The Korean drama scene is set to welcome a lineup of highly anticipated couples in the second half of 2026, with a variety of romances expected to capture viewers’ attention.
The second half of 2026 will remain packed with star-studded Korean drama projects. From long-term relationships and office romances to historical, fantasy, and dangerous love stories, these 10 couples are among the most eagerly anticipated by viewers.
Drama: A Love Other than Yours
Seo Kang-joon is making his return to the romance genre by pairing up with Ahn Eun-jin in Not Your Romance. The two play Namgoong Ho and Lee Mi-do, a couple who have been together for 10 years and are preparing to get married. However, becoming too familiar with each other gradually causes their relationship to lose its spark. The drama explores their journey as they learn how to fall in love with each other again after a decade together.
2. Kim Seon-ho and Suzy
Drama: Portraits of Delusion
Following Start-Up, Kim Seon-ho and Suzy are reuniting for a completely different kind of story. Suzy plays Song Jung-hwa, a mysterious female vampire, while Kim Seon-ho takes on the role of painter Yoon Yi-ho. What begins with a portrait commission gradually draws the two into a dangerous secret and an irresistible relationship.
Drama: Between Steps
Kim So-hyun and Choo Young-woo will portray a gentle romance between two people searching for a new purpose in life. Choo Young-woo plays a former swimmer who lost his leg and finds hope through the field of robotics engineering. The two meet in a research laboratory and gradually help heal each other’s emotional wounds.
4. Park Jin-young and Kim Yoo-jung
Drama: 100 Days of Deception
Kim Yoo-jung returns to the historical drama genre as a secret female spy who infiltrates the Joseon government under the guise of a translator. Park Jin-young plays Kim Tae-woong, a newly appointed translator. The two characters become entangled in a relationship that is both dangerous and unpredictable.
Drama: Nine to Six
Park Min-young plays a strong and rational female deputy head of a legal department who puts her career above everything else. Opposite her is Yook Sung-jae, a gentle and considerate young man who quietly looks after her. Their age gap and the dynamic of a strong woman paired with a warmhearted man are expected to create plenty of entertaining moments.
6. Lee Jong-suk and Shin Min-ah
Drama: The Remarried Empress
Shin Min-ah takes on the role of Empress Navier, who is betrayed by her husband and wants a divorce so that he can make his mistress empress. Rather than allowing herself to be devastated, she decides to remarry Prince Heinrey, played by Lee Jong-suk. The story of revenge, power, and new love is expected to create one of the most intriguing couples on the Korean drama scene.
7. Ji Chang-wook and Son Ye-jin
Drama: The Scandal
The Scandal marks the first collaboration between Ji Chang-wook and Son Ye-jin. Set during the Joseon era, the drama revolves around desire, temptation, and dangerous relationships. Ji Chang-wook plays Jo Won, a charming and flirtatious nobleman, while Son Ye-jin portrays a skeptical young aristocratic woman.
8. Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin
Drama: Take Charge Of My Heart
Take Charge Of My Heart presents a unique romance in which Kim Young-kwang’s character depends on an artificial heart, while Chae Soo-bin’s character possesses the ability to conduct electricity. Through their extraordinary connection, the two gradually develop feelings for each other. The drama’s fresh fantasy premise is expected to bring a distinctive new flavor to the Korean screen.
9. Im Si-wan and Seol In-ah
Drama: Love in Disguise
Im Si-wan plays chaebol heir Yoon Yi-joon, who becomes a suspect in a murder case. Seol In-ah takes on the role of detective Kang Jae-hee, who disguises herself as a man to become his secretary and bodyguard while investigating the truth. As they navigate a dangerous investigation, unexpected feelings begin to develop between them.
10. Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo
Drama: Tantara
This pairing is particularly anticipated because it marks the first time Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo will work together. Set in South Korea from the 1960s through the 1980s, Dream Era follows Min-ja and Dong-gu, who grow up together before entering the entertainment industry. They journey through periods of social upheaval, pursue their dreams together, and eventually become each other’s greatest source of support.
With an impressive lineup of stars and a diverse range of love stories, these 10 couples are expected to create plenty of memorable moments on the Korean screen in the second half of 2026.
Sources: Saostar