K-drama favorite Song Kang is officially set to make his highly anticipated return to the small screen following his military discharge, taking on the lead role in tvN’s upcoming drama Four Hands. This ambitious youth series blends the elegance of classical music with intense rivalries, heartfelt friendships, and emotional growth, offering an engaging ride for fans of character-driven storytelling.
A Melodic Battle of Talent and Heart
Scheduled to air in the second half of 2026, Four Hands transports viewers to Korea Arts High School — an elite institution reserved for students with extraordinary musical talent. Within its prestigious halls, gifted young musicians face not only the pressure of perfect performance but also the interpersonal challenges of ambition, love, and self-discovery.
The drama’s creative team includes acclaimed director Park Hyun-suk, celebrated for his work on Uncontrollably Fond, Stranger 2, and Hometown, along with screenwriter Shin Yi-won, known for her sharp and emotive storytelling in Green Mothers’ Club. With this powerhouse duo at the helm, expectations are already high for a visually stunning and emotionally rich series.
The Characters and Their Stories
Song Kang will portray Kang Bi-o, a piano virtuoso whose aristocratic demeanor and flawless track record make him the pride of the school. His disciplined perfectionism, fueled by both innate skill and tireless practice, has him pegged as a future champion of the world’s top classical music competitions. Yet his seemingly unshakable confidence is tested when a formidable rival enters his life, challenging not just his artistry but his identity.
Opposite him, Lee Jun-young plays Choi Jung-yo, a fellow piano genius forged by hardship. Once determined to leave his musical gift behind, Choi resurfaces at the elite academy, confronting both his past and the competitor who once stirred his passion. His journey to reclaim his talent forms a central emotional thread in the narrative, with Lee’s intense portrayal already generating buzz.
Completing the core trio, Jang Gyu-ri embodies Hong Jae-in, a viola major blessed with a rare sensitivity to sound. Able to instantly recognize beauty in music, she struggles to find melodies that truly satisfy her soul. Her deep admiration for Kang Bi-o’s artistry since childhood positions her as a supportive yet pivotal figure between the two pianists.
What to Expect
Four Hands promises more than just musical performances — it offers an exploration of ambition, rivalry evolving into friendship, subtle romance, and the electrifying energy of ensemble playing. Producers hint at “dopamine-boosting” storytelling, making it one of the most anticipated youth dramas of 2026.
Fans can mark their calendars for the second half of 2026, when Four Hands will premiere exclusively on tvN, delivering a symphony of competition, connection, and coming-of-age moments.
