Disney+ Korea has made the significant decision to delay the release of its original series Knock-Off, prompted by a rising scandal involving lead actor Kim Soo-hyun. On March 21, 2025, a spokesperson for the streaming service confirmed this development with the South Korean news agency Yonhap, clarifying,
“After careful consideration, we have paused plans to release ‘Knock-Off,'”
The series, which was highly anticipated to debut in April 2025, is now subjected to uncertainty amid serious allegations against Kim Soo-hyun. The situation escalated so much that retailers have started withdrawing advertisements featuring the actor, with increasing public demand for his removal and potential contract sanctions.
Drama in the Works: The Future of Knock-Off in Jeopardy
Directed by Park Hyun-sok and scripted by Han Jung-hoon, the team also known for their work on Netflix’s Song of the Bandits (2023), Knock-Off explores the underbelly of counterfeiting during the tumultuous period of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The plot revolves around Sung-jun, a typical office worker portrayed by Kim Soo-hyun, who amidst economic turmoil is forced to adapt and survive in the illicit world of counterfeit production. His evolution from a downtrodden individual to the vice chairman of a powerful counterfeiting empire intertwines thrillingly with the stakes of the narrative.
Joining the cast is Jo Bo-ah, known for her role in Tale of the Nine Tailed, who plays Hye-jung, Sung-jun’s past love and a police officer on a mission to dismantle the very operation he has built. Their paths cross amid an intense plot that fuses personal history with the desperate fight for justice in a corrupt landscape.
The production was poised to represent a major investment for Disney+ as it aimed to strengthen its presence in the South Korean market, particularly banking on Kim Soo-hyun’s global appeal following his success in Queen of Tears. However, the ongoing scandal raises critical questions about the platform’s future investment strategies in local content.
Exploring the Controversy Surrounding Kim Soo-hyun
The controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun has intensified, especially after the tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron on February 16, 2025. Reports have surfaced detailing a complex web of allegations stemming from their personal relationship, described as having begun when Kim was 27 and Kim Sae-ron was just 15, as shared by her family on the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute on March 10.
Moreover, claims emerged regarding financial disputes following Sae-ron’s DUI incident in 2022, with allegations that Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, initially covered 700 million KRW in damages before seeking reimbursement through legal means. Her family has stated that these pressures contributed to Kim Sae-ron’s emotional distress leading up to her death.
To further complicate matters, Garo Sero Institute publicized images purportedly depicting Kim Soo-hyun in sensitive situations with Kim Sae-ron. This revelation has incited discussions and accusations of improper conduct within online communities.
In a statement, Gold Medalist confirmed that the two were in a relationship but refuted claims that it commenced while she was underage, asserting that it began in 2019 after Kim Sae-ron had turned 18.
On March 17, Sae-ron’s family initiated a defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber who disputed claims surrounding her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, demanding an apology and alleging reputational harm. In a counter-move, Gold Medalist denounced the Garo Sero Institute, filing legal complaints for supposed privacy violations stemming from the release of sensitive content.
Adding to the unfolding drama, MBC has canceled the broadcast of episode six of G-Dragon’s show Good Day, which featured Kim Soo-hyun, and luxury brand Prada has severed its partnership with the actor amidst the growing backlash.