'Agent Kim Reactivated' Leads 2026's Highest-Rated K-Dramas as 'Perfect Crown' and 'The Judge Returns' Complete the Top 3
South Korea's television landscape has produced several breakout hits in 2026, but one drama has clearly separated itself from the competition.
According to the latest Nielsen Korea ratings, SBS's Agent Kim Reactivated currently stands as the highest-rated Korean drama of 2026, reaching an impressive 23.1% nationwide. The action series has enjoyed remarkable week-to-week growth since its premiere, becoming the year's dominant television success.
The Top Three Dramas of 2026
🥇 Agent Kim Reactivated (SBS) — 23.1%
Starring So Ji Sub, Choi Dae Hoon, and Yoon Kyung Ho, the action thriller has become the biggest ratings phenomenon of the year, more than doubling its premiere audience and establishing itself as Korea's standout television hit.
🥈 Perfect Crown (MBC) — 13.8%
Led by IU and Byun Woo Seok, the royal romance became one of MBC's strongest-performing dramas in recent years while also setting major streaming records internationally following its Disney+ release.
🥉 The Judge Returns (MBC) — 13.6%
Starring Ji Sung, the fantasy legal drama completed MBC's impressive year by finishing just behind Perfect Crown, earning strong ratings throughout its run.
Top 10 Highest-Rated Korean Dramas of 2026 (as of July 22)
- Agent Kim Reactivated (SBS) — 23.1%
- Perfect Crown (MBC) — 13.8%
- The Judge Returns (MBC) — 13.6%
- Reborn Rookie (JTBC) — 13.568%
- Undercover Miss Hong (tvN) — 13.121%
- My Royal Nemesis (SBS) — 11.8%
- Phantom Lawyer (SBS) — 10.0%
- Filing For Love (tvN) — 9.667%
- The Scarecrow (ENA) — 8.122%
- The Legend of Kitchen Soldier (TVING/tvN) — 7.906%
With several major series still airing during the second half of the year, the rankings could continue to change—but Agent Kim Reactivated currently remains the drama to beat, while Perfect Crown and The Judge Returns round out an exceptionally strong top three.