From star-studded casts to high-budget fantasy worlds and bold reinterpretations of familiar stories, 2026 is going to be a major year for Korean dramas. Global streaming platforms and local broadcasters are rolling out ambitious projects that pair top actors with acclaimed writers and directors, reflecting the continued global appetite for K-content. Several of the most anticipated series feature long-awaited returns by major stars and genre-blending narratives that span historical romance, legal thrillers and fantasy epics. From Netflix and Disney+ to Genie TV and ENA, content creators are vying for viewer attention with productions designed for both domestic and international audiences. 1. 'Can This Love Be Translated?' Scheduled for release on Jan. 16 on Netflix, "Can This Love Be Translated?" is expected to be the platform's first major Korean original drama of the year. The 12-episode series will depict an unpredictable romance between Joo Ho-jin (Kim Seon-ho), a multilingual interpreter, and Cha Moo-hee (Go Yoon-jung), a top global star. Ho-jin is fluent in multiple languages, inc