In a dramatic shift no one saw coming, Netflix is going all in on what it calls its most exhilarating lineup to date: an ambitious Korean content slate aimed squarely at 2026.
Just a decade ago, the so-called “rush scripts” were a chronic problem in Korea’s drama production scene. Today, they have all but disappeared, replaced by Netflix’s fully established 100% pre-production system, effectively relegating the practice to history.
Marking the 10th anniversary of its entry into Korea, Netflix on January 21 held a large-scale press conference in Yeouido, Seoul, where it reflected on the achievements of Korean content and laid out its vision for the future.
Attendees included Kang Dong Han, Netflix Vice President of Korean Content; Bae Jong Byung, Senior Director of Series; Kim Tae Won, Director of Film; Yoo Ki Hwan, Director of Variety; actors Jeon Do Yeon, Nam Joo Hyuk, Son Ye Jin, Park Eun Bin; and chef Ahn Sung Jae.
Kang Dong Han emphasized that Korean works, created in a language spoken by just 50 million people, have achieved what once seemed impossible, becoming some of the most-watched content worldwide after the US. To date, 210 Korean titles have entered Netflix’s Global Top 10. In an era where the most Korean stories resonate most globally, Netflix announced two key commitments to ensure sustained growth in the Korean market.
Stories Over Star Power: Netflix’s Two Core Promises
Netflix made it clear that its support for Korean content is not a temporary trend but a long-term commitment. Regardless of volatility in the global market, the company pledged to continue expanding its investment in Korea.
It also vowed to significantly broaden opportunities for emerging creators. Specifically, one out of every three upcoming releases will be a debut project by a new writer or director, fostering a virtuous creative cycle. The move underscores Netflix’s philosophy of prioritizing storytelling over name recognition.
Romance and Immersion: Stories Rooted in Korean Sentiment
Netflix’s first keyword for the year is “flutter.”
With 'Single’s Inferno 5' having premiered just yesterday (the 20th) to major buzz, 'Better Late Than Single: Season 2' is set to arrive in the second quarter. Drawing a record-breaking 17,000 applicants, the new season will follow individuals experiencing their first love, promising warmth and sincerity.
Also slated for release are 'Can This Love Be Translated?,' which is already generating strong reactions, along with 'Boyfriend On Demand' starring Jisoo and Seo In Guk; 'Our Sticky Love' starring Jung Hae In and Ha Young; and 'Take Charge of My Heart' starring Kim Young Kwang and Chae Soo Bin.
Under the next keyword, “Discovery of Immersion,” Netflix introduced 'Possible Love,' a new film directed by Lee Chang Dong and starring Jeon Do Yeon.
Reuniting with Lee Chang Dong for the first time in 19 years since 'Secret Sunshine,' Jeon remarked, “I can’t believe it’s already been that long.” She added, “Back then, the set was intense and fierce, but this time we promised ourselves to enjoy the process.” She described the shoot as surprisingly filled with laughter, crediting Jo In Sung and Jo Yeo Jeong for creating a bright, healing atmosphere.
Netflix also announced a remake of 'Scandal,' directed by Jung Ji Woo and starring Son Ye Jin. Introducing her role as Lady Cho, Son explained, “Based on the French classic 'Dangerous Liaisons,' it tells the story of a bold and dangerous wager.” She added that the restrained visuals, use of negative space, and the beauty of traditional hanok settings would allow global audiences to rediscover the elegance of the Joseon era.
Also teased were Lee Jong Pil’s 'Pavane,' the 'Scandal' series, and upcoming titles rooted in traditional Korean motifs such as 'Mousetrap,' along with Noh Hee Kyung’s new drama 'Tantara,' all expected to draw viewers into richly layered narratives.
Genre Thrills Amplified by Scale and Location
Under the keyword “Thrill,” Netflix revealed a robust lineup of genre-driven titles.
Jung Jong Yeon PD’s 'Agents of Mystery Season 2' expands its scale by moving from studio sets to vast outdoor locations. 'The Devil’s Plan: Season 3' is also scheduled for release later this year.
Premiering during the Lunar New Year holidays is 'The Art of Sarah,' starring Shin Hye Sun, alongside 'Teach You a Lesson,' a series tackling the realities of Korea’s education system—both arriving in the second quarter. Meanwhile, 'Bloodhounds: Season 2' will see Rain join as a formidable villain, promising action that surpasses the first season.
Laughter Takes Center Stage: Culinary Class Wars 3 and Variety Heavyweights
Under the banner of “Discovery of Laughter,” Netflix showcased a variety lineup designed for mass appeal, highlighted by the confirmed production of 'Culinary Class Wars: Season 3.'
The casting announcement alone sparked a flood of applications, reaffirming the show’s popularity. Judge Ahn Sung Jae praised the 100 chefs from Season 2, saying the series has effectively become a global gateway to K-cuisine.
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to viewers for embracing Korean food culture and for discovering new chefs through the program, helping elevate public interest in the culinary profession.
Meanwhile, 'Mission: Cross 2,' starring Hwang Jung Min and Yum Jung Ah, is generating anticipation, as is 'Lee Seo Jin’s Dalla Dalla,' which sees producer Na Young Suk and Lee Seo Jin head to Dallas, Texas.
National MC Yoo Jae Suk will run 'Yoo Jae Suk Camp,' a concept where he becomes the camp itself, joined by Lee Kwang Soo, Byeon Woo Seok, and Ji Ye Eun as staff members.
In the third quarter, 'Take a Hike!,' named after an offhand remark from the cast’s first meeting, will premiere, featuring Car the Garden, Day6’s Dowoon, Lee Chae Min, and ALLDAY PROJECT's Tarzzan on a grueling snow-mountain expedition. Kian84 will also return with 'Kian’s Bizarre B&B: Season 2,' delivering his signature raw, unfiltered humor.
Superpowers, Horror, and the Final Element of Surprise
The final keyword, “Discovery of Surprise,” introduces 'The Wonder Fools,' starring Park Eun Bin. Set against the backdrop of the 1999 countdown, the series follows individuals who suddenly acquire superpowers, blending English-language young-adult horror with a fresh take on fear.
Describing her character Eun Chae Ni, Park said, “She’s basically the village’s official troublemaker—immature, lively, unpredictable, yet oddly familiar in the fun she brings.” She also expressed support for Cha Eun Woo, who participated in filming before fulfilling his mandatory military service.
Also slated for a third-quarter release is 'The East Palace,' a supernatural tale crossing between the human world and the realm of spirits, starring Nam Joo Hyuk and Roh Yoon Seo. Nam shared, “We filmed in London in late October last year. Just being on screen with such a diverse cast was meaningful—it made me want to do even better.”
With genre-defying experimentation and deeply Korean storytelling at its core, Netflix’s bold slate is poised to take aim at the global market in 2026.
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