8 Best K-Dramas Released in 2026 You Need to Add to Your Watchlist, Ranked by IMDb

Each year, the South Korean TV industry releases a multitude of original projects ranging from lighthearted urban romantic comedies to profound social and legal dramas that address pressing issues in modern Korean society.

The first half of the year was dominated by rom-coms, tense crime mysteries, and psychological thrillers.

8. 'Dream to You', 2026-...

IMDb Score: 7.0/10

Woo Soo-bin and Joo Yi-jae had been in love since they were in school together. They shared a passion for cinema and dreamed of making a movie together one day.

After a painful breakup, Soo-bin studied abroad and directed a successful movie. Meanwhile, Yi-jae stayed in South Korea and took a job hosting an unpopular show. One day, Soo-bin decided to return home to fulfill Yi-jae's dream.

7. 'If Wishes Could Kill', 2026

IMDb Score: 7.0/10

Students at Seorin High School discover an unusual mobile app that promises to grant wishes. A user simply needs to record a video stating their request while holding a piece of paper with their name and date of birth.

Struggling student Choi Hyeong-wook decides to take a chance on the app. Terrified of an upcoming math exam, he wishes for a top grade – and actually receives one. However, a countdown timer soon appears on his smartphone screen. He begins seeing a sinister apparition and ultimately takes his own life.

The same timer then appears on his friends' phones. To escape this tragic fate, the teenagers must uncover the truth behind the mysterious app.

6. 'The Art of Sarah', 2026

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

Sarah Kim is the regional director of a luxury accessories brand that caters to some of Korea's most successful and influential figures. She's a prominent executive and a well-known name in the fashion world who nonetheless keeps her private life entirely out of the public eye.

One day, following a lavish party, a woman's body is found in the city and identified as Kim's. Detective Park Mu-gyeong is assigned to the case.

In his attempt to uncover the truth behind the incident, Park finds himself drawn into a web of deceit, corruption, coercion, and manipulation – the very foundations upon which Seoul's fashion industry and high society are built.

5. 'Boyfriend on Demand', 2026

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

Seo Mi-rae, a webtoon producer, is a workaholic. She has to deal with difficult and temperamental creators, leaving her with no energy left over for a personal life or socializing outside the office.

To make matters worse, she has a rival at the publishing house, another highly successful producer named Park Kyeong-nam. He excels at his job but is reserved and rational, unmoved by his colleagues' feelings or the creative struggles of the artists.

One day, Seo Mi-rae gets her hands on a virtual dating simulator. Although the game allows her to date ideal men, she is most intrigued by a man who bears a strong resemblance to Kyeong-nam.

4. 'My Royal Nemesis', 2026

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

Kang Dan-shim, Queen Consort during the Joseon era, was executed for treason and attempting to harm one of the princes. However, during her execution, a rare solar eclipse occurs and her soul is transported into the body of an actress named Shin Seo-ri.

In 2026, Seo-ri works as a stunt double on the set of a historical film. Before she can adjust to life in Seoul, she crosses paths with Cha Se-gye, the heir to a major corporation whose rivals constantly try to paint him as a villain.

Initially, the two arrogant people clash, but they soon discover that their stories share striking similarities – so much so that Se-gye appears to be someone from Dan-shim's past.

3. 'Phantom Lawyer', 2026-...

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

Shin Yi-rang comes from a family of lawyers. After completing his education, he dreamed of a successful career, but no firm would hire him. His reputation has been severely tarnished by the actions of his late father, a prosecutor who took bribes and used drugs.

Desperate to find work, Yi-rang rents an office that once belonged to a shaman. From day one, he starts seeing ghosts who ask him to help resolve matters they left unfinished during their lifetimes.

Thus, Shin transforms from an ordinary lawyer into an attorney for ghosts.

2. 'Perfect Crown', 2026-...

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

In an alternate modern-day South Korea that is a monarchy, the king holds supreme authority. A young boy sits on the throne, having inherited it from his father, who died tragically. Prince I-an serves as his regent.

One day, Seong Hui-ju receives an invitation to the king's eighth birthday celebration. She's a wealthy heiress, the head of a successful cosmetics company, and a former university classmate of I-an's.

Despite her status and wealth, Hui-ju is considered a commoner in this society. Her father pressures her to marry soon. Realizing that any marriage she enters into will inevitably be one of convenience, she decides to seduce I-an.

1. 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier', 2026-...

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

Kang Seong-jae was the top recruit at his training center. Instead of being assigned to an elite unit, however, he was sent to Ganglim, a small outpost. It turns out that Seong-jae has been diagnosed with depression and a gaming addiction.

Nevertheless, Captain Hwang Seok-ho takes a gamble and assigns the troublesome rookie to the kitchen as an assistant cook. It proves to be an excellent decision: Kang possesses a unique interactive assistant that's accessible only to him – he sees a holographic interface that resembles a video game screen.

A voice in Seong-jae's head tells him that he must follow the Path of the Chef, a culinary mission-based video game, to become a cooking legend.