K-Drama & Asian TV — 2026-09-01

Today's Headlines

Viewership Ratings for Late August Released

• What happened: Dramabeans has published the consolidated drama viewership ratings for the week of August 24–30, 2026, providing a final benchmark before the September lineup begins.
• Why fans care: These numbers determine which dramas ended their August run on top and set expectations for how new September premieres will perform against established favorites.

1 sources

dramabeans.com

dramabeans.com

September K-Drama Lineup Confirmed by Major Outlets

• What happened: Multiple major publications, including Koreaboo, SCMP, and Economic Times, have finalized their "Must-Watch" lists for September 2026, confirming release dates for The Scandal, The Ordinary Jackpot, and Made in Korea Season 2.
• Why fans care: This confirms the availability of highly anticipated sequels and star-studded originals on Netflix, Disney+, and Viki, allowing fans to plan their viewing schedules for the fall season.

1 sources

koreaboo.com

koreaboo.com

"The Scandal" Tops International Buzz

• What happened: The period drama The Scandal is being highlighted as a key Netflix release for September, with international outlets like SCMP describing it as a "steamy period drama" essential for the month.
• Why fans care: As a global Netflix original, its reception will likely influence the platform's future investment in historical romance genres.

New Casting News: Silla-Era Series Announced

• What happened: Dramabeans reported casting updates for a new Silla-era series starring Lee Hyun-wook, Jang Hyuk, Kim Kang-woo, and Park Sung-woong, slated for a November premiere.
• Why fans care: The ensemble cast features heavyweights from recent hits like Gold Land and The Tyrant, signaling a high-budget production for late 2026.

1 sources

dramabeans.com

dramabeans.com

New & Upcoming Releases

Made in Korea Season 2 (Disney+)

• Premiere: September 2026 (Final Season)
• Leads: Hyun Bin, Jung Woosung
• Premise: The final chapter of the corporate thriller follows the intense power struggles within a conglomerate.
• Why it's buzzy: Fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the emotionally charged storyline between the two leads, marking a significant event for Disney+ subscribers.

The Scandal (Netflix)

• Premiere: September 2026
• Leads: Ji Chang-wook (and supporting cast)
• Premise: A steamy period drama exploring complex relationships and societal norms in a historical setting.
• Why it's buzzy: Described as a "must-see" by international critics, it represents Netflix's push for high-quality historical content in the fall.

The Ordinary Jackpot (Viki/Prime Video)

• Premiere: September 2026
• Leads: Cast details pending full release
• Premise: An office comedy that offers a glimpse into life after winning the lottery.
• Why it's buzzy: It joins the popular genre of workplace comedies, offering a lighter alternative to the heavier thrillers dominating the month.

Ratings & Viewership Watch

• Weekly Ratings Report: Dramabeans has released the definitive viewership ratings for the week of August 24–30, 2026. While specific percentage breakdowns for every title are not detailed in the summary, this report serves as the primary metric for determining the most-watched dramas exiting August.
• Trending Titles: My Bias, My Boss remains a key title to track as it navigates its final episodes, having been highlighted in previous months as a top performer.

Pan-Asian Spotlight

The Boy Next World: My Destiny (Japan — Streaming)

• What it is: A Japanese BL series remake of the popular Thai BL series The Boy Next World (2025). It follows characters living in different countries who build an emotional bond.
• Why it's breaking out: Listed as a top upcoming BL drama for 2026, it highlights the cross-border trend of remaking successful Thai BLs for Japanese audiences.

Addicted Love (Thailand — Upcoming)

• What it is: An upcoming Thai BL series inspired by the famous Chinese BL series Addicted (2016).
• Why it's breaking out: It features Dome, known for 2 Moons 2, and has already released a pilot episode, generating early buzz among BL communities.

Casting & Production Buzz

• New Recruit 4: Confirmed cast includes Kim Min-ho (Spooky in Love), Kim Dong-joon (Siren’s Kiss), and Oh Dae-hwan (Filing for Love). The season is set to premiere soon.
• Deep Confession: 183 Hz: Nam Ji-hyun (To My Beloved Thief) has been cast opposite Hwang In-yub (Dream to You) in this new office romance.
• Silla-Era Drama: Lee Hyun-wook, Jang Hyuk, Kim Kang-woo, and Park Sung-woong have been confirmed for a new historical series targeting a November premiere.

What to Watch Next

1. If you love corporate thrillers: Watch Made in Korea Season 2 on Disney+. It’s the final season of the hit series featuring Hyun Bin and Jung Woosung, offering closure to a gripping narrative.
2. If you enjoy historical romances: Try The Scandal on Netflix. It’s a newly released period drama that international critics are calling a "must-see" for September.
3. If you want a lighthearted comedy: Catch The Ordinary Jackpot on Viki or Prime Video. This office comedy about lottery winners provides a fun break from heavier dramas.

On the Horizon

• November Premieres: A major Silla-era historical drama starring Jang Hyuk and Lee Hyun-wook is scheduled for November, promising a high-stakes historical narrative.
• Film Festival Circuit: Director Lee Chang-dong’s film Possible Love is confirmed for a November 6, 2026 Netflix release after its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, bringing prestige cinema to streaming.