Netflix proved its global influence once again after unveiling the 2026 Global Lineup video, in which the Korean drama The East Palace made a surprise appearance and immediately became a hot topic. With a top-notch cast including Nam Joo Hyuk, Roh Yoon Seo and Cho Seung Woo, the large-scale original series is already generating explosive reactions even before its first episode airs.
On January 7, Netflix released the video titled “2026 Netflix Global Lineup | What Next?” via his official YouTube channel. The video, which clocked in at just over four minutes, introduced a wide range of upcoming series, films and animated projects, slated for release in 2026.
While globally popular franchises like Bridgerton, Avatar: The Last Airbender, One Piece, Lupine, and Emily in Paris dominated the schedule, The East Palace stood out as the only Korean drama included and, notably, the only all-new original title in a schedule largely filled with sequels and continuations.
East Palace follows the story of Gucheon, a mysterious man with the ability to kill ghosts with a sword, and Saenggang, a court lady born with the uncanny power to sense spirits. Summoned in secret by the king, the two work together to discover the truth behind a curse that has fallen on the royal palace. As they dig deeper into hidden secrets, the story also reveals the king’s complex dual nature, blending justice with darkness.
Nam Joo Hyuk takes on the role of Gucheon, marking his official comeback project following his military discharge in September 2024. Known for his versatility across genres in works such as Vigilante, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Start-Up, The School Nurse Files, and The Light in Your Eyes, his return in a dark fantasy historical drama has attracted particular attention.
Roh Yoon Seo plays Saenggang, a court lady who has long regarded her supernatural abilities as a curse. Her journey alongside Gucheon forces her to face both the secrets of the palace and her own destiny. After gaining recognition through Our Blues and Crash Course in Romance and earning praise for her youth-focused performances in the Netflix film 20th Century Girl and Hear Me: Our Summer, expectations for her transformation into this role are high.
Veteran actor Cho Seung Woo plays the king who secretly summons the couple. Though outwardly devoted to his people, the character hides deep inner shadows, promising an intense, layered performance from an actor renowned for his depth and coherence.
The production team further increases the anticipation. Writers Kwon So Ra and Seo Jae Won celebrated for establishing the quintessential Korean occult genre through Bulgasal: Immortal Souls and The Guest are behind the script. Directing is Choi Jung Gyu, known for visually striking, genre-spanning works such as The Devil Judge and Children of Nobody.
Following the reveal of the line-up, online reactions poured in. Viewers praised the scope, originality and especially the casting, with comments like “This is the only original among all the sequels, Netflix really went all out,” “You can practically smell the budget,” “Nam Joo Hyuk’s visuals are unreal,” and “Cho Seung Woo in a historical drama? I’ll watch it no matter what.”
The East Palace is scheduled for a simultaneous global release on Netflix later this year, and with the level of anticipation already surrounding it, the series is shaping up to be one of the most talked about Korean dramas on Netflix’s upcoming slate.
Sources: Wikitree
