Ma Dong Seok, Lee Young Ae, and Lee Jae Wook are set to headline KBS’s revamped weekend drama lineup, bringing new excitement to viewers later this year and into early 2026. 

According to a report by IZE on the 21st, KBS will launch a series of Saturday-Sunday dramas starting in August, aiming to enhance its weekend programming with a strong cast and fresh storytelling.

Following the upcoming drama 'The First Night With the Duke,' starring Seohyun and Ok Taecyeon and set to premiere on June 11, KBS will temporarily suspend its traditional Wednesday-Thursday drama slot. This makes 'The First Night With the Duke' the final midweek drama on the network for the year, as KBS shifts its focus to weekend broadcasts.

The first drama to kick off this new weekend schedule is 'Twelve,' starring Ma Dong Seok. Scheduled to premiere on August 23, the fantasy action series tells the story of 'Twelve' celestial beings inspired by the Eastern zodiac, who live among humans to protect them from evil spirits. The show is expected to air at 9:20 PM on KBS 2TV, with final details on the schedule still under discussion.

After 'Twelve,' KBS will air 'A Good Day for Eunsoo' (Working title), led by Lee Young Ae and Kim Young Kwang. The story begins with a mysterious bag and unfolds into a tense and secretive partnership between a parent and a teacher. Lee Young Ae’s return to KBS after 26 years has already generated much excitement, and the drama is scheduled to premiere in September.

Next in line is 'Last Summer' (Working title), starring Lee Jae Wook and Choi Sung Eun. This romance explores the relationship between a woman who hates summer and a man who has always looked forward to it. The series is being discussed for a November premiere and is expected to offer a heartwarming and emotional story that will resonate with audiences during the colder months.

In January 2025, KBS will introduce 'My Dearest Thief' (Working title), featuring Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min. The romantic comedy historical drama follows the adventures of a woman who unexpectedly becomes a thief and a prince who believes he is the best detective in Joseon. After a body-swap twist, the two find themselves entangled in a humorous and unpredictable journey.

With its blend of romance, comedy, and historical elements, the drama is already being highlighted as one of the most anticipated titles of 2026.

KBS’s new weekend drama lineup, including 'Twelve,' 'A Good Day for Eunsoo,' 'Last Summer,' and 'My Dearest Thief,' is expected to bring new energy to the network and appeal to a wide range of viewers. 

The shift in programming comes as KBS aims to compete more directly with other networks like tvN in the weekend drama slot. Following the success of 'Korea–Khitan War' in 2023 and the recent hit 'For Eagle Brothers,' expectations are high for this new weekend format.

A KBS representative told IZE that the network is currently finalizing broadcast schedules and is pursuing a flexible programming strategy that adjusts between weekdays and weekends. Viewers can look forward to a richer and more dynamic drama experience on KBS in the months to come.

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