Kim Woo-bin Returns to TV in tvN’s New Sports Drama ‘Gift’: Premiere Date, Cast, Webtoon Plot, and Everything You Need to Know
Get ready, K-drama fans! Kim Woo-bin is officially back, and he is stepping into the dugout for a heartwarming new sports drama. According to official reports, Kim Woo-bin has confirmed his lead role in the upcoming tvN drama Gift (기프트), scheduled to hit screens in early December 2026.
If you love underdog stories, sports drama, and supernatural twists, this upcoming release is going to be your next big binge watch. Here is everything we know so far about the plot, cast, crew, and broadcast schedule.
What Is tvN’s ‘Gift’ About?
Gift is an inspiring growth sports drama based on the hit Kakao Webtoon of the same name created by webtoon author Jung Iri-iri.
The story revolves around Jeong Min-yong, a former professional baseball pitching coach whose life takes a drastic turn after surviving an unforeseen accident. Following the incident, he gains an extraordinary, gift-like ability: he can instantly spot anyone’s hidden baseball potential at a single glance.
Instead of returning to the big leagues, Min-yong takes on an unlikely challenge by becoming the head coach of a bottom ranking high school baseball team—a team ranked dead last nationwide. Armed with his new vision and unconventional methods, Min-yong sets out to rebuild the team from scratch, guiding young athletes while navigating the fine line between raw talent and hard work.
Kim Woo-bin Takes Center Stage as Coach Jeong Min-yong
Leading the series is Kim Woo-bin, playing the charismatic former pitch coach Jeong Min-yong.
Min-yong is a deeply relatable character who wrestles with the true meaning of athletic genius versus sheer effort. As he helps his high school players grow and overcome their personal limits, Min-yong goes through his own journey of personal growth and redemption.
Kim Woo-bin is renowned for his emotional depth and powerful screen presence. Fans can expect him to deliver a realistic, touching, and multidimensional performance that brings out both comedic warmth and heartfelt moments.
Powerhouse Creative Team & Production Details
The team bringing Gift from webtoon panel to television screen is packed with major industry names:
- Directors: Codirectors Kim Kyu-tae and Ham Seung-hoon
- Screenwriters: Min Jung, Hae Joo, and Sung Eun
- Planning: Studio Dragon
- Production Companies: By4M Studio, GTist, Studio Double M, and AM Entertainment
With legendary studio backing and experienced creators, expectation is high for a visually sharp, emotionally resonant sports narrative.
Premiere Date and tvN’s 2026 Weekend Lineup Finale
Gift will serve as the grand finale for tvN’s impressive 2026 Saturday-Sunday drama lineup.
The show is set to premiere in early December 2026, taking over the prime weekend timeslot immediately following the conclusion of 100 Days of Lies (which begins airing in October).
tvN opened 2026 with hit weekend series like Undercover Miss Hong and Secret Audit, alongside heavy hitting titles including How to Become a Landlord in Korea, Pachinko, Dear X, Spooky Romance, Four Hands, and 100 Days of Lies. As the final drama of the year, Gift is set to wrap up tvN’s 2026 weekend schedule with a huge home run.
