Image Credit: MBC
The initial release in this lineup is Judge Lee Han-young, featuring stars Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon. Scheduled for a January 2 debut, this drama integrates themes of justice and time travel. It chronicles Lee Han-young's journey (portrayed by Ji Sung) as he, previously a subordinate in a formidable law firm, navigates a return to the past decade to make transformative decisions. He faces the embodiment of malevolence in Kang Shin-jin (played by Park Hee-soon). Viewers highly anticipate the dynamic performances by Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon.
Following this is The Brilliant Season of You, aimed at bringing emotional warmth amid the winter. It narrates the romance between Chan (played by Chae Jong-hyeop), who approaches life with the zeal of an endless summer, and Ran (played by Lee Sung-kyung), whose life is cloaked in winter solitude. Their encounter, seemingly fated, rejuvenates stagnant time. The supporting cast includes Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju.
The series 21st Century Grand Duchess stars IU and Byun Woo-seok, set against the backdrop of a 21st-century Korean constitutional monarchy. It explores the life of Seong Hee-joo (played by IU), a wealthy woman discontented with her non-aristocratic status, and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), who laments his unfulfilled royal status. Recognized in the MBC drama script competition, this romance is among the most eagerly awaited productions of 2026.
Fifties Professionals is categorized as an action comedy featuring three seemingly average men, who once thrived in their careers, drawn back into action by destiny. Despite life's setbacks and fading physical prowess, their camaraderie and instincts endure as they navigate their midlife as authentic professionals. The cast includes Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae, delivering both humor and emotional depth.
Set for the latter part of the year, Married Woman Killer presents the narrative of a working mother with a perilous secret life. Yoo Bo-na (portrayed by Gong Hyo-jin) is a seasoned assassin of dangerous criminals, returning to her career following a three-year maternity hiatus. The drama explores her complex balancing act between familial obligations and her covert occupation. Jung Joon-won plays the husband intent on uncovering her hidden life.
Liar delves into the psychological thriller genre, focusing on two protagonists with conflicting recollections of a singular event, each determined to unearth the truth. This series reunites actors Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin, previously seen together in Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.
Your Ground is a youth romance that follows a baseball player (played by Gong Myung) encountering setbacks. His career revival journey begins with meeting a lawyer-turned-agent (played by Han Hyo-joo), aiming to guide him back into the sport.
An MBC representative explained, “The 2026 selection process was meticulous, ensuring not only high-quality productions but also a broad genre spectrum to captivate a diverse audience,” underscoring the lineup's variety.