Bae Suzy and Kim Seon Ho's New K-Drama Reportedly Cancels Filming in China

The upcoming Disney+ K-drama starring Bae Suzy and Kim Seon Ho is making adjustments behind the scenes. Originally set to film in China, the production has decided to shoot elsewhere, according to reports from Korean entertainment outlets. The change reportedly comes amid ongoing sensitivities following another Disney+ series that sparked backlash among Chinese viewers.

According to Korean outlet OSEN, the production team of Disney+’s upcoming drama Hyunhok (known as Delusion or Hypnosis in translations) confirmed that they are now reconsidering their filming locations after the cancellation of their China schedule. A representative told the outlet, “We are still reviewing the filming location. Nothing has been confirmed yet. It is difficult to confirm anything regarding the future location.”

OSEN previously reported that the team had originally planned to film in China this month, with Shanghai set to appear as part of the story’s backdrop. However, due to what the outlet described as “local circumstances,” all plans for overseas filming were scrapped. Production will now continue solely in Korea.

Industry sources cited by Koreaboo noted that while filming in China was meant to capture parts of the story set abroad, the shift reflects a cautious move by producers following recent tensions affecting other Disney+ originals. The decision, made shortly before shooting was set to begin, appears to have been taken to avoid potential complications or delays.

Directed by Han Jae Rim—whose previous works include The King, The Face Reader, and Emergency Declaration—the drama follows painter Yoon Yi Ho (played by Kim Seon Ho), who is commissioned to paint a mysterious woman named Song Jung Hwa (played by Bae Suzy) in 1935 Gyeongseong. The K-drama is scheduled for release on Disney+ in 2026.

Speculation has grown that the canceled China shoot may be indirectly linked to the backlash surrounding another Disney+ original series, Tempest.

In Tempest, actress Jun Ji Hyun’s character makes a remark referencing China’s position on conflict in the Korean Peninsula, saying, “Why would China favor war? A nuclear bomb could fall on the border.” The line angered some Chinese viewers, who accused the drama of portraying their country negatively.

The controversy led to boycott calls against Jun Ji Hyun, with some brands reportedly removing her image from Chinese websites. However, her agency later denied the reports, calling the rumors “groundless.”