When Disguise Meets Desire: What Makes Love in Disguise Unmissable

 

What happens when a detective disguises herself as a man to investigate a murder suspect—only to find herself caught in an unexpected romance with him? Prime Video’s upcoming series Love in Disguise brings this intriguing premise to life, blending romance, comedy, action and mystery into a captivating story where hidden identities and unexpected attraction blur the line between duty and desire.

At a press conference ahead of its October 19 premiere, director Park Dhan-hee was joined by stars YIM SI WAN, SEORINA, Kim Junghyun, and YEONWOO to share behind-the-scenes insights and introduce a genre-blending romance filled with secrets, laughter and heart-fluttering moments. Based on the hit web novel Why Don’t You Know It’s a Girl?, which has accumulated over 8.15 million views on Kakao Webtoon, Love in Disguise follows Kang Jae-hee (SEORINA), a former special forces officer turned police detective who disguises herself as a man to infiltrate the security team of Yoon Yi-jun (YIM SI WAN), a cold-blooded chaebol heir suspected of murder.

As Jae-hee investigates the case, an unexpected attraction begins to develop, forcing both to confront their fears of betrayal, vulnerability and love itself. With its distinctive characters, playful chemistry and thrilling twists, Love in Disguise promises an entertaining romance that keeps viewers laughing, guessing and falling in love. Here are five reasons to add it to your watchlist:

1. YIM SI WAN Brings Unexpected Depth to a Glamorous Chaebol Heir

Known for his versatile performances in Squid Game, Run On and Strangers from Hell, YIM SI WAN stars as Yoon Yi-jun, a third-generation chaebol heir whose seemingly perfect life is thrown into turmoil when he becomes a murder suspect. Describing Yi-jun as a character who resembles “a feisty cat,” YIM SI WAN shared that he wanted to portray a different kind of chaebol heir. “I focused on understanding his past,” he explained. “He was born into a life where everything he had to do was already decided for him,leaving little room for what he actually wanted. I felt that was why he gradually began to stray from the
path laid out for him.”

YIM SI WAN also revealed that Yi-jun's extravagant fashion plays an important role in reflecting his inner loneliness. “The lonelier someone is, the more extravagantly they tend to dress,” he shared. “I wanted his glamorous appearance to make the emptiness inside him stand out even more.” Having worn more outfits for this series than for any of his previous projects, YIM SI WAN brings a striking visual presence and emotional complexity to a character whose polished exterior conceals a deeply vulnerable heart. 

2. SEORINA Embraces a Bold Transformation as a Detective in Disguise

SEORINA takes on the role of Kang Jae-hee, a fearless former special forces officer turned detective who disguises herself as a man to get closer to Yi-jun and uncover the truth behind a murder case. For the role, SEORINA underwent a striking transformation, cutting her hair short to embody Jae-hee's disguise. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “At first, I felt unfamiliar with my own appearance after cutting my hair. But as I immersed myself in Jae-hee, I stopped seeing the short hair simply as part of a disguise. Instead, I saw it as a reflection of someone completely devoted to her work.”

Rather than focusing solely on masculine mannerisms, SEORINA emphasized the importance of understanding Jae-hee as a person. “I thought about how she should speak and walk, but I didn't want to limit myself to those details. I wanted to focus on who Kang Jae-hee truly is.” YIM SI WAN also praised her convincing transformation, saying, “Just seeing her walk in with her short hair, I already felt like Kang Jae-hee was approaching me.” With her confident presence and commitment to the character, SEORINA brings strength, humor and unexpected charm to this unconventional heroine.


3. YIM SI WAN and SEORINA Turn Disguise into Heart-Fluttering Romance

At the heart of Love in Disguise is the irresistible chemistry between Yi-jun and Jae-hee, whose relationship shifts between bromance and romance. Unaware that his personal bodyguard is actually a woman, Yi-jun finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Jae-hee, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and heart-fluttering moments. SEORINA highlighted their playful chemistry, encouraging viewers to pay attention to how their relationship evolves. YIM SI WAN described their relationship as “purity,” explaining, “A chaebol heir suspected of murder and a detective investigating him — what could be a more nerve-racking combination?” Despite their circumstances, he emphasized that their genuine feelings ultimately bring them together through love. SEORINA, meanwhile, defined their relationship as a journey “from suspicion to trust,” as the two gradually grow closer through unexpected events. She also teased a refreshing twist on traditional romance, with Jae-hee often taking the lead in protecting Yi-jun. Together, YIM SI WAN and SEORINA bring playful yet heartfelt chemistry to this unconventional romance.


4. Kim Junghyun and YEONWOO Bring a Captivating Mature Romance

Beyond the central romance, Love in Disguise introduces a contrasting love story through Kim Junghyun and YEONWOO. Kim Junghyun stars as Kim Si-hyun, a lawyer and Yi-jun’s close friend, while Yeonwoo plays Lee Hye-jung, the chairman’s secretary at Taekang Group. Director Park described their relationship as “a passionate, mature romance,” contrasting it with Yi-jun and Jae-hee’s story of mutual healing. Kim Junghyun highlighted the couple’s realistic appeal, saying,
“While Yi-jun and Jae-hee show a cute, youthful dynamic through their playful bickering, Si-hyun and Hye-jung portray a more realistic relationship that viewers might recognize from everyday life.” YEONWOO added, “Even though they are drawn to each other, neither is easily swayed, and their playful back-and-forth is what makes their relationship so charming.” With their natural chemistry and intriguing push-and-pull dynamic, Kim Junghyun and Yeonwoo bring a more mature and grounded romance to the series.


5. A Genre-Blending Romance Packed with Secrets, Laughter and Heart 

Balancing thrilling mysteries with humor and heartfelt romance, Love in Disguise offers a captivating mix of entertainment and emotional storytelling. Director Park explained, “I spent a lot of time thinking about how to bring together romance, comedy and action. All four characters have unique personalities and secrets of their own. I focused on how they collide, fall in love and heal each other's wounds.” He also highlighted the cast's strong chemistry, developed through numerous script readings over three months.

SEORINA pointed to the shifting distance between Yi-jun and Jae-hee as a key viewing highlight. “Part of the fun is figuring out what their closeness really means,” she shared. “Are they getting closer because of romantic feelings, or because Jae-hee is trying to uncover the truth? Viewers will enjoy seeing how their relationship evolves.” YIM SI WAN summed up the series & ; appeal with a heartfelt message: “I hope this series can offer a little entertainment and healing amid everyone's busy lives. For those who have been working hard every day, I hope watching it feels like giving yourselves a small gift.” With hidden identities, unexpected romance and thrilling twists, Love in Disguise promises a delightful escape filled with laughter and heart.

Love in Disguise premieres October 19 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, exclusively on Prime Video, with new episodes available weekly.