Viki's Top 5 K-Dramas of January 2026 Reveal New Trends

200 million global viewers can't be wrong. When Viki released its top 5 K-dramas for January 2026, the list revealed more than just popular entertainment—it exposed the evolving DNA of Korean content consumption worldwide.

Webtoon Adaptations Lead the Charge

"Positively Yours" topped Viki's January rankings, marking another victory for webtoon-to-drama adaptations. Based on a popular webtoon, the series demonstrates how existing IP can bridge the gap between different media formats and audiences.

This isn't coincidental. Webtoon adaptations come with built-in fandoms, established character development, and proven storylines. For streaming platforms like Viki, this translates to guaranteed engagement from day one—a crucial factor in today's crowded content landscape.

Beyond Netflix: Why Viki Matters

While Netflix dominates headlines, Viki operates in a different league entirely. The platform's community-driven subtitle system creates an intimate viewing experience where fans actively participate in content localization. Comments sections become real-time discussion forums, and viewers form genuine communities around their favorite shows.

This model particularly resonates in Southeast Asian markets, where Viki commands significant influence. Unlike passive consumption on other platforms, Viki viewers are cultural ambassadors, translating not just language but cultural nuances for global audiences.

The Small Studio Revolution

What's striking about January's top 5 is their origin: most come from smaller production houses rather than major broadcasting giants. These aren't the $10 million budget spectacles that typically grab international attention—they're character-driven stories that prioritize narrative over visual effects.

This shift suggests something profound about global viewing preferences. Audiences are gravitating toward authentic storytelling over production value. The success of these mid-budget dramas challenges the industry assumption that bigger always means better in international markets.

Cultural Export vs. Artistic Expression

The January rankings also highlight a tension within Korean content creation. Are these dramas succeeding because they're genuinely good, or because they're designed to appeal to global tastes? Some critics argue that K-dramas are becoming too formulaic, crafted specifically for international consumption rather than domestic storytelling traditions.

Yet the diversity in January's top 5—spanning romance, thriller, and slice-of-life genres—suggests Korean creators are finding ways to maintain cultural authenticity while achieving global appeal. The question isn't whether to go global, but how to do it without losing what makes Korean content distinctly Korean.