Webcomic adaptations have significantly contributed to defining Korean entertainment in the past few years. The latest is the upcoming live-action adaptation of Portraits of Delusion, a mystery period drama based on Delusion, a webcomic by Hongjacga.
The series, starring Suzy and Kim Sun-ho, is helmed by renowned director Han Jae-rim, who also serves as the series’s writer. Director Han is known for his films, Emergency Declaration and The King, as well as his drama series work on Netflix’s psychological class thriller, The 8 Show.
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Our critic praised The 8 Show in their review, commenting on Han’s ability to craft tension, “With excellent character work propelled by stunning actors, the exaggerated yet simplistic set design, the choice to use one true location and solid swings toward dark fences, The 8 Show is a showstopping melancholic series.”
What is Portraits of Delusion about?
Portraits of Delusion is a suspenseful historical romance set during the early 1935 Gyeongseong (modern-day Seoul) under Japanese colonial rule. The story focuses on the complex and psychologically tense relationship between Jeong-hwa Song, a mysterious woman widely rumored to be a vampire, and I-ho Yoon, the painter she commissions to create her portrait.
Taking directly from the original webtoon, which was serialized from 2019 to 2020, the series stands to be a defining dark romance for the year as it explores the dark secrets hidden within the long-abandoned Nammun Hotel. Additionally, the story will chronicle the intense psychological and romantic tension that develops between the painter and his subject as he begins to uncover the truth about her past.
Portraits of Delusion Cast
Lead Cast
- Bae Suzy as Jeong-hwa: A mysterious figure rumored to be a vampire who has remained hidden from the world for over half a century.
- Kim Sun-ho as Yun I-ho: A struggling painter who is tasked with painting Madam Song’s portrait.
Supporting Cast
- Huh Joon-ho (Role undisclosed)
- Choi Hyun-wook (Role undisclosed)
- Lee Hak-joo (Role undisclosed)
- Shin Su-hyun (Role undisclosed)
- Kim Young-kwang as K
What is the Portraits of Delusion release date?
The series does not yet have an explicit release date; however, it will stream exclusively on Disney+ at some point in the second half of 2026.
