MBC Unveils Star-Studded 2026 Drama Lineup, Featuring Ji Sung, IU, Byun Woo-seok, and Gong Hyo-jin
MBC, known as the 'Kingdom of Dramas,' has unveiled an exciting lineup for 2026 that promises to captivate audiences.
The year kicks off with 'Judge Lee Han-young,' starring Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon. This returning justice drama follows Judge Lee Han-young (Ji Sung), a disgraced judge who, after being transported back 10 years, confronts great evils symbolized by Kang Shin-jin (Park Hee-soon). The intense acting showdown between the beloved actors Ji Sung and Park Hee-soon is highly anticipated. Based on a popular web novel by Lee Hae-nal, the series also features Won Jin-ah, Tae Won-seok, Baek Jin-hee, and Oh Se-young.
Following this, 'The Season of You and I,' set to warm up the cold winter, is a romance about Chan (Chae Jong-hyeop), a man living every day like a summer vacation, and Ran (Lee Sung-kyung), a woman trapped in winter, who meet by fate to awaken frozen time. Stars like Lee Mi-sook, Kang Seok-woo, Han Ji-hyun, and Oh Ye-ju will also be part of this heartwarming production.
"A Grand Prince in the 21st Century" is already being hailed as a top contender for 2026, fueled by the reunion of IU and Byun Woo-seok. Set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy Korea, it's a class-defying romance between Sung Hee-joo (IU), a chaebol heiress who has everything but is frustrated by her commoner status, and Prince Ian (Byun Woo-seok), a prince who has nothing and is filled with sorrow. The cast also includes Noh Sang-hyun as Prime Minister Min Jung-woo and Gong Seung-yeon as Yoon Yi-rang. The drama is helmed by Director Park Joon-hwa, known for 'Alchemy of Souls' and 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim.'
"Fifties Professionals" brings together Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, and Heo Sung-tae for a gritty action-comedy about three men, who were once powerful figures, getting back into action due to fate. It promises a blend of loyalty, instinct, and hilarious struggles from veterans who are 50% through life. Director Han Dong-hwa, who helmed 'Bad Guys 2' and 'Duel,' is directing.
Slated for the latter half of the year, "Killer of Married Women" features Gong Hyo-jin as Yoo Bo-na, a working mom with a deadly profession, as she fights for work-life balance. The drama depicts the thrilling everyday life of Yoo Bo-na, a 5-year housewife with a four-year-old daughter who moonlights as a killer of heinous criminals. After a three-year parental leave, she returns to active duty, balancing her dangerous job with family life. Jung Joon-won plays her husband, who wants to uncover his killer wife's secret. This super IP adaptation of a hit webtoon is directed by Yoon Jong-ho, who previously helmed 'Lovely Runner.'
"Liar" is a psychological thriller starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Seo Hyun-jin, reuniting after 'Dr. Romantic.' The story centers on two individuals who fiercely clash over the truth, each claiming the opposite about a single memory. Director Jo Young-min, praised for his delicate direction in 'Eunjoong and Sangyeon,' will bring this intense psychological drama to life.
Lastly, "Your Ground" is a youth romance about a baseball player (Gong Myung) whose career is halted by a single setback. He embarks on a journey back to the field with the help of his lawyer-turned-agent (Han Hyo-joo). This sports-themed drama evokes comparisons to the classic film 'Jerry Maguire' and will be directed by Lee Sang-yeop, known for the 'Yumi's Cells' series.
A representative from MBC Drama stated, "We have meticulously selected the 2026 lineup to bring viewers not only the best dramas but also a diverse range of genres. We aim to live up to our reputation as the 'Kingdom of Dramas' by presenting top-quality productions with stellar casts and directing teams throughout the year."
Netizens are buzzing with excitement, commenting things like, 'MBC's drama lineup is insane!', 'Already looking forward to the Ji Sung x Park Hee-soon combo!', and 'IU x Byun Woo-seok? This is a must-watch from episode one!'