Kim Seon Ho and Suzy team up for Delusion, a vampire mystery drama with a massive 45 billion KRW budget. Joined by Choi Hyun Wook and Heo Joon Ho, the series promises a thrilling story set across two eras. Filming will span multiple countries, aiming for a grand 2026 release on Disney+.
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains details about the plot of Delusion, including key character secrets.
A Star-Studded Reunion for Kim Seon Ho and Suzy
Delusion marks a big moment for Kim Seon Ho and Suzy, who last shared the screen in 2020’s Start-Up. Fans are buzzing about their reunion in this dark fantasy drama.
The series, based on a webtoon by Hongjacga, was first planned as a movie. However, it faced delays when original leads Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee stepped down due to personal reasons.
Now, Kim Seon Ho plays Yun Iho, an artist tasked with painting a portrait. Suzy stars as Song Jeong Hwa, a mysterious woman hiding a chilling secret—she’s a vampire. Their chemistry is expected to drive the drama’s intense, emotional plot.
“It’s true that Suzy received an offer for Delusion and is reviewing it,” her agency confirmed in August 2024.
“Kim Seon Ho is positively considering the role,” his team stated around the same time.
A Massive Budget for a Grand Vision
Delusion boasts a jaw-dropping budget of 45 billion KRW (roughly 33.75 million USD). This makes it one of Korea’s priciest dramas ever.
The high cost comes from its ambitious scope. The story unfolds across two timelines: 1935 Gyeongseong (modern-day Seoul) and 1800s Shanghai.
To bring these settings to life, the team plans extensive overseas filming. Locations are yet to be confirmed, but the goal is to capture the historical vibe authentically.
Advanced CGI is another big expense. The drama’s vampire elements and fantasy visuals demand cutting-edge effects to create a believable world.
“The production cost is massive due to overseas shoots and heavy CGI,” a JTBC report noted on April 11, 2025.
A Story of Mystery and Dark Romance
The plot centers on Yun Iho, who grows enchanted by Song Jeong Hwa while painting her portrait. Unaware of her vampire nature, he’s drawn into a web of mystery and danger.
The drama blends romance, suspense, and supernatural twists. Its webtoon roots promise a rich, layered story that hooked readers from 2019 to 2020.
Directed by Han Jae Rim, known for The 8 Show, Delusion aims to balance eerie thrills with deep emotion. The series is also called Hypnosis in some reports, hinting at its psychological edge.
“Delusion narrates a gloomy romance set in 1930s Gyeongseong that continued from 1800s Shanghai,” a fan shared online.
New Cast Members Add Excitement
Joining the leads are Choi Hyun Wook and Heo Joon Ho, two actors known for stealing scenes.
Choi Hyun Wook, fresh from My Dearest Nemesis, brings youthful energy. His role is still under wraps, but fans expect him to shine.
Heo Joon Ho, seen in Buried Hearts, adds veteran talent. His character details are also secret, fueling curiosity.
“Choi Hyun Wook has been cast in Delusion,” OSEN reported on April 11, 2025.
“Heo Joon Ho joins the lineup,” JTBC confirmed the same day.
Filming and Release Plans
Production is set to kick off in the second half of 2025. Filming will likely run from July to December, given the complex shoots across countries.
Suzy wraps her movie Seven O’Clock Breakfast Meeting for the Broken Heart by June, freeing her for Delusion. Kim Seon Ho juggles this with his rom-com Can This Love Be Translated?, set for late 2025.
The drama is slated for a 2026 premiere on Disney+. Exact dates are pending, but the long timeline reflects the care being put into every detail.
“Filming starts in the second half of this year,” JTBC reported on April 11, 2025.
Why Fans Are Hyped
Social media is buzzing with excitement. Fans of Start-Up are thrilled to see Kim Seon Ho and Suzy as leads, hoping for a story that heals past “second lead syndrome.”
The webtoon’s loyal readers are eager to see its dark romance on screen. The huge budget and global filming only add to the hype.
“Are they compensating me for Start-Up?” one fan posted online, joking about the reunion.
“This is one of the dramas where Suzy is top billing!” another wrote proudly.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
The road to Delusion wasn’t smooth. After Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee left, production stalled. Their exit followed a public breakup, creating a media storm.
Reworking the project from a film to a series also took time. Yet, these hurdles have only made the team more determined to deliver a masterpiece.
“Delusion was delayed when the original leads opted out,” a report noted in January 2025.
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