The announcement of the upcoming Netflix drama, Delusional, set for a 2026 release, generated significant fervor among fans, particularly due to the reunion of stars Kim Seon-ho and Bae Suzy. The duo previously worked in the 2020 series Start-Up.
Delusional is reported to be a period drama adapted from the popular webtoon Hongjacga. The series will narrate a gloomy romance set in 1930s Gyeongseong (now Seoul) that continued from the ancient 1800s Shanghai.
The narrative centers on a painter, Yoon Yi-ho, played by Kim Seon-ho. Mysterious things begin to happen when Yoon Yi-ho is hired to paint a picture of Song Jeong-hwa (Bae Suzy), a female vampire. In the process of fulfilling his task, Yi-ho gets entangled in the vampire's numerous secrets and eventually is enamored with her while creating the painting.
The boundaries between his professional judgment and personal emotions blur, leading him to question the very nature of reality. The series promises a gripping exploration of the human psyche. The series is directed by Han Jae-rim, who is known for the Netflix series, The 8 Show.
Fans expressed excitement over the reunion of Kim Seon-ho and Bae Suzy, anticipating the on-screen chemistry they previously exhibited in Start-Up. Discussions abound regarding the potential dynamics between their new characters and the intriguing premise of the series.
Online forums and fan communities were buzzing, and fans hilariously discussed that since the two didn't end up together in Start-Up, their upcoming series should make up for the happy ending long due. One fan wrote:
"Are they compensating me for Start Up?"
"Suzy always keeps reuniting with her ex costars. Hope the whole startup fanwar finally ends now lol," one fan wrote.
"AFTER YEARS HES GETTING HER BACK," another fan wrote.
"Hope this heals my hanjipyeong heart! Startup still traumatic for me," another fan added.
"Only 2026??? I CANT WAIT THAT LONG :((( After start-up, I need to see them with a happy ending quickly," a fan said.
"Are they going to end together this time? I am not losing my time no more!" another fan reacted.
"Will I finally get over my second lead syndrome from Start-up? I'm so excited for this!!!" one other fan added.
Kim Seon-ho and Bae Suzy's previous collaboration in Start-Up and their respective movie hits
In 2020, Kim Seon-ho and Bae Suzy co-starred in the popular drama Start-Up, set in South Korea's dynamic start-up ecosystem. Suzy portrayed Seo Dal-mi, an ambitious young woman aspiring to become Korea's equivalent of Steve Jobs. Kim Seon-ho played Han Ji-pyeong, a successful venture capitalist with a complex past.
The series followed Dal-mi's journey as she navigated the challenges of launching a start-up, with Ji-pyeong serving as her mentor and, unbeknownst to her, a significant figure from her past.
Despite the deep connection and chemistry between Ji-pyeong and Dal-mi, the narrative concluded with Dal-mi entering a romantic relationship with Nam Do-san (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), leaving Ji-pyeong's feelings unreciprocated.
Following Start-Up, Kim Seon-ho made his film debut in The Childe, a 2023 neo-noir action thriller directed by Park Hoon-jung. In the film, Kim portrayed a mysterious assassin known as the "Nobleman," who relentlessly pursues the protagonist, Marco, a boxer of mixed Korean-Filipino heritage.
The narrative unfolds with intense action sequences and psychological depth as Marco uncovers startling truths about his identity.
Kim Seon-ho's portrayal of the enigmatic and chilling "Nobleman" garnered critical acclaim, earning him the Best New Actor award at the 2023 Grand Bell Awards. His performance was lauded for its intensity and departure from his previous roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Additionally, Bae Suzy starred in the 2024 science fiction romantic drama film Wonderland, directed by Kim Tae-yong.
The film explores a virtual reality universe called "Wonderland," where individuals can reunite with simulations of their loved ones. Suzy's character, Jeong-in, uses the technology to communicate with her comatose boyfriend, delving into themes of love, loss, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Wonderland received positive reviews for its thought-provoking narrative and Suzy's compelling performance and also starred Gong Yoo, Park Bo-gum, Tang Wei, Choi Woo-shik, and Jung Yu-mi.
Start-Up and Wonderland are available on Netflix, while The Childe can be watched on Prime Video.