5 Recommended OTT Shows to Binge-Watch During the 2026 Chuseok Holiday
The 2026 Chuseok holiday runs for a total of four days, from Thursday, September 24th to Sunday, September 27th, which includes a substitute holiday. This long break is a great opportunity to binge-watch drama series you've missed due to lack of time. We've selected five recommended shows to binge-watch by genre, focusing on the latest and most talked-about releases of 2026.
Recommended Lineup at a Glance
Here is a list of the latest series perfect for binge-watching this Chuseok holiday.
- Signal 2: Netflix | Crime, Thriller, Fantasy
- Stranger 3: TVING | Crime, Legal, Thriller
- D.P. Season 3: Netflix | Military, Drama
- Hellbound 2: Netflix | Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
- EXchange 4: TVING | Reality, Romance
Detailed Information on Recommendations by Genre
Let's take a closer look at the features and binge-worthy points of each show.
1. Signal 2
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Fantasy
- Episodes: 12
- Release Date: September 4, 2026
- Features: This is the sequel, returning 10 years after Season 1 in 2016. It continues the premise of detectives from the past and present communicating through an old walkie-talkie to solve cold cases, with the original main cast Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong reprising their roles. Released just before the holiday, it's highly anticipated and offers a deeply immersive experience with its more profound narrative.
2. Stranger 3
- Platform: TVING
- Genre: Crime, Legal, Thriller
- Episodes: 16
- Release Date: July 2026
- Features: Emotionless prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo) and proactive detective Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) reunite to uncover a massive corruption cartel. It's renowned as a show that's hard to stop once you start, thanks to its intricate script and the cast's dense performances.
3. D.P. Season 3
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Military, Drama
- Episodes: 6
- Release Date: August 2026
- Features: It's the story of the Deserter Pursuit (D.P.) team, who catch military deserters. Season 3 delves deeper into the issues of soldiers' human rights and absurdity within the military, delivering a heavy social message. At a relatively short 6 episodes, it's less daunting to finish over the holiday.
4. Hellbound 2
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
- Episodes: 6
- Release Date: Early 2026
- Features: It depicts the supernatural phenomenon of people being condemned to hell by emissaries of hell who appear without warning. Season 2 focuses on a society in chaos, a religious group that exploits it, and the story of those who have been resurrected. It features director Yeon Sang-ho's expanded universe and powerful visuals.
5. EXchange 4
- Platform: TVING
- Genre: Reality, Romance
- Episodes: 20
- Release Date: Finale on September 12, 2026
- Features: This is a reality dating show where ex-couples live together in one house, reflecting on their past relationships and seeking new connections. With all episodes released just before the holiday, it's perfect for getting immersed by following the cast's emotional journeys. The unpredictable relationship dynamics are the main point to watch for.
OTT Platform Plan Comparison (as of September 2026)
Here is the pricing plan information for major OTT services. You can use this as a reference to choose the plan that's right for you.
| Platform | Plan | Monthly Fee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Standard with ads | KRW 5,500 | FHD quality, 2 simultaneous streams, watch some content with ads |
| Standard | KRW 13,500 | FHD quality, 2 simultaneous streams | |
| Premium | KRW 17,000 | 4K+HDR quality, 4 simultaneous streams | |
| TVING | Basic | KRW 9,500 | HD quality, 1 simultaneous stream |
| Standard | KRW 13,500 | FHD quality, 2 simultaneous streams | |
| Premium | KRW 17,000 | 4K quality (on some content), 4 simultaneous streams | |
| Wavve | Basic | KRW 7,900 | HD quality, 1 simultaneous stream |
| Standard | KRW 10,900 | FHD quality, 2 simultaneous streams | |
| Premium | KRW 13,900 | Highest quality, 4 simultaneous streams | |
| Coupang Play | Wow Membership | KRW 7,890 | Includes Coupang Rocket Wow member benefits |
| Disney+ | Standard | KRW 9,900 | FHD quality, 2 simultaneous streams |
| Premium | KRW 13,900 | 4K UHD & HDR quality, 4 simultaneous streams |
Chuseok Holiday Binge-Watching Preparation Checklist
- Check your subscription status for the OTT service you'll use and pay if necessary
- If you're in a place with unstable Wi-Fi, download your desired shows in advance
- Stock up on snacks and drinks for long viewing sessions
- Create a comfortable viewing environment with blankets, cushions, etc.
- Take short breaks every 1-2 hours for your eye health and to rest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I subscribe just for the holiday period and then cancel?
A. Yes, this is possible as most OTT services operate on a monthly subscription model. If you subscribe at the start of the holiday and cancel before the next billing date, you can use the service for one month without additional charges. It's a good idea to check the cancellation policy of each platform beforehand.
Q. Are there any other shows worth watching besides these recommendations?
A. Of course. This list was selected focusing on the latest releases of 2026. If you're looking for more thrillers, you can refer to the [August 2026 OTT Summer Chills Content](/summer-horror-ott-2026) list, and for movies, check the [2026 Chuseok Special Movies](/chuseok-ott-movie-2026) page. More diverse [Chuseok Binge-Watching](/chuseok-drama-binge) lists are also available.
Q. Subscribing to multiple OTTs is a burden. If I had to pick just one, which would be best?
A. The choice depends on your personal taste. Based solely on this recommendation list, Netflix has an advantage with 3 out of the 5 shows (Signal 2, D.P. 3, Hellbound 2). However, exclusive content only available on TVING, like Stranger 3 or EXchange 4, is also very competitive. We recommend browsing the full content library of each service before making a decision.
Background: The Chuseok Holiday and OTT Binge-Watching Culture
The Chuseok holiday is traditionally a time spent with family, but recently, there has been a clear trend towards prioritizing personal rest. A long holiday of four or more days provides an opportunity to binge-watch series that were put off due to lack of time. In response, OTT platforms view the Chuseok holiday as a peak season, releasing new titles or running promotions. This is one aspect that shows how the ways of spending the holiday are diversifying. If you are planning outdoor activities during the holiday, you can also check out the [Chuseok Holiday Outing Guide](/chuseok-outing-guide) information.