Image Credit: MBC
The first drama to be broadcast is Judge Lee Han-young, featuring actors Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon, and scheduled for release on January 2. This drama is centered on themes of justice and time travel, with the character Lee Han-young (portrayed by Ji Sung) revisiting the past by ten years to rectify previous decisions. Lee faces Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon), who represents a significant threat. The performance dynamic between Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon is generating interest.
Subsequently, The Brilliant Season of You is expected to offer a heartwarming tale amidst the winter season. This story revolves around Chan (acted by Chae Jong-hyeop), who approaches life with the excitement of a summer holiday, and Ran (played by Lee Sung-kyung), who has secluded herself in a metaphorical winter. Their encounter seems destined, leading them to revive stagnant time. Supporting cast members include Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
The drama 21st Century Grand Duchess features IU and Byun Woo-seok, set within a contemporary constitutional monarchy in Korea. It follows Seong Hee-joo (played by IU), who, despite her wealth, feels frustrated by her lack of noble status, and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), who, despite his royal status, feels a sense of emptiness. This production is notable for receiving accolades at the MBC drama script competition, making it one of the most anticipated dramas of 2026.
Fifties Professionals is an action-comedy series about three men who, after having experienced success in the past, find themselves thrust back into action by unforeseen circumstances. Despite their age and challenges, their determination and camaraderie persist. The cast includes Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, who deliver a mix of action and humor.
Married Woman Killer, planned for release in the latter half of the year, follows a mother balancing a high-risk career and family life. The protagonist, Yoo Bo-na (played by Gong Hyo-jin), returns to work as an assassin for notorious criminals after a three-year break from her five-year stint as a housewife, while managing her domestic responsibilities. Jung Joon-won plays her spouse, who is keen on discovering his wife's secret occupation.
Liar presents a psychological thriller focusing on two characters locked in a conflict over a disputed memory, each seeking to establish their version of reality. The series reunites Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin, who previously collaborated on Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground explores a romantic storyline involving a baseball player (Gong Myung) who, after a career setback, encounters a lawyer-turned-agent (Han Hyo-joo), embarking on a path to rekindle his athletic career.
An MBC drama representative remarked, "Our selection for the 2026 drama lineup is designed to deliver exceptional content across a spectrum of genres, aiming to engage audiences with diverse storytelling."