Ji Chang Wook is one of the busiest and most versatile leading actors in Korean entertainment. Over the years, he has starred in a wide range of genres, including action thrillers, historical dramas, and romantic comedies. He is currently starring in the 12-episode Disney+ drama “The Manipulated,” opposite Doh Kyungsoo, better known as D.O. of EXO. The action thriller drama will conclude its run on December 3, 2025.
Fans have nothing to worry about, as he has multiple projects scheduled for next year, including some that have already been completed filming.
As he continues expanding his career, viewers have three major projects to look forward to: the historical Netflix drama Scandal, the fantasy rom-com Human X Gumiho, and the large-scale film Colony.
Scandal
A historical drama with high stakes
Scandal is one of Netflix Korea’s biggest upcoming titles and marks Ji Chang Wook’s return to a historical period setting. The drama also stars Son Ye Jin, best known for Crash Landing on You and the recently released blockbuster film, No Other Choice.
The series is based on the 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal, which itself adapted the French classic Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.
Ji Chang Wook plays Jo Won, a charismatic nobleman who values pleasure above reputation. The story follows a secret deal made between him and Lady Cho (played by Son Ye Jin). Although Lady Cho appears to be the perfect noblewoman, she resents the restrictions society places on her. She convinces Jo Won to seduce an innocent young woman, So Ok, who is set to become her husband’s concubine.
Directed by Jung Ji Woo (Somebody), filming began in March and ended in September. Netflix is expected to release the series in 2026.
Human X Gumiho
A fantasy romantic comedy with Jun Ji Hyun
Ji Chang Wook is set to co-star with legendary actress Jun Ji Hyun in Human X Gumiho, a fantasy rom-com airing on JTBC. This pairing alone has created a major stir. Reportedly, Jun turned down the offer to star in the Korean version of The Americans (starring Lee Byung Hun) for this drama.
The drama is written by Im Meari, known for fantasy romances like Beauty Inside and Doom at Your Service.
Jun Ji Hyun stars as Gu Ja Hong, a top actress who is secretly a 2,000-year-old gumiho (a nine-tailed fox). She can charm people instantly—but for the first time, her powers fail to work on someone.
That someone is Ji Chang Wook’s character, Choi Seok, a shaman and museum director who can see the darker sides of the spirit world. His relaxed personality hides deep intuition.
The drama focuses on how the two become drawn to each other when the gumiho realizes she has no power over him. The drama is expected to air in 2026; however, no release timeline is confirmed.
Colony
A large-scale zombie movie by Yeon Sang Ho
Ji Chang Wook is also preparing to return to film with Colony, a major production planned for a 2026 release. The film is directed by Yeon Sang Ho, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Train to Busan and Peninsula, Hellbound, and Parasyte: The Grey. The production budget is reportedly about 20 billion won (around $14.4 million USD).
The cast includes many talented stars such as Jun Ji Hyun, Koo Kyo Hwan, Shin Hyun Been, and Kim Shin Rok. This is his second project with Jun Ji Hyun and will likely be released before their drama Human X Gumiho. This film marks a return to the big screen for him after Revolver last year and gives him the chance to work within a globally recognized genre.
The story centers on a building that is suddenly sealed off after the outbreak of a deadly, unidentified virus. As the infection spreads, those affected undergo terrifying transformations and put the survivors in a desperate fight for survival.
Jun Ji Hyun will be making her long-awaited return to the big screen, her first film role in a decade since Assassination in 2015. Ji Chang Wook joins her and continues to expand his presence in the action-thriller genre.
Share your thoughts about the upcoming Ji Chang Wook project that you are looking forward to the most.
