A new year always brings fresh stories, new obsessions, and characters viewers can’t let go of—and January 2026 delivered all that and more. From swoon-worthy romance to tense courtroom battles and genre-bending fantasies, K-dramas once again dominated watchlists around the world.
As global audiences flocked to Viki, these five dramas emerged as the most talked-about and most-loved titles of the month. Each offered something unique, whether it was emotional depth, sharp storytelling, or irresistible chemistry.
Here are the Top 5 K-Dramas on Viki in January 2026, listed in no particular order.
Positively Yours
Adapted from a hugely popular webtoon, Positively Yours quickly became a comfort watch for romance fans. The series explores the unexpected consequences of a one-night encounter between two adults who had firmly decided that marriage was not for them.
Oh Yeon Seo shines as Jang Hui Won, a fiercely dedicated career woman who excels professionally but struggles emotionally. Her perfectly controlled life is thrown into chaos when she crosses paths with Kang Du Jun, played by Choi Jin Hyuk, the charismatic CEO of her workplace.
What begins as an accident slowly evolves into a heartfelt journey of vulnerability, responsibility, and love.
With its light humor, emotional honesty, and relatable characters, the drama resonated strongly with viewers looking for romance grounded in real-life dilemmas.
The Judge Returns
For fans of intense, thought-provoking storytelling, The Judge Returns delivered high-stakes drama with a moral edge. The series stars Ji Sung as Lee Han Young, a corrupt judge trapped in a system controlled by powerful interests.
After a mysterious incident sends him ten years back into the past, he is given a rare second chance—not just to relive his life, but to rewrite it. Armed with knowledge of future events, he chooses to confront corruption head-on and punish those who once stood above the law.
The drama’s gripping narrative, layered performances, and ethical dilemmas kept viewers hooked throughout January.
Love Me
A remake of a Swedish series created by Josephine Bornebusch, Love Me takes a deeply human approach to romance and family relationships. Rather than focusing on dramatic twists, the story centers on everyday emotional struggles that many viewers found painfully relatable.
Seo Hyun Jin leads the cast as Seo Jun Kyung, a highly successful OB-GYN who appears to have everything—career success, stability, and respect. Beneath the surface, however, she battles loneliness and emotional disconnection. As each family member embarks on their own journey of love and self-discovery, the drama gently explores vulnerability, selfishness, and healing.
Quiet, sincere, and emotionally resonant, Love Me stood out for its realism and mature storytelling.
To My Beloved Thief
Blending romance, comedy, and fantasy, To My Beloved Thief offered viewers a refreshing escape. Nam Ji Hyun stars as Hong Eun Jo, a woman living a double life as the legendary thief Hong Gil Dong.
Her world collides with royalty when she encounters Prince Yi Yeol, played by Moon Sang Min, and the two mysteriously swap bodies.
What follows is a delightful mix of chaos, humor, and emotional growth as they are forced to see life from each other’s perspective.
The drama’s playful premise, strong chemistry, and adventurous tone made it one of January’s most binge-worthy titles.
IDOL I
Closing out the list is IDOL I, a unique blend of courtroom drama, mystery, and romance set against the glamorous yet ruthless entertainment industry. Sooyoung delivers a compelling performance as Maeng Se Na, a brilliant lawyer who also happens to be a devoted fan of a top idol.
When her favorite star, Do Ra Ik—played by Kim Jae Yeong—is accused of murder, she takes on his case, determined to uncover the truth. As legal battles unfold, the drama dives into themes of obsession, justice, public perception, and the price of fame.
Its unusual premise and suspenseful storytelling helped IDOL I gain strong traction with viewers.
From romance to revenge, fantasy to courtroom suspense, January 2026 proved that K-dramas continue to offer something for everyone. With these five standout series dominating Viki’s charts, the year has already started on an exciting note for drama fans worldwide.
