tvN is enjoying a powerful start to 2026, rebuilding its drama dominance with a string of successful series across both weekend and weekday slots. After several challenging seasons, the network has found renewed momentum thanks to strong storytelling, rising global exposure, and — most notably — the star power of Im Yoon-ah and Lee Junho.
Both actors played key roles in restoring tvN’s weekend ratings, becoming central figures in the channel’s recent comeback.
Im Yoon-ah Redefines Her Image in The Tyrant’s Chef
Im Yoon-ah drew attention last year with The Tyrant’s Chef, a visually rich drama that blended romance, humor, and emotional storytelling.
Her natural chemistry with co-stars and steady performance helped the series achieve double-digit viewership, turning it into one of tvN’s standout titles.
Viewers and critics alike praised her ability to balance elegance and warmth, reinforcing her position as one of tvN’s most dependable leading actresses.
Lee Junho Captures Hearts With Typhoon Family
Lee Junho followed with Typhoon Family, delivering a grounded performance in a story centered on ordinary people navigating difficult times.
His portrayal added emotional weight to the series, which quickly gained loyal viewers and strong ratings.
The drama’s human-focused narrative and Lee Junho’s restrained acting style earned positive reviews, further strengthening his reputation as both a box-office draw and a critically respected actor.
From Domestic Success to Global Reach
tvN’s momentum has extended beyond Korea, with newer weekday dramas gaining attention across international streaming platforms.
Strong online engagement, rising overseas rankings, and growing digital viewership signal that tvN’s strategy is paying off in both traditional broadcasting and global distribution.
The network is now positioning its content as a key part of Korea’s expanding drama influence worldwide.
Can Their Success Continue?
With Im Yoon-ah and Lee Junho emerging as the faces of tvN’s recent turnaround, expectations are high for their future projects. Industry insiders view both stars as reliable anchors for ratings and international buzz, especially as tvN prepares an ambitious lineup for the coming months.
Their recent performances not only revived weekend viewership but also helped restore confidence in tvN’s flagship drama brand.
tvN Prepares a Strong Year Ahead
Following this early success, tvN plans to roll out a series of high-profile dramas and variety programs throughout 2026, aiming to maintain its upward trend and strengthen its presence both locally and abroad.
As the network builds on this momentum, all eyes remain on whether Im Yoon-ah and Lee Junho can continue leading tvN’s rise.
Editor’s Insights: The “King the Land” Effect Revives tvN’s Weekend Dynasty
The massive success of Im Yoon-ah and Lee Junho in their respective 2025 projects has officially restored tvN’s status as the “Weekend Drama Powerhouse.” Following a period of fluctuating ratings, the network’s decision to bank on these two industry anchors proved to be a masterstroke in brand recovery. Yoon-ah’s “The Tyrant’s Chef” successfully captured the “Fantasy-Romco” market with a peak rating that outpaced heavy competition, while Junho’s “Typhoon Family” (reaching a peak of 11.4%) demonstrated that high-quality, human-centric storytelling still commands massive linear viewership. As of April 2026, tvN is leveraging this “winning DNA” to launch its most ambitious lineup in years, successfully transitioning from domestic hits to global streaming dominance.
From an editorial perspective, the “Junho-Yoona” effect has created a high-trust environment for tvN’s 2026 slate. While Yoon-ah is currently focusing on her high-fashion and global film activities, Junho is preparing to solidify his “four consecutive hits” streak with the upcoming Netflix original ‘Cashero’ and a confirmed lead role in ‘Veteran 3’. The network is now pivoting toward genre-bending sequels, such as the highly anticipated ‘The Second Signal’, to maintain the momentum these two superstars ignited. We are tracking how tvN’s Q2 2026 lineup, featuring titles like ‘Four Hands’ and ‘Siren’s Kiss’, will perform without their immediate presence, though the “halo effect” from their 2025 triumphs remains the backbone of the network’s current commercial stability.