Best New K-dramas January 2026

Eight major premieres. Over 120 hours of new content. The January 2026 K-drama lineup isn’t just a schedule; it is practically a second full-time job. With broadcast networks fighting for dominance against a massive Netflix drop, the “paradox of choice” is real this month. Don’t waste 16 hours on a flop just because the poster looked nice. From Ji Sung’s vengeance arc to the Hong Sisters’ long-awaited return, here is the only curated guide you need to navigate the chaos.

Whether you are a seasoned viewer or just starting, this guide covers the upcoming K-dramas that are about to dominate your social media feeds. We have curated this top January 2026 Korean dramas list to help you navigate the schedule. Get your snacks ready—here are the must-watch Korean dramas kicking off 2026.

The Judge Returns (판사 이한영)

In this intense legal crime fantasy, Ji Sung stars as Lee Han-Young, a corrupt judge who once compromised his ethics for his powerful in-laws. Just as he resolves to end his corrupt ways, he is shockingly transported back in time to 10 years ago, giving him a second chance to punish “big evil” and live a righteous life. He faces a formidable opponent in Kang Shin-Jin (Park Hee-Soon), a shadowy chief judge who isn’t afraid to manipulate trials for the government. If you love redemption arcs and high-stakes courtroom battles, this is the perfect drama to start your year.

Catch the premiere on January 2 at 21:50 KST on MBC.

To My Beloved Thief (은애하는 도적님아)

In this captivating historical romance, Nam Ji-Hyun leads a perilous double life: by day, she is Hong Eun-Zo, a devoted physician at Hyeminseo, but by night, she becomes the righteous thief “Gil-Dong,” raiding corrupt officials’ treasuries to save the poor. Her fate becomes entangled with Prince Lee Yeol (Moon Sang-Min), the King’s dashing younger stepbrother who hides his sharp policing skills behind an easygoing facade. With its classic “secret identity” tension and a mix of action and romance, this Sageuk promises to be a visual treat.

Catch the premiere on January 3 at 21:20 KST on KBS2.

Spring Fever (스프링 피버)

If you are looking for a healing romance to cure the winter blues, look no further than this adaptation of Baek Min-A’s popular web novel. Lee Joo-Bin plays Yoon Bom, a beloved Seoul teacher who retreats to a small town with a closed heart. There, she meets Seon Jae-Kyu (Ahn Bo-Hyun), a man who looks tough on the outside but is actually warm, pleasant, and refreshingly straightforward with his feelings. It is a “tough guy, soft heart” love story that promises to melt frozen hearts this winter. If you like healing romances this is your pick for the best new K-dramas premiering in January.

Catch the premiere on January 5 at 20:50 KST on tvN.

Can This Love Be Translated? (이 사랑 통역 되나요?)

The Hong Sisters return with a highly anticipated Netflix Romantic-Comedy that explores the language of love. Kim Sun-Ho stars as Joo Ho-Jin, a brilliant interpreter fluent in English, Japanese, and Italian, who begins working for a confident top star named Cha Mu-Hee (Go Youn-Jung). With a star-studded cast including Sota Fukushi and the global reach of Netflix, this witty series asks if two people speaking entirely different “languages” of life can truly understand each other.

Stream it globally starting January 16 on Netflix.

Human From Today AKA No Tail to Tell (오늘부터 인간입니다만)

Flipping the script on traditional folklore, this fantasy rom-com features Eun-Ho (Kim Hye-Yoon), a Gumiho (nine-tailed fox) who actually refuses to become human because she enjoys her eternal youth too much. Her carefree, fun-seeking life hits a snag when she crashes into the life of Kang Shi-Yeol (Lomon), a narcissistic world-class soccer player whose perfect existence is suddenly turned upside down. It is a fresh, energetic take on the genre perfectly suited for fans of supernatural romantic comedies.

Catch the premiere on January 16 at 21:50 KST on SBS.

Positively Yours (아기가 생겼어요)

Sometimes the best romances start with an accident. In this romantic comedy based on a hit webcomic, Choi Jin-Hyuk plays a perfect Chaebol heir who swore off marriage, while Oh Yeon-Seo plays a work-focused woman with zero interest in romance. Their firm plans for single life are shattered after a one-night stand leads to an unexpected pregnancy, forcing them to navigate a chaotic but sweet new reality together.

Catch the premiere on January 17 at 22:30 KST on Channel A.

Undercover Miss Hong (언더커버 미쓰홍)

Set in the late 1990s, this office action comedy delivers retro vibes and corporate intrigue. Park Shin-Hye stars as Hong Geum-Bo, an elite financial supervisor who goes undercover as a 20-year-old rookie to investigate a securities firm. While maintaining her disguise, she clashes with the firm’s ruthless new CEO (Ko Kyoung-Pyo), who unknowingly holds a past connection to her. Expect a perfect blend of nostalgia, comedy, and tension as she tries to keep her cover from blowing.

Catch the premiere on January 17 at 21:20 KST on tvN.

Recipe for Love (사랑을 처방해 드립니다)

Closing out the month’s best new K-dramas is a heartwarming family romance that reunites Bridal Mask stars Jin Se-Yun and Park Ki-Woong. The story follows a former medical student turned fashion designer (Jin Se-Yun) who ends up working for her childhood first love (Park Ki-Woong). As they reconnect, their romance helps heal the 30-year-old feud between their families, proving that love really can be the best medicine. This is a 50 episode drama so buckle up.

Catch the premiere on January 31 at 19:55 KST on KBS2.

📅 Quick Planner: January 2026 K-Drama Schedule

Planning your watchlist? Copy and paste this table directly into your Notion or digital planner to keep track of premiere dates!

Best New K-dramas January 2026 Final Thoughts

January 2026 is shaping up to be a massive month for Korean entertainment. From the return of industry heavyweights like Park Shin-Hye and Kim Sun-Ho to fresh web novel adaptations, your watchlist is about to get very full.

Found your next obsession? Share this Best New K-dramas January 2026 guide with your K-drama friends and let the planning begin!