Netflix Korea is clearly accelerating its global strategy in 2026. With bigger production budgets and surging international demand for Korean storytelling, the platform’s slate continues to expand across genres and formats. High-profile actors are signing on in record numbers, while large-scale variety hits like Culinary Class Wars and The Devil’s Plan demonstrate how unscripted entertainment has become a major pillar of Netflix’s Korean catalog.
Still, scripted K-dramas remain the crown jewel. Romance, psychological thrillers, historical epics, sci-fi adventures, and youth horror series are all on deck for 2026—each tailored to Netflix’s binge-ready release model. Below is a refreshed look at ten of the most anticipated Korean dramas arriving this year.
1. The Art of Sarah
Releasing February 13, The Art of Sarah reunites Shin Hye-sun and Lee Jun-hyuk years after their collaboration in Stranger. This time, they lead a sleek identity-driven techno-thriller.
Shin portrays Sarah Kim, a mysterious woman publicly known as the CEO of a beauty empire yet nearly impossible to meet in person. Her layered personas raise suspicion in determined detective Mu-gyeong (Lee), who embarks on a tense investigation. Stylish cinematography and high-end production design suggest a polished, suspense-heavy binge for mystery lovers.
2. Notes from the Last Row
Veteran actor Choi Min-sik headlines this psychological drama inspired by the Spanish play El Chico de la última fila by Juan Mayorga.
The story follows a once-promising novelist turned literature professor who discovers remarkable talent in a quiet student sitting at the back of his class. What begins as mentorship slowly transforms into something far more manipulative and obsessive. Expect a cerebral, morally complex narrative that explores ambition, envy, and artistic desperation.
3. Our Sticky Love
This summer rom-com pairs Jung Hae-in with Ha Young in a story blending memory loss, romance, and crime intrigue.
An amnesiac prosecutor loses her memories while handling a major case. Her former love, now a boxer entangled in the underworld, claims to be her boyfriend—and they begin living together. The drama revives the beloved forced-cohabitation trope while teasing darker secrets beneath the surface.
4. Road (WT)
Based on Blue Road, this Korean-Japanese co-production brings together Son Suk-ku and Eita Nagayama in a cross-border crime investigation.
Two detectives—one Korean, one Japanese—collaborate to track a brutal killer leaving cryptic messages at each scene. With the creative force behind D.P. involved, the tone promises to be gritty, layered, and atmospheric.
5. Bloodhounds – Season 2
Following the success of Bloodhounds, Season 2 raises the stakes. Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi return as the principled boxers determined to dismantle underground criminal operations.
This season introduces Rain as a powerful antagonist leading an illegal boxing syndicate. With high-impact choreography and expanded world-building, the sequel aims to elevate the franchise’s action credibility.
6. Tantara
Set in the 1960s–70s, Tantara assembles Gong Yoo and Song Hye-kyo in a nostalgic show-business saga.
Two childhood friends chase stardom amid the evolving entertainment landscape of post-war Korea. Combining music, ambition, and emotional rivalry, the series promises period aesthetics and character-driven storytelling.
7. Boyfriend on Demand
Jisoo steps into a tech-infused romantic comedy alongside Seo In-guk.
Burned out from her demanding career, a webtoon producer signs up for a virtual dating service that offers customizable romance. Reality and fantasy blur as workplace rivalry complicates her emotional journey. The premise taps into themes of digital escapism, burnout culture, and modern love.
8. The Scandal
Inspired by Dangerous Liaisons and echoing the tone of the film adaptation Untold Scandal, this period romance stars Son Ye-jin and Ji Chang-wook.
A strategic socialite and a notorious playboy engage in a calculated game of seduction—until genuine emotions disrupt their plan. Lavish costumes and intricate character dynamics position this as one of 2026’s most visually striking dramas.
9. The WONDERfools
From the director of Extraordinary Attorney Woo comes a small-town comedy with a supernatural twist.
Set in 1999 as Y2K fears loom, ordinary residents suddenly gain superpowers. A visiting detective investigates strange incidents connected to these abilities. Blending nostalgia, humor, and action, this ensemble piece aims to balance heart and spectacle.
10. If Wishes Could Kill
Netflix’s first major Korean young-adult horror series centers on a group of students who download a mysterious app predicting their deaths.
Forced into high-stakes survival challenges, the teens race against time to break the curse. With creative ties to Kingdom, expectations are high for suspense, tension, and layered character arcs.
Final Thoughts
Netflix Korea’s 2026 strategy reflects scale, diversity, and international ambition. From prestige thrillers and historical epics to rom-coms and youth horror, the lineup demonstrates a calculated push toward global dominance in serialized storytelling.
For K-drama enthusiasts, this year is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and genre-spanning yet.
