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January has always been a strong month for Korean dramas, and January 2026 is no exception. From romance and fantasy to undercover comedy and emotional family stories, the first month of 2026 delivers a carefully balanced lineup that caters to every type of K-drama fan.
If you’re wondering which K-dramas to watch in January 2026, this guide breaks everything down clearly – release dates, episode counts (where officially confirmed), and OTT platforms. No guesswork. No exaggerated hype. Just real, reported information in one place.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Key Takeaways: K-Dramas You Can’t Miss in January 2026
- January 2026 features 8 officially confirmed K-dramas, spread evenly across the month, ensuring there’s always something new to watch.
- Netflix dominates mid-January releases, focusing on romance, fantasy, and light crime genres designed for global audiences.
- Shorter 12–16 episode formats remain the industry preference, improving pacing and binge-watch appeal.
- Viewers who enjoy slow-burn storytelling can look forward to a long-format family drama at the end of the month.
- The lineup avoids genre overload – legal, historical, romance, fantasy, comedy, and family dramas are evenly balanced.
- January 2026 K-dramas prioritize emotional realism over shock value, making them accessible for both casual and dedicated viewers.
- Streaming platforms continue to favor international reach, especially with Netflix and Prime Video investing in globally relatable stories.
- No major gaps appear in the release schedule, making January 2026 a consistent and viewer-friendly month for K-drama fans.
Why January 2026 Is a Big Month for K-Dramas
January releases usually set the tone for the year. Broadcasters and streaming platforms prefer launching shows that feel accessible yet binge-worthy. That’s why January 2026 leans heavily toward:
- Light romance with emotional depth
- Fantasy concepts mixed with realism
- Easy-to-follow weekly dramas
- Streaming-friendly episode counts
Netflix, Viki, Prime Video, and Korean broadcasters like KBS and tvN have all confirmed new titles for this month. Some series target international audiences directly, while others follow the traditional Korean TV format.
Complete List of K-Dramas Releasing in January 2026
Below is the confirmed January 2026 K-drama calendar, based on official announcements and distributor schedules.
1. The Judge Returns
Release Date: January 2, 2026
Episodes: 14
Streaming Platform: Viki
January begins with a serious tone. The Judge Returns opens the year with a legal drama that blends justice, morality, and personal redemption.
The story follows a former judge who returns to the courtroom after a long absence. Instead of focusing only on verdicts, the drama dives into ethical dilemmas and the emotional cost of delivering justice.
Legal dramas often risk becoming heavy. This one avoids that by keeping episodes tight and character-driven. The shorter 14-episode format also helps maintain momentum.
Why it’s worth watching:
Because courtroom dramas work best when they focus on people, not speeches — and this one promises exactly that.
2. To My Beloved Thief
Release Date: January 3, 2026
Episodes: 16
Streaming Platform: Viki
Just one day later, January shifts gears.
To My Beloved Thief brings romance, comedy, and historical flair together. The drama revolves around a clever thief whose life becomes complicated after crossing paths with someone who changes everything.
Historical romance dramas succeed when chemistry feels natural, not forced. Early information suggests this series prioritizes emotional storytelling over dramatic exaggeration.
Why it stands out:
Because romance feels more fun when it’s mixed with secrets, mistaken identities, and clever writing.
3. Spring Fever
Release Date: January 5, 2026
Episodes: 12
Streaming Platform: Prime Video
Spring Fever enters the lineup as the month’s comfort drama.
This 12-episode series focuses on everyday emotions – love, burnout, second chances, and quiet healing. It’s designed for viewers who prefer warmth over chaos.
Short episode counts often lead to better pacing, and this drama seems structured for binge-watching rather than long weekly waits.
Why audiences will like it:
Because sometimes you don’t want twists – you just want a story that feels human.
4. Can This Love Be Translated?
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Episodes: 12
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Mid-January belongs to Netflix.
Can This Love Be Translated? is a romantic comedy built around language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and emotional honesty. The concept sounds simple, but that’s exactly why it works.
Netflix continues to invest in globally relatable Korean dramas, and this one clearly targets international audiences.
Why it works logically:
Love doesn’t need a common language, but communication still matters – a premise viewers instantly understand.
5. No Tail to Tell
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Episodes: 12
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Released on the same day, No Tail to Tell adds fantasy to the mix.
