TV
SBS Unveils 2026 Drama Lineup Amidst Ratings Competition
According to Nielsen Korea's analysis of 2025's major channel dramas (excluding weekend series, daily dramas, and one-act plays), SBS topped the list with an average household rating of 8.2%, proving its dominance as the leading drama channel. In the 2049 demographic, which indicates program buzz and advertiser preference, SBS was the only channel to surpass 2%, achieving a 2.3% rating and securing the top spot for six consecutive years.
Looking to maintain its ratings leadership for a seventh year in 2026, SBS has announced a diverse lineup of dramas. Starting with 'Shin & Law Office' premiering on March 13, the lineup includes 'Today, We Sold Out,' 'Brave New World,' 'Manager Kim,' 'Chaebol X Detective 2,' 'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia,' 'Nine to Six,' and 'Good Partner 2,' covering a range of genres from romance to procedural dramas.
■ Fresh Romance Awaits! SBS, the 'Rom-Com Powerhouse'
Following the success of last year's 'My Perfect Secretary,' 'Kiss for No Reason!,' and 'Space Marry Me,' SBS continues to showcase its strength in romance with a lineup of diverse romantic dramas for 2026.
'Today, We Sold Out' is a romantic comedy featuring Matthew Lee, a farmer with three jobs, and Dam Ye-jin, a top show host with chronic insomnia, who meet day and night. The drama stars Ahn Hyo-seop, known for hits like 'Dr. Romantic' and 'Business Proposal,' alongside Chae Won-bin, who won the Best New Actress award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
'Brave New World' is a hate-to-love romance between the notorious Joseon villainess 'Shin Se-ri' and South Korea's notorious chaebol 'Cha Se-gye.' The casting of rising stars Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun has already generated buzz. Lim Ji-yeon takes on a dual role, playing both 'Shin Se-ri' and the infamous Joseon villainess 'Kang Dan-sim,' promising an exciting transformation.
Starring Park Min-young and Yook Sung-jae, 'Nine to Six' explores the choices modern individuals face between work and love, with the chemistry between the two leads drawing attention.
■ From Comic Legal Dramas to Medical Noir! The Return of Genre Masters
The genre lineup has also been strengthened. 'Shin & Law Office' follows lawyer Shin Yi-rang, who can see ghosts, and elite lawyer Han Na-hyun as they solve the grievances of special clients through the law. Yoo Yeon-seok and Lee Som star as the ghost-seeing lawyer and the ace lawyer with a 100% win rate, respectively, promising a thrilling legal drama.
'Manager Kim' tells the story of an ordinary man who reveals his secret to save his beloved daughter. Adapted from a popular webtoon, the drama stars So Ji-sub, Choi Dae-hoon, and Yoon Kyung-ho, promising a new 'Dad Universe' filled with action, bromance, and paternal love.
'Doctor X: The Era of the White Mafia' is a medical noir drama about 'Doctor X' Kye Soo-jung, who proves what it means to be a doctor by tackling corruption in the medical world. Directed by Lee Jung-lim and written by industry-noted writer Pyeon Seong-geun, the drama features a strong cast including Kim Ji-won, Lee Jung-eun, Son Hyun-joo, and Kim Woo-seok.
■ Proven Success with Returning Season Dramas
Trusted season dramas are making a comeback. 'Chaebol X Detective 2' returns after two years, with director Kim Jae-hong and writer Kim Ba-da reuniting to build a solid world. Actor Ahn Bo-hyun is joined by Jung Eun-chae as his new partner, promising another round of thrilling fun.
'Good Partner 2' also returns after two years, with Kim Hye-yoon joining as Jang Na-ra's new partner. The first season's finale reached a peak rating of 21%, and it topped the 2049 demographic in its time slot, setting high expectations for another hit season.
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
