| Native Title | 현혹 |
| Also Know as | Delusion, Bewitchment, Deception, Dazzle, Hyunhok, Hyeonhok, Hyeonhog |
| Director | Han Jae-Rim |
| Writer | Han Jae-Rim |
| Distributor | Disney+ |
| Content Rating | 15+ - Teens 15 or older |
| Runtime | 12 episodes |
| Genre | Period Drama, Mystery, Romance, Horror, Thriller, Supernatural, Fantasy, Psychological, Suspense |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
The upcoming Korean series "Portraits of Delusion" is one of the most anticipated releases of 2026, blending period drama with mystery, horror, and supernatural elements. Directed by Han Jae-rim and adapted from the popular webtoon "Delusion" by Hongjacga, this Disney+ original promises a suspenseful tale of art, secrets, and enchantment set against the backdrop of 1935 Gyeongseong.
"Portraits of Delusion" (Korean: "현혹," also known as "Delusion" or "Hyeonhog") is a 12-episode series produced by Showbox and Magnum Nine, with a substantial budget reflecting its ambitious scope, including partial filming abroad. The story unfolds in a period setting during Japanese colonial rule, centering on a reclusive woman shrouded in rumors and a painter drawn into her enigmatic world. Genres include historical, mystery, horror, and fantasy, with themes of hidden truths, artistic passion, and eerie allure. It is rated 15+ and serves as a reunion for its leads, who previously shared the screen in "Start-Up" (2020).
In 1935 Gyeongseong, struggling painter Yun I-ho (also referred to as Yoon Yi-ho or Lee Ho in some sources) receives a commission to paint the portrait of Song Jeong-hwa, the mysterious owner of the Nammoon Hotel. She has not appeared in public for over half a century, fueling endless rumors about her life and identity. When Yun I-ho finally meets her, he is confronted with her haunting, youthful beauty – despite expectations of an elderly subject – and she insists he depict her as an older woman. Confined to the secretive hotel until the portrait is complete, he navigates fear, confusion, and a rekindled passion for true art. As he uncovers troubling secrets – including hints from past artists who never left in sound mind or alive – the story builds into a suspenseful exploration of her profound mysteries, drawing him deeper into enchantment amid an atmosphere of delusion and hidden truths.
Pre-release buzz remains strong, fueled by promotional stills showcasing the leads' chemistry, the atmospheric period visuals, and anticipation for the webtoon adaptation.
Fans have expressed excitement over the cast's versatility, the director's track record, and the potential for compelling performances in a dark, mysterious narrative.
The drama marks a professional reunion between Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, whose earlier collaboration in "Start-Up" was beloved by viewers.
It adapts a webtoon serialized on Naver from 2019 to 2020, known for its blend of mystery and horror with vampire fiction elements.
Filming took place in South Korea and abroad, contributing to its grand scale.
The production team once issued an apology after reports of litter left at a Jeju Island filming location due to late-night shooting and poor visibility; they promptly cleaned up and committed to better practices.
Development began years earlier, with initial casting considerations shifting before the current leads were confirmed in 2025.
"Portraits of Delusion" stands out as a visually striking and thematically rich addition to 2026's K-drama lineup, combining period elegance with psychological suspense and supernatural undertones. The pairing of Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho – along with director Han Jae-rim's vision – suggests a series that could deliver haunting beauty, emotional depth, and gripping twists. For fans of mystery thrillers, historical fantasies, or webtoon adaptations, this promises to be an enchanting yet unsettling experience.
Exclusively on Disney+, Hulu.
Discover the rich world of Korean cinema on our Korean Movie Review Page — your trusted source for thoughtful, spoiler-free reviews of the latest K-dramas, blockbuster films, and independent masterpieces from South Korea. From gripping thrillers and heartfelt romances to historical epics and groundbreaking storytelling, we dive deep into each film's plot, direction, performances, cinematography, and cultural impact. Whether you're a longtime fan of Korean movies or just getting started, our reviews help you explore the best of what Hallyu has to offer. We also highlight must-watch classics, award-winning films, and hidden gems, while providing ratings, trailers, and user comments to help guide your viewing choices. Stay up to date with the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Korean cinema — all in one place.
