If you’re building your K-drama watch list, May 2026 is bringing a new crop of exciting new releases. The selection may not be huge but each title has a different story line ranging from healing romance, historical fantasy, action comedy to supernatural twists.
Here is a full list of all the new K-dramas coming up in May 2026 with release dates, cast details, plot summaries, and streaming platforms.
My Royal Antagonist
Release Date: May 8th
Starring Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun and Jang Seung-jo
Watch: SBS TV, Netflix
The Plot:
A powerful concubine of the Joseon Dynasty dies, and then mysteriously awakens in the modern era, in the body of a minor actress. She encounters a cold, ambitious third-generation chaebol businessman as she struggles to adapt to the present world. Their unlikely bond begins a story of conflict, romance and survival in a totally alien time.
Azure Spring
Release Date: 11th May
Cast: Kang Sang-jun, Ye-ri
Where to Watch: Viu, Kocowa
Plot:
Azure Spring is about An-na, a young woman who goes back to her seaside hometown after her dreams hit a roadblock. There, she meets Deok-hyun, who introduces her to the life of haenyeo, women who dive into the sea to collect seafood the traditional way. This six episode mini series is about healing, resilience and rediscovering purpose.
The Kitchen Soldier Legend
Release Date: May 11th
Starring: Park Ji-hoon, Yoon Kyung-ho, Han Dong-hee, Lee Hong-nae
Where to Watch: tvN, TVING, Viki, HBO Max
Plot:
This drama is based on a popular webtoon and is about a young military trainee who gets assigned to kitchen duty instead of combat training. An assignment that seems disappointing turns into an unexpected journey when he discovers a natural talent for cooking, eventually earning a legendary reputation within the military.
The WONDERfools The
Release Date: 15th of May
Starring : Park Eun-bin, Cha Eunwoo, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Seong-jae
How to watch: Netflix
Story:
This fantasy drama is set in 1999 and explores a world where ordinary people suddenly develop unpredictable superpowers. As chaos begins to break out and people go missing, a group of misfits with imperfect abilities join forces to find out what is happening to their town.
Fifties Professionals
Release Date : 22 May
Cast: Shin Ha-kyun, Oh Jung-se, Heo Sung-tae
Where to Watch: HBO Max, MBC TV.
Synopsis:
The drama centers on three ex-top professionals who lost everything in a past incident. A decade later, they meet again on Yeongseon Island and start looking into what destroyed their careers. As they go deeper, they also have to face the realities of aging, regret and second chances.
Reborn Newbie (Suddenly Intern)
Date Released: 30 May
Actors: Lee Jun-young, Son Hyun-joo Watch: JTBC, Viu, Viki
Story:
The powerful chairman of a business, known as the “God of Business,” accidentally swaps bodies with a young soccer player. He is forced to begin again, joining his own firm as a first year intern, discovering a whole new world of life and leadership.