SBS bets big on Shin Hye Sun-led crime drama 'DASH' as network's next major hit for 2027

SBS recently held its drama media day event, 'SBS DRAMA: NEXT EPISODE,' where the network unveiled its upcoming drama lineup. Among the projects introduced by Studio S CEO Hong Sung Chang, one title stood out as the most talked-about future release.

'DASH,' starring actress Shin Hye Sun. Hong expressed strong confidence in the project, saying, “'DASH,' starring Shin Hye Sun, will be SBS’s ultimate secret weapon drama next year,” drawing considerable attention.

Set to Follow 'Nine to Six' in 2027

'DASH' is scheduled to air in the first half of 2027 as the follow-up to SBS’s Wednesday-Thursday drama 'Nine to Six.' The series will also be available through Netflix in South Korea.

Blending legal drama, mystery, crime, and romance, 'DASH' follows prosecutor Min Hwa Young, who finds herself torn between love and justice after her husband becomes the prime suspect in a murder case.

Min Hwa Young serves as the head prosecutor of the Special Investigation Division 1 at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. Having overcome countless political pressures to reach the pinnacle of power, she is suddenly forced to confront a devastating dilemma when her husband becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The series explores her struggle between her emotions as a wife and her professional duty as a prosecutor.

Combining courtroom drama with romance and mystery elements, the show promises to deliver psychological suspense beyond a typical crime procedural.

Shin Hye Sun Returns to SBS After Nine Years

The actress will return to SBS for the first time in approximately nine years since 'The Hymn of Death' and 'Still 17,' making the casting particularly significant for the network.

Earlier this year, Shin captivated audiences with Netflix's 'The Art of Sarah,' while her recent tvN weekend drama 'Filing for Love,' co-starring Gong Myoung, concluded on a high note. She is currently filming Netflix’s upcoming series 'Love O' Clock,' with 'DASH' set to become her next project after that.

Shin has earned a reputation for her versatility across genres. In 'Stranger,' she convincingly portrayed rookie prosecutor Young Eun Soo, balancing raw ambition with tragic depth. More recently, in 'Dear Hyeri,' she took on dual roles as a character suffering from dissociative identity disorder, once again demonstrating her impressive range.

Her ability to handle legal jargon and emotionally charged scenes has often been praised as one of the strongest among Korean actresses.

In DASH, Min Hwa Young must simultaneously embody the anguish of a wife forced to suspect her husband and the cold objectivity of a prosecutor seeking the truth. How Shin portrays this emotional conflict is expected to be one of the drama’s defining elements.

Kim Jun Han Joins as Male Lead

Actor Kim Jun Han will star opposite Shin Hye Sun.

His appearance in 'DASH' marks his return to SBS for the first time in three years since 'Good Partner.' His most recent project was tvN’s 'Mad Concrete Dreams.'

Kim has steadily expanded his acting portfolio through diverse projects such as 'Hospital Playlist,' 'One Spring Night,' 'Anna,' and 'Good Partner.' In 'Anna,' he left a lasting impression as Choi Ji Hoon, the ambitious and cold-hearted husband of Lee Anna (Suzy), while 'Hospital Playlist' showcased a much warmer and more romantic side of his acting.

In 'Good Partner,' he delivered a steady performance as lawyer Jung Woo Jin.

In 'DASH,' Kim is expected to portray a central figure connected to the murder case. His character will likely serve as one of the drama’s primary mysteries, keeping viewers uncertain of his true motives throughout the series. His ability to shift naturally between reliability and hidden darkness makes him a strong fit for the role.

Kim Seo Hyung's Long-Awaited Return

Interest in 'DASH' grew even further following reports that Kim Seo Hyung is in talks to join the cast.

If confirmed, the project would mark her first drama in four years since ENA’s 'Pale Moon' and her first SBS drama in seven years since 'Nobody Knows.'

Kim Seo Hyung rose to nationwide fame through her iconic role as Kim Joo Young in 'SKY Castle,' with her line, “Mother, you must trust me completely,” becoming a cultural catchphrase.

