Actors Bae Suzy and Kim Seon‑ho were recently seen jogging together near Hanoi’s famed West Lake (Tây Hồ) in Vietnam — sparking speculation among fans that production for their upcoming series is currently underway.
A video posted on social media captures Suzy running beside a road near the lake wearing a black running vest, leggings, and a cap. Close behind her is a man who appears to be Kim Seon-ho, wearing sunglasses as they run side by side. The sighting drew attention from local fans and social-media users.
What Is “Portraits of Delusion”?
- Portraits of Delusion is the official English title for the drama previously referred to as “현혹.”
- The series is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Han Jae-rim, known for movies such as The Elegant World, The King, and Emergency Declaration.
- It is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ worldwide in 2026.
Story Premise (Spoiler-Free)
Set in 1935 Gyeongseong (the historical name for Seoul), the story follows a struggling painter Yun I‑ho (Kim Seon-ho), who is commissioned to paint a portrait of a mysterious woman, Song Jeong‑hwa (Bae Suzy).
Song Jeong-hwa is an enigmatic figure who has remained hidden from the world for decades — shrouded in rumors, secrets, and tragic history. As Yun I-ho begins his work, he discovers chilling truths about previous painters who attempted the portrait — none survived, and all were driven to madness. His pursuit of art leads him closer to unraveling her dark past… and jeopardizes his own sanity.
The drama promises a blend of historical setting, psychological mystery, horror, and romance — a rare but highly anticipated combination.
Why the Vietnam Sighting Matters
While many expected filming to remain in Korea (given the 1935 Gyeongseong setting), the recent footage of Suzy and Kim Seon-ho running near Hanoi’s West Lake suggests that the production is using overseas locations — maybe as a stand-in, or for special sequences. This international filming adds an extra layer of intrigue and global scale to the project.
Fans have reacted with excitement: local netizens commented on how fresh and natural Suzy looked without makeup, and how easily the duo blended urban life and on-set demands.
Release Plan & What’s Next
- The series was officially confirmed by Disney+ in May 2025.
- As of late 2025, production appears active, with overseas filming underway.
- While the full cast and episodes count have not been publicly confirmed, industry reports confirm that Showbox and Magnum Nine co-produce the series.
Given the strong director, leading cast, and the haunting premise, Portraits of Delusion is already considered one of 2026’s most anticipated Korean-language releases.
Editor’s Insight
The sighting of Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho jogging in Hanoi marks a pivotal shift in the production scale of “Portraits of Delusion” (현혹). By moving filming for a 1935 Gyeongseong-set mystery to Vietnam, Director Han Jae-rim is likely utilizing Hanoi’s well-preserved French colonial architecture to stand in for early 20th-century Seoul. This choice establishes a Topical Authority for the project as a “Global Period Noir,” moving beyond the standard backlot sets of South Korea to achieve a more authentic, atmospheric “East-meets-West” aesthetic.
From a strategic marketing perspective, this “accidental” viral footage functions as Organic Teasing. In 2026, fans are increasingly drawn to “behind-the-scenes” realism—seeing two of Hallyu’s biggest stars in athletic gear, sans makeup, humanizes the high-concept horror premise. This contrast between their modern, healthy “jogging duo” image and the dark, psychological madness promised in the script creates a powerful Narrative Tension that keeps the project trending long before a trailer even drops.
As a Disney+ Original, the series is clearly being positioned as the platform’s flagship 2026 title. By pairing Han Jae-rim’s cinematic eye with the “Visual Powerhouse” duo of Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, the production is aiming for a Crossover Hit that appeals to both hardcore horror cinephiles and mainstream romance fans. The Vietnam shoot suggests that Disney+ is sparing no expense to ensure “Portraits of Delusion” has the visual gravity to compete with high-budget Western supernatural thrillers.
Do you think the “Start-Up” nostalgia between these two will help the audience stomach the dark, “insanity-driven” horror, or will it be too jarring to see the “Good Boy” and “Dal-mi” in such a haunting light?