What to Watch This Month: K-Drama Lineup for January 2026

13 Jan 2026, 19:52 by A-Nish · allkpop

January is shaping up to be an exciting way to kick off 2026 for K-drama fans. With the holiday rush behind us and the new year settling in, this is the perfect time for fresh stories that feel both immersive and comforting. From time travel and fantasy twists to romantic comedies and workplace dramas, January’s lineup sets the tone for what promises to be a strong year ahead.

Rather than easing us into the year gently, January 2026 arrives with bold premieres and high-profile casts, offering dramas that feel polished, ambitious, and emotionally engaging. Whether you are looking to get hooked on a long-running story or binge something new right from the start, these upcoming releases give plenty of reasons to stay glued to your screen.

Here’s a look at the K-dramas releasing in January 2026.

THE JUDGE RETURNS

Release Date: January 2

Cast: Ji Sung, Park Hee Soon, Won Jin Ah

A corrupt judge is suddenly sent ten years into the past, given an unexpected second chance at life. Faced with the consequences of his former choices, Lee Han Young begins using his knowledge of the future to confront powerful figures and deliver long-overdue justice. Blending legal drama with fantasy and moral reckoning, this series promises intense performances and high-stakes storytelling from its very first episode.

TO MY BELOVED THIEF

Release Date: January 3

Cast: Nam Ji Hyun, Moon Sang Min

Set in the Joseon era, this historical fantasy rom-com follows a woman who accidentally becomes a notorious bandit and a royal prince whose life becomes entangled with hers through an unexpected soul swap. As identities blur and secrets unfold, the story mixes humor, romance, and adventure while exploring ideas of power, freedom, and empathy across social boundaries.

SPRING FEVER

Release Date: January 5

Cast: Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Joo Bin

After leaving behind a painful chapter in her life, an emotionally guarded woman starts over as a teacher in a quiet town. There, she meets a warm-hearted man whose sincerity slowly breaks through her defenses. With its soft pacing and character-driven romance, Spring Fever looks set to be a comforting watch that focuses on healing, second chances, and understated emotional growth.

CAN THIS LOVE BE TRANSLATED?

Release Date: January 16

Cast: Kim Seon Ho, Go Youn Jung, Fukushi Sota

This romantic comedy explores how emotions often get lost between languages, cultures, and expectations. The story centers on a multilingual interpreter and a global celebrity whose professional relationship gradually turns personal. Created by the Hong Sisters, the drama leans into quiet moments, cultural misunderstandings, and unspoken feelings, offering a romance that feels thoughtful rather than flashy.

NO TAIL TO TELL

Release Date: January 16

Cast: Kim Hye Yoon, Lomon

A gumiho who never wanted to become human finds her world turned upside down after an accident forces her into a mortal life. As she struggles with emotions she has never experienced before, she crosses paths with a confident professional athlete who complicates her already fragile balance. Rather than leaning into fantasy spectacle alone, the series focuses on identity, restraint, and the cost of becoming human.

UNDERCOVER MISS HONG

Release Date: January 17

Cast: Park Shin Hye, Go Kyung Pyo, Ha Yoon Kyung

An elite financial inspector in her thirties is sent undercover as a young rookie employee to investigate suspicious corporate dealings. Set against the backdrop of office politics and generational clashes, the series combines sharp comedy with social commentary. Park Shin Hye steps into a role that blends action, wit, and confidence, giving the workplace genre a fresh and energetic twist.

POSITIVELY YOURS

Release Date: January 17

Cast: Choi Jin Hyuk, Oh Yeon Seo

Based on a popular webtoon, this romantic comedy follows two adults who have sworn off marriage, only to have their carefully structured lives disrupted by an unexpected pregnancy. As they navigate responsibility, vulnerability, and growing feelings, the drama balances humor with emotional realism, focusing on how people redefine love when life refuses to go according to plan.

So, which K-drama are you most excited to watch in January 2026? Do share in comments!

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