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

Netflix is stepping into 2026 with a compact yet colourful selection of Korean dramas. January’s slate leans into tried-and-tested genres- romance, fantasy and crime- while adding fresh twists and familiar faces.

From a charming rom-com to a supernatural love story and a light-hearted financial thriller, here’s what viewers can stream early next year.

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1. Can This Love Be Translated?

Release date: January 16, 2026

Episodes: 12

Genre: Romantic comedy

Leading Netflix’s first K-drama drop of 2026 is Can This Love Be Translated?, starring Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung. Initially slated for a late-2025 release, the series now headlines January’s offerings. The drama centres on Joo Ho-jin, a gifted interpreter fluent in multiple languages, whose latest assignment pairs him with celebrated actress Cha Moo-hee.

Their working relationship gets off to a rocky start as their contrasting beliefs about love and commitment spark constant friction. What begins as professional necessity soon turns into a series of awkward encounters, sharp exchanges and comedic misunderstandings that fuel the show’s rom-com charm.

2. No Tail to Tell

Release date: January 16, 2026 (weekly) 

Episodes: 12

Genre: Fantasy, romance

Premiering on the same day, No Tail to Tell continues Netflix’s partnership with SBS and follows a weekly release pattern, with episodes airing every Friday and Saturday. Kim Hye Yoon takes on the role of Eun Ho, a gumiho- or nine-tailed fox- fated to become human. Unlike most mythical beings yearning for mortality, Eun Ho is perfectly content with her immortal existence.

Relishing eternal youth and the joys of the human world, she actively avoids the destiny laid out for her, setting the stage for a fantasy romance that blends rebellion, desire and emotional discovery.

3. Undercover Miss Hong

Release date: January 17, 2026 (weekly)

Episodes: 16

Genre: Comedy, crime

Rounding off January is Undercover Miss Hong, a comedy-crime series that marks Park Shin Hye’s return to Netflix via its collaboration with tvN. She stars as Hong Geum Bo, a senior official at a financial regulatory body tasked with investigating dubious fund transfers linked to Hanmin Securities. To crack the case, she goes undercover as Hong Jang Mi, a 20-year-old high-school graduate, and joins the company at entry level.

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Her mission takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Sin Jeong U, the firm’s CEO- and someone connected to her past. His stunned reaction to her resemblance to a woman he once loved adds emotional tension to an already dangerous assignment. The drama unfolds through weekly Saturday and Sunday episodes, balancing humour, suspense and unresolved history.