AI Selected: Song Hye-kyo, Shin Min-a, and Suzy Among the Most Anticipated Works in the Second Half of the Year [★Report ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

• [AI Planning] Movies and OTT Stories Through AI

Netflix and Disney+ are set to continue their global box office success in 2026 by leading with a variety of Korean original series across diverse genres. From romance to thriller, fantasy to historical drama, works spanning a wide range of genres have attracted the attention of overseas viewers beyond domestic audiences, proving the competitiveness of K-content.

Naturally, attention is turning toward new releases in the second half of the year. With top stars coming together, verified popular original works, and highly anticipated productions backed by large budgets set to be unveiled, we take a look at the top five most anticipated Netflix and Disney+ titles for the second half of 2026, as selected by AI, along with the top five most anticipated actors.

◆Netflix 'Slowly, Intensely' (Working Title): Casting Alone Suffices to Explain

AI selected 'Slowly, Intensely' as the most anticipated work. 'Slowly, Intensely' is a story about the growth of individuals who, in the 1960s to 1980s Korean entertainment industry, a time ruled by barbarism and violence, had nothing but dreamed of shining success and threw themselves into it.

The script is written by Noh Hee-kyung, known for 'Our Blues', 'Dear My Friends', 'It's Okay to Love', 'Winter Sonata', and 'The World They Live In', while direction is handled by Lee Yoon-jung, who directed 'Coffee Prince No. 1', 'Cheese in the Trap', and 'Heart to Heart'.

Notably, Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo will share the screen for the first time in 'Slowly, Intensely'. AI highlighted Noh Hee-kyung's new work and the casting of Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo as the biggest factors for anticipation, stating, "Noh Hee-kyung's unique sensibility, which best captures romance and human portraits, is highly likely to resonate with global viewers."

AI also selected Song Hye-kyo as the most anticipated actor, noting, "Song Hye-kyo, who reunites with Noh Hee-kyung after 'The World They Live In' and 'Winter Sonata', is drawing significant attention."

◆Netflix 'Donggung': Potential to Capture Both Popularity and Buzz

'Donggung' tells the story of Gucheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), who has the ability to cross between the world of ghosts (⻤), and palace maid Saenggang (played by Noh Yun-seo), who holds a secret. They answer the king's (played by Jo Seung-woo) summons and uncover the curse residing in Donggung.

The meeting of Nam Joo-hyuk and Noh Yun-seo, who will showcase a different side, along with the addition of trusted actor Jo Seung-woo, heightens anticipation. Additionally, director Choi Jung-kyu, known for his detailed direction in 'The Devil Judge' and 'Red Moon, Blue Sun', and writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, who have built fresh worlds in each of their works including 'Bulgasal' and 'The Guest', have come together.

'Donggung' is Nam Joo-hyuk's next project after his return from military service, a point AI also highlighted. It is expected to stand out from existing historical dramas by featuring a fantasy-mystery genre set in the royal court. With the addition of trusted actor Jo Seung-woo and rising star Noh Yun-seo, AI predicts it will be a work that combines solid acting skills with both popularity and buzz.

AI views Nam Joo-hyuk's return itself as an event, stating, "There is a high possibility that he will open a new golden age through his comeback work."

◆Disney+ 'The Remarried Empress': A Global Hit Web Novel and Webtoon Comes to Life with Lavish Casting

'The Remarried Empress' is a romantic fantasy epic about Navi (played by Shin Min-a), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, who is notified of divorce by Emperor Sobiesh (played by Ju Ji-hoon), who is infatuated with the runaway slave Rasta (played by Lee Se-young). In exchange for accepting the divorce, she demands permission to remarry Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom (played by Lee Jong-suk).

'The Remarried Empress' began serialization as a web novel in 2018 and gained explosive popularity. It was also adapted into a webtoon and translated into 10 languages, building a global fanbase. Now being produced as a Disney+ series, it is once again generating buzz.

The power of the original IP, which has already secured a global fanbase, is also cited as an anticipation factor. AI stated, "It is a work combining a proven story with star casting," and evaluated its box office potential highly.

AI selected Shin Min-a as the most anticipated actor, explaining, "Navi, imagined by many readers, finally becomes a reality."

◆Disney+ 'Enchantment': Suzy and Kim Sun-ho Reunite, Creating Buzz on Their Own

'Enchantment' is a work set in 1935 Gyeongseong, following painter Yoon I-ho, who is commissioned to paint the portrait of the alluring woman Song Jeong-hwa, who has not appeared in public for over half a century, surrounded by suspicion and rumors. As he delves into her mysterious secrets, the story unfolds.

Director Han Jae-rim, known for his original style and message in films such as 'A Wonderful World', 'Masquerade', 'The King', and 'Emergency Declaration', which combine popularity and artistic merit, will direct the series.

The reunion of Suzy and Kim Sun-ho, who last worked together on the drama 'Startup', is drawing significant attention. AI analyzed, "It is a work that can create global buzz simply through its cast combination."

AI expressed anticipation for Suzy's new transformation, stating, "Suzy's new face within the fantasy and mystery genres is expected to deliver a powerful transformation that breaks away from her existing image."

◆Netflix 'Field Mouse': A Dark Horse in the Second Half of the Year

'Field Mouse' is a thriller about reclusive novelist Moon Jae, who regains his life by teaming up with loan shark No Ja, who had been chasing him, to pursue the mysterious 'Field Mouse' who suddenly took everything from him.

The work is based on a Kakao webtoon of the same title, inspired by the folk tale, "If a mouse eats its own nail, it becomes human." Actors Ryu Jun-yeol and Seol Kyeong-gu lead the story.

AI highlighted that "the unique setting of modernly reinterpreting the folk tale 'If a mouse eats its own nail, it becomes human' is the work's greatest strength," and noted its differentiated material. It further pointed out the meeting of trusted actors Seol Kyeong-gu and Ryu Jun-yeol as a strength, predicting, "The combination of the mystery-thriller genre preferred by global viewers and solid acting skills makes it highly likely to attract attention both domestically and internationally."

AI selected Ryu Jun-yeol as the most anticipated actor, stating, "He is an actor who continues to make bold work choices recently. Through acting synergy with Seol Kyeong-gu, he is expected to demonstrate a substantial presence in this work as well."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.