Disney+ Korea announced on May 23, 2025, during an open house event at the Walt Disney Company Korea headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, that the highly anticipated mystery thriller Delusion is set to premiere in 2026. The series reunites beloved actors Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, who previously captivated audiences in the 2020 drama Start-Up. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Han Jae-rim, known for his works The King, Emergency Declaration, and The 8 Show, Delusion promises a compelling blend of mystery, horror, and romance, set in the evocative settings of 1935 Gyeongseong and 19th-century Shanghai.
Adapted from the popular webtoon by Hongjacga, Delusion is a high-budget production, with an estimated cost of 45 billion KRW (approximately $33.75 million USD), making it one of the most expensive K-dramas to date. This significant investment supports the drama’s ambitious vision, including extensive overseas filming in locations like China to authentically recreate the historical settings of Gyeongseong (modern-day Seoul under Japanese colonial rule) and 19th-century Shanghai. Advanced CGI will enhance the supernatural elements, ensuring a visually immersive experience for viewers.
Kim Seon-ho takes on the role of Yun I-ho, a talented but financially struggling painter in 1935 Gyeongseong, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is hired to paint the portrait of the mysterious Song Jeong-hwa. Yun I-ho is a complex character, driven by his artistic passion yet burdened by personal and societal challenges under Japanese colonial rule. As he becomes entangled in Song Jeong-hwa’s enigmatic world, his curiosity and growing affection lead him to confront unsettling truths about her supernatural nature. Kim Seon-ho’s portrayal is expected to showcase his signature emotional depth, seen in roles like Han Ji-pyeong in Start-Up and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, bringing to life Yun I-ho’s internal conflict as he navigates love, fear, and the blurred boundaries of reality.
Bae Suzy stars as Song Jeong-hwa, the enigmatic and reclusive owner of the Nammoon Hotel, whose ethereal beauty and mysterious aura conceal her identity as a vampire with a centuries-old secret. Song Jeong-hwa is a multifaceted character, embodying both allure and danger, as her interactions with Yun I-ho spark a forbidden romance laced with supernatural tension. Suzy, known for her compelling performances in ANNA and Start-Up, is poised to deliver a captivating portrayal, balancing Song Jeong-hwa’s haunting elegance with the emotional weight of her hidden past. Her role requires a delicate interplay of charm and menace, drawing viewers into the character’s timeless enigma.
The series features a strong supporting cast, including Huh Joon-ho, recognized for Buried Hearts, and Choi Hyun-wook, recently seen in My Dearest Nemesis. Kim Young-kwang is also set to make a cameo appearance as “K,” a powerful and ancient vampire who is both Song Jeong-hwa’s father and a murderer, adding further depth to the narrative. Confirmed as an 8-to-10-episode series, Delusion began filming in early 2025, with full-scale production scheduled between March and May, and additional filming planned from April to August.
The production of Delusion faced several hurdles. Initially conceived as a film, the project saw Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee in discussions to star, but their withdrawal following their publicized relationship and breakup in March 2024 led to its transformation into a television series. Bae Suzy was the first choice for Song Jeong-hwa, but scheduling conflicts initially halted her casting. After adjustments to the production timeline, Suzy was re-approached and confirmed, alongside Kim Seon-ho, whose agency, SALT Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for his involvement as early as August 2024.
Director Han Jae-rim’s involvement heightens anticipation for Delusion. Known for his ability to craft emotionally charged and genre-defying stories, Han is expected to bring a unique vision to the webtoon’s dark and fantastical elements. Delusion will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2026, with a global release also available on JioHotstar in India. Earlier speculation about a Netflix release has been clarified, with Disney+ confirmed as the official platform. With its high-profile cast, substantial budget, and visionary direction, Delusion is poised to be a landmark K-drama, offering audiences a hauntingly beautiful exploration of mystery and romance.
Sources: Naver / Disney
