May 2026 is bringing a packed lineup of Korean dramas and films across television, streaming platforms, and theaters. From romantic fantasy and healing youth stories to sci-fi survival horror and workplace comedy, the month offers something for nearly every kind of viewer. Here are the top 8 Korean titles to watch in May 2026.
1. My Royal Nemesis
Premiering on May 8 on Seoul Broadcasting System, My Royal Nemesis is a romantic fantasy comedy with a time-slip twist. The story begins when the spirit of a villainess from the Joseon era suddenly travels to the modern world and enters the body of an unknown actress. There, she meets a cold chaebol heir, creating a love-hate relationship full of tension, comedy, and unexpected romance.
2. Azure Spring
Arriving on May 11 on MBN Plus, Azure Spring is a healing youth drama set in a peaceful seaside village. The drama follows 2 people who carry emotional scars from the past and work as traditional divers. With its gentle pacing and emotional tone, the series is expected to appeal to viewers who enjoy healing dramas about loss, recovery, and rediscovering the meaning of life.
3. The Legend Of Kitchen Soldier
Also premiering on May 11, The Legend Of Kitchen Soldier will air on tvN and TVING. The military comedy fantasy follows a clumsy private who suddenly receives game-like missions. Through those strange missions, he slowly transforms into a talented cook inside the army base. By mixing food, fantasy, and military life, the drama offers a fresh twist on the usual army-themed story.
4. Soul Mate
Netflix will release Soul Mate on May 14. The Korean-Japanese BL project follows 2 characters whose emotional connection stretches across 10 years and several cities, including Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo. Beyond romance, the series is expected to explore identity, personal growth, and the search for self.
5. The Wonderfools
Scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 15, The Wonderfools is a superhero comedy set in the late 20th century. The story follows a group of ordinary people who suddenly gain special powers. Instead of focusing on perfect heroes, the series highlights their awkwardness, flaws, and very human reactions to extraordinary abilities.
6. Colony
Opening in Korean theaters on May 21, Colony brings sci-fi survival horror to the big screen. Set in a future where humans must search for survival beyond Earth, the film follows a group sent to a space station to build a new colony. However, their mission quickly turns dangerous when they face a mysterious threat.
7. Fifties Professionals
Premiering on May 22, Fifties Professionals focuses on a rare subject in Korean entertainment: middle-aged men who once stood at the peak of their careers. After leaving their former glory behind, they reunite for a special mission. The project combines action and comedy while exploring self-worth, aging, and the possibility of a second chance in life.
8. Suddenly Intern
Expected to premiere in late May, Suddenly Intern is a fantasy workplace drama about a soul swap between a company executive and a young intern. Through their switched lives, the story reveals hidden problems inside the corporate world, including workplace pressure, power imbalance, and business ethics.
With these 8 titles, May 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most diverse months for Korean dramas and films. Whether viewers prefer romance, comedy, healing stories, action, or sci-fi horror, the lineup has plenty to look forward to.
Sources: Saostar