It’s going to be a strong start to the New Year for K-dramas with these eight exciting new series!
January 2026 offers something for every kind of viewer. If you are planning your watchlist for the month, these upcoming series are a great place to start.
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8 New K-Dramas to Check Out in January 2026
1. The Judge Returns
Cast: Ji Sung, Park Hee Soon, Won Jin Ah
Premiere: 2 January
To begin with, The Judge Returns delivers suspense and moral tension. The drama follows Lee Han Young, a corrupt judge trapped under the control of a powerful law firm.
However, his life changes when he suddenly travels ten years into the past. Given a second chance, he chooses a different path and sets out to punish powerful wrongdoers.
As the story unfolds, viewers can expect intense courtroom drama mixed with time-travel twists.
2. To My Beloved Thief
Cast: Nam Ji Hyun, Moon Sang Min, Hong Min Ki, Han So Eun
Premiere: 3 January
To My Beloved Thief blends fantasy, romance and historical drama. The story centres on Hong Eun Jo, a woman who unexpectedly becomes a famous bandit known as Gil Dong.
At the same time, Yi Yeol, a royal prince of Joseon, switches souls with her while chasing her down. As a result, chaos, humour and romance quickly follow.
3. Spring Fever
Cast: Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Joo Bin, Cha Seo Won, Cho Jun Young, Lee Jae In
Premiere: 5 January
If you enjoy romantic comedies, Spring Fever is worth watching. The drama tells the love story of Yoon Bom, an emotionally distant high school teacher, and Sun Jae Gyu, a warm and passionate man who slowly breaks down her emotional walls.
Overall, it promises sweet moments, gentle humour and emotional growth.
4. Can This Love Be Translated?
Cast: Kim Seon Ho, Go Youn Jung, Fukushi Sota
Premiere: 16 January
Can This Love Be Translated? explores love beyond language barriers. It follows Joo Ho Jin, a talented multilingual interpreter, and Cha Mu Hee, a top celebrity. Although their relationship starts professionally, unexpected feelings soon develop.
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5. No Tail To Tell
Cast: Kim Hye Yoon, Lomon
Premiere: 16 January
For fans of fantasy romance, No Tail To Tell offers a fresh twist. Eun Ho is a Gen Z gumiho who has no desire to become human. However, her life changes when she meets Kang Si Yeol, a confident world-class footballer. Together, their unusual relationship brings humour, magic and heartfelt moments.
6. Undercover Miss Hong
Cast: Park Shin Hye, Ko Kyung Pyo, Ha Yun Kyung, Cho Han Gyul, Yuna (ITZY)
Premiere: 17 January
Set in the late 1990s, Undercover Miss Hong mixes comedy with workplace drama. Hong Geum Bo is an elite financial officer in her 30s who goes undercover as a 20-year-old rookie.
Her mission is to investigate suspicious fund activities inside a securities firm. As expected, her double life leads to funny situations and unexpected challenges.
7. Positively Yours
Cast: Choi Jin Hyuk, Oh Yeon Seo, Hong Jong Hyun, Dasom
Premiere: 17 January
Based on a popular webtoon, Positively Yours focuses on the consequences of a one-night stand. Kang Du Jun and Jang Hui Won are both strongly against marriage.
However, one unexpected event forces them to face choices they never planned for. As the story develops, romance and personal growth take centre stage.
8. Recipe for Love
Cast: Jin Se Yeon, Park Ki Woong
Premiere: 31 January
Recipe for Love delivers a warm, family-centred story. Two families have lived with resentment and misunderstandings for 30 years. Over time, old wounds begin to heal, and the families slowly come together. Through forgiveness and understanding, they learn how love can rebuild broken bonds.
With so many exciting K-dramas premiering this January, your evenings are about to get much more interesting. Which of these shows are you adding to your watchlist?
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