Here’s a complete guide to 5 new Korean drama series that will premiere in May 2026:
MAY 8 | My Royal Nemesis
Genre: Romantic comedy
Also known as: Brave New World; Wicked World
Synopsis: A notorious villainess from Joseon who is sentenced to death, suddenly wakes up in the body of a struggling actress in the year 2026 and clashes with a ruthless chaebol heir.
No. of episodes: 14
Cast: Lim Ji Yeon, Heo Nam Jun
Screenwriter: Kang Hyun Joo
Director: Han Tae Seob
Network: SBS TV
Streaming platform: Netflix
Date: May 8, 2026
Trailer and more updates here.
MAY 11 | The Legend of Kitchen Soldier
Genre: Military comedy
Also known as: Becoming A Cooking Soldier Legend
Synopsis: A young man who enlists in the military to escape the harsh reality of life, unexpectedly rises into a legendary cook. It is based on the webtoon, Kitchen Soldier, by J Robin.
No. of episodes: 12
Cast: Park Ji Hoon, Yoon Kyung Ho, Han Dong Hee, Lee Hong Nae
Screenwriter: Choi Ryong
Director: Jo Nam Hyung
Network: TVING
Streaming platform: HBO Max
Date: May 11, 2026
Trailer and more updates here.
MAY 15 | The WONDERfools
Genre: Superhero, Comedy, Action
Created by: Kang Eun Kyung
Synopsis: A goofy group of townies unexpectedly gain superpowers, fighting evil.
No. of episodes: TBD
Cast: Park Eun-bin, Cha Eun-woo, Kim Hae-sook, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Seong-jae, Son Hyun-joo
Screenwriter: Heo Da Joong
Director: Yoo In Sik
Network: Netflix
Date: May 15, 2026
Trailer and more updates here.
MAY 22 | Fifties Professionals
Genre: Action, Comedy
Synopsis: Three middle-aged men with prominent positions in their respective fields, now live on a remote island and discover a mystery buried for a decade while navigating the realities of aging.
No. of episodes: 8
Cast: Shin Ha Kyun, Oh Jung Se, Heo Sung Tae
Screenwriter: Jang Won Seob
Director: Han Dong Hwa
Network: MBC
Streaming platform: HBO Max
Date: May 22, 2026
Trailer and more updates here.
MAY 30 | Reborn Rookie
Genre: Office, Fantasy
Also known as: The New Employee Chairman Kang
Synopsis: A powerful chairman swaps soul with a young soccer player after an accident. It is based on the web novel, The New Employee Chairman Kang, by San Kyung.
No. of episodes: 12
Cast: Lee Jun Young, Son Hyun Joo, Lee Ju Myoung, Jeon Hye Jin
Screenwriter: Hyun Jimin
Director: Go Hye Jin
Network: JTBC
Streaming platform: VIU
Date: May 30, 2026
Trailer and more updates here.
KORB 