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At its «SBS DRAMA: NEXT EPISODE» event, Korean TV channel SBS presented its roadmap for the coming months and confirmed its ambition to maintain its place among the most influential channels in the K-drama landscape.
Between highly anticipated sequels, ambitious new productions and the growing use of artificial intelligence, the channel has unveiled a particularly dense programming schedule that will run until the first half of 2027.
“Good Partner”, “Flex x Cop” and “The Judge From Hell” return
One of the major thrusts of SBS's strategy is the development of its most popular franchises. After the success of « Taxi Driver » season 3 earlier this year, several other series will soon be returning with new seasons.
Confirmed returns include :
- " Good Partner »Season 2, from November 20; ;
- " Flex x Cop »Season 2 from July 31; ;
- " The Judge From Hell »season 2 with Park Shin-hye.
Hong Sung-chang, CEO of Studio S, explained: «A series can only continue if viewers want it to. Trust between actors and production teams is also essential.»
For his part, Kim Gi-seul, director of programming at SBS, believes that the success of the channel's franchises relies on «solid universes, strong characters and a satisfying portrayal of justice and common sense.»
“Agent Kim Reactivated” opens the ball
The next big release from SBS will be « Agent Kim Reactivated« due June 26 (also available on Netflix).
Starring So Ji-sub, the drama tells the story of a father who reactivates his secret agent past to find his missing daughter. Present at the event, the actor said: «This time, I'm playing the father of a senior girl. What appealed to me was the whole emotional dimension surrounding this father raising his child alone.»
He also promised, «Viewers will discover a new side of me.»
Kim Ji-won, Park Min-young and Yook Sung-jae also on the program
SBS has also confirmed several new products for the second half of 2026.
These include :
- Kim Ji-won in « Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia« adaptation of the famous Japanese drama
- Park Min-young and Yook Sung-jae in office romance « Nine to Six »to be broadcast from November 11.
The channel is also looking to relaunch its weekday dramas from November with a more varied line-up, including romances, thrillers and crime series.
A particularly ambitious 2027
The first half of 2027 will see the arrival of several new projects.
Among the most eagerly awaited:
- " Awakening« an occult drama starring Lee Jun-hyuk, billed as the spiritual successor to Revenant; ;
- " The Long Shot Trial« with Lee Je-hoon ;
- " Nightmare« about criminals condemned to live out their worst nightmares; ;
- " Full Count« a new sports drama in the tradition of Hot Stove League.
Netflix and artificial intelligence at the heart of SBS strategy
SBS also mentioned its collaboration with Netflix, which has become a key element of its international strategy. Hong Sung-chang said, «OTT platforms have become indispensable to the globalization of SBS dramas.»
The channel also confirmed that it is increasingly using artificial intelligence in its productions. According to Studio S, some scenes in ’Agent Kim Reactivated» have already benefited from this technology.
Hong Sung-chang says: «Using AI can reduce production costs by more than 60 %.» Director Lee Seung-young added: «For dangerous or large-scale scenes, AI can now provide real solutions for directors.»
With a catalog that combines popular sequels, new universes and technological innovations, SBS is clearly showing its ambition to remain one of the benchmarks for Korean drama in the years to come.
