After Ryu Jun-yeol & Han So-hee's Split, This Shelved Project Returns as a 45B KRW Drama

Once a shelved film project due to a real-life romance scandal and breakup, 'Hypnosis' (English title TBD) is getting a second life—this time as an 8-episode fantasy mystery drama backed by a massive 45 billion KRW investment and set to stream on Disney+.

Originally planned as a movie starring Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee, the project fell apart after the actors went public with their relationship—only to face backlash tied to Ryu’s previous relationship with Hyeri. As public opinion spiraled and the controversy intensified, the couple broke up, and the production quietly faded out.

Now resurrected in drama form, 'Hypnosis' returns with a brand-new cast: Suzy steps into the lead role, joined by Kim Seon-ho, rising star Choi Hyun-wook, and veteran actor Huh Joon-ho. According to multiple industry reports, the production has secured an estimated ₩45 billion in funding, making it one of the biggest K-drama budgets.

Based on a popular webtoon serialized from 2019 to 2020, 'Hypnosis' is a period fantasy thriller revolving around a mysterious vampire woman named Song Jung-hwa (played by Suzy) and an obscure painter Yoon Yi-ho (Kim Seon-ho), who is commissioned to paint her portrait. The closer he gets to completing the work, the deeper he’s drawn into a chilling web of secrets and attraction. The eerie, supernatural atmosphere is further intensified by Jung-hwa’s secret identity as a vampire—but how much of the original setup will carry over remains unknown, as the drama is still in early development.

While no official release date has been announced yet, the unexpected pairing of Suzy and Kim Seon-ho is already generating buzz. After a rocky start and a full reboot, 'Hypnosis' may finally have the chance to cast its spell—this time, on its own terms.

Get the latest on K-pop & K-drama here!