like Kocowa, subbed episodes usually appear within 12 hours of the original Korean broadcast.

• Offline Viewing: If you travel frequently, Netflix and Disney+ allow you to download episodes of major hits like Squid Game S3 or The Remarried Empress.

• Avoid Spoilers: K-drama communities on Reddit (r/KDRAMA) use strict spoiler tags, making them the safest place for episode discussions.