From Park Ji-hoon to Byeon Woo-seok: A Handful of K-Drama Stars To Keep an Eye on in 2026
- riya siddacharjee
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The year 2025 proved that K-dramas are only getting bigger and better. Viewers enjoyed standout series like When Life Gives You Tangerines, Weak Hero Class 2, Good Boy, Our Unwritten Seoul, Trauma Code, Resident Playbook, and many more titles that raised the bar for storytelling and performances. With that momentum carrying forward, 2026 already feels exciting.
From fresh pairings to career-defining roles, these stars are set to dominate the spotlight.
1. Byeon Woo-seok in Perfect Crown
Byeon Woo-seok is firmly on everyone’s radar with Perfect Crown. The Disney+ royal romance marks his K-drama comeback and also brings IU back to the small screen. This project is especially exciting as it is their first on-screen collaboration.
The story follows a prince and a chaebol heiress who enter a contractual marriage, a popular trope that continues to win hearts. With stunning visuals and a fan-favorite storyline, this drama could become a major highlight of 2026.
2. Gong Yoo and Song Hye-kyo in Show Business
2026 truly feels like the year of iconic collaborations, and Gong Yoo and Song Hye-kyo lead the way with Show Business. Despite being two of the biggest names in Korean entertainment, they are working together for the first time.
The Netflix Original series is set after the Korean War and explores the birth and rapid growth of South Korea’s entertainment industry. Their pairing alone makes this drama a must-watch!
3. Park Ji-hoon in The Man Who Lives With the King
Park Ji-hoon takes on a powerful historical role in The Man Who Lives With the King, which is set to release on February 4, 2026. The film tells the hidden story of King Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon, who was dethroned at a young age and sent into exile.
Park Ji-hoon plays the exiled former king Yi Hong-wi, while Yoo Hae-jin stars as village chief Eom Heung-do. With a strong ensemble cast and an emotional narrative, this film promises a moving and memorable performance.
4. Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi in Bloodhounds Season 2
Fans of action dramas have plenty to look forward to with Bloodhounds Season 2. Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi return with their much-loved bromance and intense fight sequences. This time, they go up against Rain, who joins the series as the main antagonist.
Adding to the excitement, Park Seo-joon is set to make a special cameo. With higher stakes and stronger action, the new season is expected to be even more gripping than the first.
Final Thoughts
With such exciting projects lined up, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for K-dramas and Korean cinema. From fresh royal romances and long-awaited star collaborations to intense action sequels and emotionally rich historical films, these artists are stepping into roles that could define the next phase of their careers.
If 2025 was about raising expectations, 2026 looks ready to surpass them. For fans, this means one thing. Get ready for another unforgettable year of powerful performances and stories worth talking about!