The 2026 K-drama calendar continues to deliver an exciting lineup of romantic comedies, and one of the most anticipated additions is Dream to You, an upcoming ENA original series starring Hwang In Youp and Hyeri.
The drama marks the first on-screen collaboration between the two popular actors, bringing together an accomplished cast, an experienced creative team and a heartfelt story about rediscovering love, ambition and unfinished dreams. With its blend of romance, nostalgia and personal growth, Dream to You is already attracting attention from K-drama fans looking for an emotionally engaging series.
A Story About First Love, Second Chances and Chasing Forgotten Dreams
At the center of Dream to You are two people whose lives take different paths after sharing a meaningful first love during their teenage years.
Woo Soobin, played by Hwang In Youp, is a gifted film director whose debut project earns recognition at international film festivals. After achieving professional success overseas, he returns to South Korea carrying one unresolved chapter from his past—the woman who inspired his biggest dream.
That woman is Joo Yijae, portrayed by Hyeri. Once passionate about becoming a film director herself, Yijae eventually leaves those ambitions behind as life’s realities lead her into journalism. Although she has built a stable career as a reporter, she quietly struggles with the feeling that an important part of her life was left unfinished.
When Soobin unexpectedly returns, both are forced to confront old memories, unresolved emotions and the dreams they believed had disappeared forever.
Hwang In Youp and Hyeri Share the Screen for the First Time
One of the biggest attractions of Dream to You is the pairing of Hwang In Youp and Hyeri.
Both actors have built loyal fan followings through successful television projects, but this marks the first time they will headline a drama together.
Their characters represent two people who have experienced both achievement and disappointment. Rather than focusing only on romance, the series also explores how adulthood changes personal ambitions and whether first love can survive the passage of time.
The emotional maturity of the story gives the pair an opportunity to showcase a different side of their acting.
Strong Supporting Cast Adds More Depth
Joining the lead actors is an impressive supporting lineup.
Baek Sung Chul plays Shim Yoogeon, an aspiring actor determined to make a name for himself despite repeated setbacks. His unwavering optimism and dedication add another layer to the drama’s central message about pursuing long-held dreams.
Lee Yul Eum portrays Oh Hana, a celebrated actress who has spent her entire life in the spotlight but finds herself questioning what she truly wants beyond fame.
Together, the four characters represent different perspectives on ambition, success and personal fulfillment.
Writer Behind Beloved Fantasy Romances Returns
The screenplay is written by Jung Eun Bi, known for acclaimed fantasy romance dramas including Goblin and Doom at Your Service.
While Dream to You tells a grounded contemporary story rather than a fantasy, viewers can expect emotionally rich storytelling, memorable character relationships and heartfelt dialogue—qualities often associated with Jung’s writing.
What the Production Team Has Revealed
According to the production team, the drama follows two people who fall in love at the end of their teenage years before life separates them.
Years later, they reunite in their 30s and begin a new journey together—one that allows them to pursue both their professional aspirations and the love they never completely left behind.
The series aims to balance emotional moments with light-hearted romance, making it appealing to viewers who enjoy character-driven romantic comedies.
Dream to You Release Date
Dream to You is scheduled to premiere on July 13, 2026, on ENA.
The drama will air as a Monday–Tuesday weekly series, joining the network’s lineup of original Korean dramas.
Additional promotional materials, including trailers, posters and episode details, are expected to be released ahead of the premiere.
Dream to You at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Drama | Dream to You |
| Network | ENA |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy |
| Premiere | July 13, 2026 |
| Broadcast | Monday–Tuesday |
| Lead Cast | Hwang In Youp, Hyeri |
| Supporting Cast | Baek Sung Chul, Lee Yul Eum |
| Writer | Jung Eun Bi |
| Main Theme | First Love, Second Chances, Dreams |
Why K-Drama Fans Are Watching This Series
Several factors have already made Dream to You one of the year’s most talked-about romance dramas:
- First-ever acting collaboration between Hwang In Youp and Hyeri.
- A story that blends romance with career aspirations and personal growth.
- An experienced supporting cast.
- Screenplay by Jung Eun Bi, known for emotionally resonant storytelling.
- A nostalgic second-chance romance that spans youth and adulthood.
For viewers who enjoy romances built around character development rather than dramatic twists alone, Dream to You promises a heartfelt and relatable journey.
Final Thoughts
With its talented cast, experienced creative team and emotionally grounded premise, Dream to You has the ingredients to become one of the standout Korean romantic comedies of 2026. The series combines first love, long-forgotten ambitions and the hope of new beginnings, offering audiences a story that is as much about personal growth as it is about romance.
As the premiere approaches, fans will be eager to see how Hwang In Youp and Hyeri bring this long-awaited on-screen partnership to life.
