Ma Dong Seok, Lee Young Ae, and Lee Jae Wook have been announced as the main cast for KBS's revamped weekend drama schedule, promising fresh entertainment for audiences later this year and in early 2025.
KBS is planning to launch a series of weekend dramas starting in August to enhance its weekend lineup with strong actors and engaging storylines, as reported by IZE on the 21st.
Following the premiere of 'The First Night With the Duke' on June 11, featuring Seohyun and Ok Taecyeon, KBS will temporarily pause its traditional Wednesday-Thursday drama slot, making it the last midweek drama on the network for the year as the focus shifts to weekend broadcasts.
The first drama on the new weekend schedule is 'Twelve,' starring Ma Dong Seok, set to debut on August 23. This fantasy action series follows twelve celestial beings based on the Eastern zodiac, living among humans to protect them from evil spirits. The show is scheduled to air on KBS 2TV at 9:20 PM, with final scheduling details yet to be confirmed.
Following 'Twelve,' KBS will air 'A Good Day for Eunsoo' (working title) starring Lee Young Ae and Kim Young Kwang in September. The drama centers around a mysterious bag, leading to a tense collaboration between a parent and a teacher. Lee Young Ae's return to KBS after 26 years has generated much anticipation.
Up next is 'Last Summer' (working title) starring Lee Jae Wook and Choi Sung Eun, a romance exploring the relationship between a woman who dislikes summer and a man who loves it. The drama is expected to premiere in November and offer a heartwarming story for the colder months.
In January 2025, KBS will introduce 'My Dearest Thief' (working title) featuring Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min. This romantic comedy historical drama follows a woman who becomes a thief and a prince who fancies himself as the best detective in Joseon. The series promises a humorous and unpredictable journey with a mix of romance, comedy, and historical elements, making it one of the most anticipated shows of 2025.
The new weekend drama lineup on KBS, comprising 'Twelve,' 'A Good Day for Eunsoo,' 'Last Summer,' and 'My Dearest Thief,' is expected to inject fresh energy into the network and attract a diverse audience base. The programming shift aims to compete more effectively with other networks like tvN in the weekend drama slot, building on the success of previous shows like 'Korea–Khitan War' and 'For Eagle Brothers.'
A KBS representative mentioned to IZE that broadcast schedules are being finalized, with the network adopting a flexible programming strategy that accommodates both weekdays and weekends, promising audiences a more vibrant and diverse drama experience on KBS in the coming months.