| Native Title | 첫 번째 남자 |
| Also Know as | First Man, Cheot Beonjjae Namja |
| Director | Kang Tae-Heum |
| Writer | Seo Hyun-Joo, An Jin-Young |
| Distributor | MBC |
| Air Time | Monday-Friday 19:05 |
| Content Rating | 15+ - Teens 15 or older |
| Runtime | 141 episodes |
| Genre | Romance, Crime, Melodrama, Family |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
| Release Date | 2025-12-15 |
| End Date | 2026-07-03 |
"The First Man" is a gripping 2026 Korean drama that swirls with switched identities, fiery revenge, and forbidden romance as twin sisters collide, centering on the classic twins and revenge plot.
"The First Man" (native title: "첫 번째 남자") is a compelling South Korean daily drama that premiered on December 15, 2025, and continued airing into 2026. This long-running series masterfully blends romance, melodrama, revenge, family secrets, and corporate intrigue across more than 120 episodes. With its emotional depth, high-stakes twists, and exploration of ambition versus justice, it has quickly captured the hearts of viewers looking for heartfelt stories filled with passion and redemption.
Twin sisters Oh Jang-mi and Ma Seo-rin live completely opposite lives after being separated at birth. Oh Jang-mi grows up as a warm, honest, and resilient woman who fights for what is right, inheriting her mother's culinary talents and dreaming of opening her own restaurant. In contrast, Ma Seo-rin becomes a reckless, spoiled chaebol heiress accustomed to luxury and getting her way no matter the cost. Their worlds collide when fate reveals their connection, sparked by Chae Hwa-young's ruthless actions to steal one twin's life for her own ambitions within the powerful Dream Group.
The sisters switch identities: one lives another's life in pursuit of revenge, gathering evidence against those who destroyed their family, while the other had her existence stolen for selfish desires. Their paths become further entangled with the Kang brothers – kind-hearted lawyer Kang Baek-ho, who believes in justice, and cold, perfectionist chef Kang Jun-ho, who hides a fragile heart. Adding layers of tension is Jin Hong-ju, an ambitious and jealous rival consumed by obsession. As hidden motives unravel, love turns into a weapon amid greed, rivalry, and the quest for truth in a merciless world of corporate power and personal desires.
"The First Man" has enjoyed strong viewership since its debut, consistently ranking high in its time slot with nationwide ratings often hovering around 5 percent and peaking higher. Audiences have praised the series for its gripping storyline of revenge and romance, the intense chemistry among the leads, and the standout dual performance by the lead actress. The drama's blend of emotional highs, competitive tensions, and themes of justice and redemption has made it a standout choice for fans of heartfelt melodramas.
Hahm Eun-jung masterfully transforms into twin sisters with entirely different personalities, styles, and lives, showcasing impressive range.
The first meeting between Hahm Eun-jung's character and Yoon Sun-woo's turns delightfully competitive as they both reach for the same taxi, sparking instant sparks and rivalry.
An awkward reunion has Hahm Eun-jung and Yoon Sun-woo pointing at each other in suspicion amid shopping bags and everyday chaos.
Tense yet ordinary dynamics unfold in scenes like Chae Hwa-young's relationship with her secretary, and calm confidence clashing with authority as Park Geon-il's character confronts Oh Hyun-kyung's while Hahm Eun-jung watches.
The story weaves in culinary dreams, corporate power struggles, and brotherly love rivalries, creating memorable moments of humor, suspense, and heartfelt connection.
"The First Man" stands out as a must-watch 2026 series that delivers a perfect mix of gripping revenge, tender romance, and family drama. Its well-crafted characters and unpredictable twists keep viewers eagerly returning for more, making it ideal for anyone who loves stories about second chances, overcoming ambition's dark side, and the healing power of genuine love. This drama proves that even in a web of secrets and desire, truth and affection can prevail.
On MBC.
South Korea: Wavve, TVING.
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