Inspired by Korean folklore, the drama plays with mythical elements while keeping the setting grounded. Fantasy K-dramas often succeed when they focus on emotional stakes instead of visual spectacle alone.
This series balances mystery, romance, and folklore without stretching its episode count.
Why it’s interesting:
Because Korean fantasy works best when it respects traditional myths while telling modern stories.
6. Undercover Miss Hong
Release Date: January 17, 2026
Episodes: 16
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Undercover Miss Hong leans into comedy and action.
The story follows a woman who goes undercover for an unexpected mission. Unlike darker crime dramas, this one adds humor and light suspense, making it suitable for casual viewing.
Netflix’s strategy here is clear – deliver something entertaining without emotional exhaustion.
Why it will be popular:
Because undercover stories are fun when they don’t take themselves too seriously.
7. Positively Yours
Release Date: January 17, 2026
Episodes: To Be Announced
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Released alongside Undercover Miss Hong, Positively Yours focuses on modern relationships and emotional maturity.
Based on a well-known webtoon, the drama explores unexpected life changes and how adults navigate responsibility, love, and honesty.
Webtoon adaptations work best when they respect the original tone, and early reports suggest this series stays faithful to its source.
Why viewers will connect:
Because real life rarely follows perfect plans – and this drama understands that.
8. I’ll Prescribe You Love (Recipe for Love)
Release Date: January 31, 2026
Episodes: 50
Streaming Platform: TBA (Korean TV broadcast first)
January ends with a long-format family drama.
I’ll Prescribe You Love follows the traditional Korean daily drama structure. These shows focus on relationships, generational conflicts, and slow emotional development.
While not designed for binge-watching, daily dramas build loyalty over time.
Why it matters:
Because not every viewer wants short seasons – some prefer stories that grow gradually.
January 2026 K-Drama Watch Guide (Quick View)
- Early January: Legal, historical, and healing dramas
- Mid-January: Romance, fantasy, and Netflix originals
- Late January: Long-form family storytelling
No week feels empty, and no genre dominates too aggressively.
January 2026 K-Drama Release Calendar (Complete Month)
Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: Strong & Emotional Openers
- January 2 – The Judge Returns (Viki)
- January 3 – To My Beloved Thief (Viki)
- January 5 – Spring Fever (Prime Video)
Week 2: Calm Before the Storm
- No major new drama premieres
(Perfect time to catch up on early releases)
Week 3: Netflix Takes Over
- January 16 – Can This Love Be Translated? (Netflix)
- January 16 – No Tail to Tell (Netflix)
- January 17 – Undercover Miss Hong (Netflix)
- January 17 – Positively Yours (Netflix)
Week 4: Long-Form Storytelling Begins
- January 31 – I’ll Prescribe You Love (Recipe for Love)
(Korean TV broadcast, OTT TBA)
Quick Calendar View (SEO-Friendly Table)
| Date | K-Drama Title | Episodes | Platform |
| Jan 2, 2026 | The Judge Returns | 14 | Viki |
| Jan 3, 2026 | To My Beloved Thief | 16 | Viki |
| Jan 5, 2026 | Spring Fever | 12 | Prime Video |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Can This Love Be Translated? | 12 | Netflix |
| Jan 16, 2026 | No Tail to Tell | 12 | Netflix |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Undercover Miss Hong | 16 | Netflix |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Positively Yours | TBA | Netflix |
| Jan 31, 2026 | I’ll Prescribe You Love | 50 | TBA |
Why This Lineup Makes Sense Strategically
Streaming platforms clearly understand viewer fatigue. Instead of releasing everything at once, January 2026 spaces out content logically.
- Short series for binge lovers
- Medium-length dramas for weekly viewers
- One long family drama for daily audiences
That balance keeps engagement steady throughout the month.
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Final Thoughts: Are These K-Dramas Worth Your Time?
Yes — but for different reasons.
January 2026 doesn’t rely on shock value or exaggerated plot twists. Instead, it focuses on:
- Clear storytelling
- Manageable episode counts
- Emotional realism
- Genre variety
If you want a month where you can watch without stress, this lineup delivers.
Whether you prefer romance, fantasy, comedy, or family drama, January 2026 offers something worth adding to your watchlist.
And honestly? That’s the best way to start a new year of K-dramas.
