Netflix’s 2026 k-drama lineup: From forbidden romance to thrilling mysteries, here’s what’s coming

Netflix is gearing up for an exciting 2026 with a power-packed slate of Korean dramas and films that promise romance, suspense, action, and compelling storytelling. 

Announced on January 20, the lineup spans multiple genres and brings together some of the biggest names in Korean entertainment. Here’s a look at what fans can look forward to.

Also Read: From slow-burn romance to legal thrills: 5 new and upcoming romcom k-dramas to watch on Amazon Prime Video

1. Can This Love Be Translated? (Season 1)

This romance drama explores love beyond words. The story follows a man who works as a language interpreter and a woman who expresses love in a completely different emotional language. Despite their differences, the two form a unique bond. The series began premiering on January 16 and sets the tone for Netflix’s romance offerings.

2. The Scandal

Scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2026, The Scandal is a period romance inspired by the 2003 film Untold Scandal. Set in the Joseon era, it revolves around forbidden love between Lady Cho (Son Ye Jin) and Cho Won (Ji Chang Wook), promising passion, intrigue, and emotional depth.

3. Tantara

Set to debut in the last quarter of 2026, Tantara dives into the dark side of fame. Starring Song Hye Kyo and Gong Yoo, the series portrays the harsh realities of the Korean entertainment industry across the 1960s and 1980s. Kim Seol Hyun and Cha Seung Won also play key roles.

4. Bloodhounds 2

Releasing in Q2 2026, Bloodhounds 2 brings back Woo Do Hwan and Lee Sang Yi as rebel fighters Kim Gunwoo and Hong Woojin. The duo faces off against the International Boxing League and a powerful new enemy, Baekjeong, played by Rain. Park Seo Joon will appear in a special cameo.

5. Our Sticky Love

This romantic comedy blends action and emotion. The story centres on boxing coach Jang Taeha (Jung Hae In) and amnesiac prosecutor Go Eunsae (Ha Young), whose love story unfolds amid gang conflicts and memory loss.

6. The WONDERfools

Debuting in Q2 2026, this comedy-action adventure is set in 1999 and follows ordinary townspeople who accidentally gain superpowers. The film stars Park Eun Bin and Cha Eun Woo, along with Choi Dae Hoon and Son Hyun Joo.

7. Notes from the Last Row

Based on the Spanish play El Chico de la “fila”, this Q2 2026 release stars Choi Min Sik as a literature professor who discovers the hidden writing talent of a student, played by Choi Hyun Wook.

Also Read: Netflix’s January 2026 K-Drama lineup: Romance, myth and mystery take centre stage

8. Road (Working Title)

Slated for Q4 2026, Road is a gripping murder-mystery based on the webcomic Blue Road. It follows a Korean investigator (Son Suk Ku) and a Japanese detective (Eita Nagayama) as they investigate brutal cross-border killings.