SBS has officially unveiled its packed 2026 drama lineup, signaling its ambition to continue dominating the Korean drama landscape with a diverse slate spanning romance, genre series, and proven seasonal hits. Ahead of this announcement, Nielsen Korea’s analysis of major broadcast channel dramas in 2025 (Seoul metropolitan area, mini-series that premiered in 2025, excluding weekend, daily, and short-form dramas) showed SBS ranking first with an average household rating of 8.2%. The network also topped the key 20–49 demographic with a 2.3% rating, the only channel to surpass 2%, marking six consecutive years at No.1.

Building on this momentum, SBS is now setting its sights on a seventh straight year at the top in 2026. The upcoming lineup includes a wide range of titles such as No Tail to Tell , Phantom Lawyer , Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia , Manager Kim , Flex X Cop 2 , Nine to Six , and Good Partner 2 , showcasing everything from romance to high-intensity genre storytelling.

Fresh Romance Reinforces SBS’s “Rom-Com Powerhouse” Reputation

Following the success of romance titles like Love Scout , Dynamic Kiss , and Would You Marry Me , SBS continues to lean into its rom-com strength. The year kicks off with No Tail to Tell , starring Kim Hye-yoon and Park Solomon. The drama reinterprets the familiar Korean folklore of the gumiho with a fresh twist, centering on a love-hate relationship between a gumiho and an ordinary human that gradually turns into destiny-driven romance.

Another highly anticipated romance is Sold Out on You , starring Ahn Hyo-seop and Chae Won-bin. The drama follows a triple-job farmer and a top show host suffering from severe insomnia, delivering a soft, bickering romance that unfolds day and night. The casting has drawn attention, especially with Ahn Hyo-seop continuing his strong synergy with SBS after hits like Dr. Romantic and Business Proposal .

Wicked World , starring Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun, presents a unique enemies-to-lovers romance between a legendary Joseon-era villainess and a ruthless modern-day chaebol. Im Ji-yeon takes on a challenging dual role, raising expectations for her transformation and chemistry with her co-star.

Meanwhile, Nine to Six (tentative title) , led by Park Min-young and Yook Sung-jae, explores the realistic dilemmas of modern adults torn between work and love, offering a relatable romance grounded in everyday life.

Genre Powerhouses Return Strong

SBS is also strengthening its genre lineup. Phantom Lawyer stars Yoo Yeon-seok as a lawyer who can see and become possessed by ghosts, teaming up with elite attorney Han Na-hyun to resolve the grudges of unusual clients through the law. The drama blends comedy, fantasy, and courtroom action with emotional warmth.

Manager Kim , adapted from a popular Naver webtoon, stars So Ji-sub as an ordinary family man forced to reveal his hidden past to rescue his kidnapped daughter. With intense action, brotherhood, and raw paternal emotion, the series promises a powerful genre experience.

One of the most talked-about projects is Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia , a medical noir centered on the genius doctor Gye Soo-jung, who exposes and “operates on” corruption within the medical establishment. Directed by Lee Jung-rim and written by rising writer Pyeon Sung-geun, the drama boasts a strong cast including Kim Ji-won, Lee Jung-eun, Son Hyun-joo, and Kim Woo-seok.

Proven Season Series Continue the Hit Streak

SBS’s trusted seasonal dramas also return. Flex X Cop 2 comes back two years after its first season, reuniting director Kim Jae-hong and writer Kim Ba-da. Ahn Bo-hyun returns, joined by Jung Eun-chae as a new partner, promising another round of fast-paced, satisfying teamwork.

Finally, Good Partner 2 marks the return of one of SBS’s biggest hits. The first season peaked at a 21% viewership rating and ranked No.1 across all weekly programs, including in the 20–49 demographic. Jang Na-ra reprises her role, with Kim Hye-yoon joining as her new partner, raising expectations for another major success.

To promote the lineup, SBS also released a special relay challenge video under the concept “Hop on SBS” , featuring lead actors participating directly from the drama awards filming site, further heightening anticipation. With a well-balanced mix of romance, genre, and season-based hits, SBS is positioning itself to maintain its status as the No.1 drama channel throughout 2026.

Sources: Naver