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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Survey names top K-dramas of first half of 2026

Survey names top K-dramas of first half of 2026

Published Jul 7, 2026 01:24 pm
(Clockwise from top left) “Teach You a Lesson,” ““The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” “My Royal Nemesis,” ““The Scarecrow,” “We Are All Trying Here” and “Yumi’s Cells” Season 3 (Netflix, TVING, SBS, JTBC, ENA)
(Clockwise from top left) “Teach You a Lesson,” ““The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,” “My Royal Nemesis,” ““The Scarecrow,” “We Are All Trying Here” and “Yumi’s Cells” Season 3 (Netflix, TVING, SBS, JTBC, ENA)

A survey conducted by Korean media outlet Sports Today among 50 entertainment industry professionals has identified the top Korean dramas of the first half of 2026, based on commercial performance, public buzz, and artistic quality.

The survey respondents included reporters, broadcasters, agency representatives, and public relations officials. According to the results, the first half of the year saw the resurgence of established franchises alongside new series that explored fresh themes while strengthening familiar genres. The period also delivered a strong mix of successful dramas released through both terrestrial broadcasters and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

Teach You a Lesson ranked first with 11 votes. The series stars Kim Mu-yeol, Lee Sung-min, Jin Ki-joo, and Pyo Ji-hoon.

The drama follows the Educational Rights Protection Bureau, an organization created to defend teachers’ rights and address challenges within schools.

Industry professionals praised the series for tackling issues including school violence and violations of teachers’ rights while delivering a satisfying narrative centered on justice. Respondents highlighted its ability to channel public frustration into a compelling story, with one describing it as a drama that “truly scratched that itch.”

Others noted that the series’ exploration of empathy and anger helped viewers remain deeply engaged.

“Teach You a Lesson” (Netflix)
“Teach You a Lesson” (Netflix)

2. “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” (TVING) — 9 votes

The Legend of Kitchen Soldier placed second with nine votes.

Starring Park Ji-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee, Lee Hong-nae, and Lee Sang-yi, the military cooking drama follows Private Kang Seong-jae as he transforms into a legendary cook.

The series marks Park Ji-hoon’s first drama project following his successful film appearance in The King’s Warden.

Survey participants praised the adaptation for preserving the charm and narrative strength of its original source material while adding effective comedy. One respondent called it “the best drama that kept viewers glued to their screens from the first episode to the very last.”

Other industry comments highlighted its appealing food sequences, realistic storytelling, and humor, describing it as an ideal after-work viewing choice.

“The Legend of Kitchen Soldier
“The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" (TVING)

3. “My Royal Nemesis” (SBS) — 7 votes

My Royal Nemesis ranked third with seven votes.

The romantic comedy stars Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun. The story follows Shin Seo-ri, an unknown actress possessed by the soul of a notorious Joseon-era villainess, and Cha Se-gye, a ruthless tycoon.

Respondents praised the drama’s strong writing and execution, calling it a standout romantic comedy and a potential turning point for the genre’s revival. The series also contributed to Heo Nam-jun’s rise in popularity.

“My Royal Nemesis
“My Royal Nemesis" (SBS)

4. “The Scarecrow” (ENA) — 6 votes

The Scarecrow took fourth place with six votes.

The crime thriller stars Park Hae-soo, Lee Hee-joon, and Kwak Sun-young.

Inspired by the Hwaseong serial murders, the series follows a detective investigating a serial murder case who forms an unexpected partnership with someone he once considered an enemy.

Industry professionals highlighted the drama’s performances, plot twists, and social commentary, noting that it maintained tension even after revealing the identity of the culprit.

“The Scarecrow” (ENA)
“The Scarecrow” (ENA)

5. “We Are All Trying Here” (JTBC) and “Yumi’s Cells” Season 3 (TVING) — 4 votes each

Two dramas tied for fifth place with four votes each.

We Are All Trying Here stars Koo Kyo-hwan, Go Youn-jung, Oh Jung-se, Kang Mal-geum, and Park Hae-joon. The series explores the journey of a person who struggles with envy and feelings of being left behind while searching for personal peace.

One respondent said the characters ultimately reflected aspects of themselves, making the drama emotionally resonant.

Yumi's Cells Season 3, starring Kim Go-eun and Kim Jae-won, follows a successful writer who encounters an unexpected new relationship.

Survey participants praised Kim Go-eun’s performance and the series’ ability to maintain quality and emotional depth across three seasons.

“We Are All Trying Here” (JTBC)
“We Are All Trying Here” (JTBC)
“Yumi’s Cells” Season 3 (TVING)
“Yumi’s Cells” Season 3 (TVING)
Other dramas receiving votes in the survey were "If Wishes Could Kill" with three votes; "The Art of Sarah" with two votes; and "Notes from the Last Row," "Boyfriend on Demand," "Can This Be Translated?," and "Phantom Lawyer" with one vote each.

Related Tags

best Korean dramas 2026 Korean dramas My Royal Nemesis Netflix SBS ENA JTBC
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