The year 2026 is expected to see a boom in K-dramas, K-movies, and K-pop. As the stature of K-culture continues to rise, numerous noteworthy content will be unveiled this year. In particular, dramas airing on Netflix and MBC, as well as films by directors Park Chan-wook and Na Hong-jin, are generating anticipation.

In the K-drama sector, '21st Century Great Housewife' is garnering attention, set to air in April. This is the comeback work of actor Byun Woo-seok, and it falls within the fantasy romance genre. Byun Woo-seok plays the role of Prince Ian Daegun, while IU takes on the role of chaebol Seong Hee-joo. The drama starts with the premise that South Korea operates under a constitutional monarchy.

Additionally, the new Netflix series 'Slowly and Intensely' by writer Noh Hee-kyung will be revealed mid-year. This work is set against the backdrop of the Korean entertainment industry's emergence from the 1960s to the 1980s. Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo star, portraying Min-ja and Dong-goo, respectively. The drama consists of 22 episodes, providing a lengthy narrative.

The new work 'Grand Galaxy Hotel' by writer Hong Ja will also be released on Netflix. This story is set in a hotel where souls pass through and is connected to the world of the 2019 series 'Hotel Del Luna.' This marks the return of Lee Do-hyun, who is making a comeback after serving in the military following his film 'Burial' in 2024, which attracted 10 million viewers.

In the K-movie sector, director Park Chan-wook's 'There's No Way' has been selected as a preliminary candidate for the International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards in March. If it reaches the final nominations, it will be a significant achievement, six years after Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' in 2020. Director Na Hong-jin will release a new film titled 'Hope' in July. This science fiction movie depicts the residents of an isolated village near the Demilitarized Zone facing extraterrestrial life, with a total production cost of 50 billion won.

Director Ryoo Seung-wan will present a new film titled 'Humint' aimed at the Lunar New Year holiday in February. This action drama is set against the backdrop of Vladivostok and features Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, and Park Hae-jun.

In the K-pop sector, BTS and Big Bang's comebacks are drawing significant attention. BTS will release a new album on March 20, while Big Bang is set to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April. Although Big Bang has been reconfigured into a trio, leader G-Dragon's solo activities are generating anticipation among fans.

Moreover, Black Pink member Rosé is nominated for a major award at the Grammy Awards in February, marking the first time a K-pop artist has reached this stage. In addition, the Netflix animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters' is also attracting attention.

The year 2026 is expected to be a year of renewed growth for K-culture. Diverse content in K-dramas, K-movies, and K-pop is projected to resonate widely both domestically and internationally. Major works and artists in each field are expected to be active, further elevating the status of K-culture.