Star-Studded Confirmation for Supernatural Romance
In exciting news for K-drama enthusiasts, Park Eun-bin and Yang Se-jong have been officially confirmed to headline CJ ENM's upcoming supernatural romance series 'Spellbound'. The highly anticipated drama is scheduled to make its debut in 2026, marking a fresh reinterpretation of the beloved 2011 romantic comedy film that captured audiences' hearts.
Character Dynamics and Plot Transformation
Park Eun-bin will bring to life the character of Cheon Yeo-ri, a glamorous hotel heiress who carries a terrifying secret—she possesses the ability to see ghosts. Opposite her, Yang Se-jong takes on the role of Ma Gang-wook, a principled and passionate prosecutor whose world of forensic science is about to collide with the supernatural.
This new adaptation presents a significant shift from the original film's premise. While the 2011 movie, which starred Son Ye-jin and Lee Min-ki, followed a street magician, the series transforms the male lead into a legal professional. This change moves the narrative from a pure comedy-focused romance to what producers are calling an "investigative occult romance drama."
The story will see Ma Gang-wook's involvement with Cheon Yeo-ri begin through a criminal investigation, pulling him into her paranormal world. The producers have teased that audiences can expect "thrilling catharsis" as Yeo-ri's psychic abilities intertwine with Gang-wook's scientific methods, blending forensic procedural elements with ghostly encounters.
Legacy of the Original and Industry Trends
The original 'Spellbound' film was a massive commercial success, becoming the seventh highest-grossing Korean film of 2011. According to Yonhap News, it attracted 3 million admissions and earned approximately INR 191 crore (₩22 billion) at the box office. Son Ye-jin's portrayal of the ghost-seeing heroine was particularly celebrated, with the film selling 590,232 tickets during its opening weekend alone and being hailed as the most successful Korean romantic comedy of its time.
This drama adaptation joins a growing trend in the Korean entertainment industry of revisiting successful films for streaming audiences. It follows recent adaptations like the 2024 drama version of 'Miss Granny' and a series remake of the crime thriller 'Fabricated City'. The original 'Spellbound' had already proven its international appeal, inspiring remakes in Vietnam and China.
New Challenges for the Lead Actors
For award-winning actress Park Eun-bin, this role represents several firsts. It marks her initial collaboration with co-star Yang Se-jong and signals her return to genre-blending drama following acclaimed performances in legal series and period pieces. The production team has emphasized that her character, Cheon Yeo-ri, "can see ghosts but is fearless," suggesting a departure from typical horror romance tropes where female leads require male protection.
The series promises to explore the destined connection between the two leads through "a series of encounters that seem coincidental yet fated," potentially creating chemistry that could rival the original film's iconic pairing. With its unique blend of romance, supernatural elements, and investigative drama, 'Spellbound' is poised to become a standout addition to Korea's entertainment landscape when it premieres in 2026.
