With a cast led by Jang Ki Yong, Cha Seung Won, Park Hee Soon, Roh Jeong Eui and Kim Dae Myung, the mystery thriller Pigpen looked like a guaranteed hit from the moment it was announced.
But more than two years after news of the drama first broke, the series still has no confirmed release date — and industry insiders say viewers may not see it until 2027.
Based on the webtoon by Sweet Home creator Carnby, Pigpen follows a man who wakes up on a mysterious deserted island with no memory of who he is. As he becomes trapped among a strange family hiding dark secrets, he’s pulled into a deadly fight for survival.
The project quickly drew attention for its star-studded cast, especially as it marked one of Jang Ki Yong’s major projects following his military discharge. Interest also grew around director Kim Sang Man, often nicknamed a “visual master,” and how he would bring the webtoon’s eerie atmosphere to life onscreen.
Originally expected to film in 2024 and premiere sometime last year, Pigpen has remained in limbo with no confirmed broadcaster or streaming platform attached.
According to recent industry reports, the production team is now reportedly targeting a 2027 release after determining that a 2026 premiere would be difficult.
Several factors are said to be behind the delay. One major issue is the cooling content market, as broadcasters and streaming platforms have become far more cautious about large-scale productions amid the economic slowdown. Even completed high-budget dramas have reportedly struggled to secure distribution deals.
Director Kim’s perfectionism during post-production has also been cited as another reason. Insiders say the team has spent more time than expected refining the drama’s visual details in order to fully capture the unsettling tone of the original webtoon.
Scheduling is reportedly another challenge, with platforms carefully weighing the best timing around the cast’s other projects and overall marketing strategy.
As the wait drags on, fans of both the original webtoon and the cast have continued voicing frustration online. “Does it make sense that this still hasn’t come out with that lineup?” one viewer wrote, while others admitted they were “getting tired of waiting.”
Production company Studio N has reportedly maintained that it would rather take more time than rush the project before it’s fully ready.
>> ‘Dynamite Kiss’ Finale Recap: Did Jang Ki Yong and Ahn Eun Jin Nail the Perfect Happy Ending?
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
Source (1)