Since then, she has received critical acclaim for her performances in 'Nobody Knows' and 'Mine,' showcasing her ability to balance restraint with explosive emotional intensity.

One of Kim’s greatest strengths is her subtle acting style. With little more than a glance or a slight facial expression, she can dramatically alter the atmosphere of a scene. Although details about her role in 'DASH' remain undisclosed, the prospect of seeing her share the screen with Shin Hye Sun is already being viewed as one of the drama’s biggest attractions.

Why This Trio Is Drawing So Much Attention

The combination of Shin Hye Sun, Kim Jun Han, and Kim Seo Hyung has generated excitement because all three actors are widely respected for their acting abilities.

Shin Hye Sun recently found success with both 'The Art of Sarah' and 'Filing for Love,' solidifying her status as one of the industry's most sought-after leading actresses. Kim Jun Han has become a dependable performer through projects such as 'Good Partner' and 'Anna,' while Kim Seo Hyung has built a reputation for delivering both ratings and buzz with every comeback.

Each actor also brings a distinct acting style.

Shin is known for sharp, emotionally explosive performances backed by impeccable diction. Kim Seo Hyung dominates scenes through controlled intensity and understated power. Kim Jun Han often occupies the space between good and evil, warmth and coldness, creating tension through ambiguity.

Many viewers are eager to see what kind of chemistry emerges when these three approaches collide within a single story.

SBS Doubles Down on Its Strength in Genre Dramas

SBS’s decision to spotlight 'DASH' during the media event appears to be more than simple promotion.

The network has consistently performed well with genre dramas such as 'Taxi Driver,' 'Good Partner,' and 'Dr. Romantic.' Its dual strategy of traditional broadcasting and Netflix streaming has also proven successful both domestically and internationally.

With Netflix handling South Korean streaming distribution, 'DASH' is clearly aiming for more than just strong terrestrial TV ratings. Shin Hye Sun already has experience with Netflix originals and enjoys growing global recognition, increasing the possibility of attracting international viewers as well.

Given its planned premiere in the first half of 2027, the project is likely still in the early stages of production. However, with major casting details already being revealed, additional announcements regarding supporting and lead cast members could arrive before the end of the year.

Shin Hye Sun’s Highest-Rated Dramas

Nicknamed the new “Ratings Queen,” Shin Hye Sun’s track record speaks for itself. The following ratings are based on nationwide Nielsen Korea data.

1. My Golden Life (2017–2018) — 45.1%

A legendary weekend drama that became a cultural phenomenon. Its 45.1% peak rating remains nearly impossible to replicate in today’s viewing environment.

2. Mr. Queen (2020–2021) — 17.3%

The fantasy comedy became one of Shin’s biggest career hits, showcasing both her comedic timing and emotional depth.

3. Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023–2024) — 12.3%

The healing romance drama resonated with audiences across generations and cemented her popularity.

4. Still 17 (2018) — 11.0%

Her last SBS drama before 'DASH' surpassed the double-digit ratings mark.

5. Secret Appreciation (2026) — 9.7%

A recent office romance with Gong Myoung has once again demonstrated her ability to attract viewers across genres.

6. Angel’s Last Mission: Love (2019) — 9.4%

The fantasy romance nearly reached double-digit ratings.

7. Stranger (2017) — 6.6%

Although ratings were moderate, the drama’s critical acclaim eventually led to a second season.

8. See You in My 19th Life (2023) — 5.7%

A romantic fantasy drama that developed a loyal fan base.

9. Dear Hyeri (2024) — 3.5%

While ratings remained modest, the series generated significant online discussion and highlighted Shin’s acting prowess.

Across these nine dramas, Shin Hye Sun has maintained an average rating of approximately 13.4%, an impressive figure considering the variety of genres, networks, and production scales involved. Many industry observers view this consistent track record as the key reason SBS has identified her as the network’s “secret weapon” for 'DASH.'