The highly anticipated Disney+ drama The illusionstarring Suzy and Kim Seon Ho, reportedly canceled scheduled filming in China, a move that is raising eyebrows in the industry.
Originally, the series planned to film portions of the show in Shanghai, China in early to mid-October. However, industry insiders confirmed on October 15 that the production team has now completely shifted focus to South Korea’s domestic filming sites, abandoning all plans to film in China.
While the production company claims that the decision was driven by “production conditions and shooting environment,” the cancellation is speculated to be linked to the recent controversy surrounding Jun Ji Hyun and the Disney+ drama Polar.
In PolarJun’s character makes a politically charged remark:
“Why is China in favor of war? A nuclear bomb could fall near the border.”
This fictional joke drew intense criticism from Chinese netizens, who accused the show of spreading distorted views of China.
The backlash has intensified online, leading to calls for a boycott of Jun Ji Hyun, with some reports that deals with his brand in China, including cosmetics and watches, would be cancelled. However, his agency strongly denied the rumors, calling them “completely unfounded.“
Regarding the discarded footage in China, a representative of The illusion duty the osen,
“It is true that China was a candidate for that position. But location decisions are flexible and based on production conditions – nothing is final.“
Suzy and Kim Seon Ho are currently focusing on home filming. The team is also reportedly exploring alternative locations overseas, including Vietnam.
Directed by Han Jae Rim (The face reader, The King, Declaration of emergency), The illusion is a mystery set in 1935 in Gyeongseong (Seoul in colonial times). The story follows Song Jeong Hwa (played by Suzy), a mysterious woman whose portrait is painted by artist Yoon Yi Ho (played by Kim Seon Ho). As he delves deeper into his puzzle, secrets begin to reveal themselves.
The series is scheduled for release on Disney+ in 2026.
Sources: Nate News
