Disney+ scraps ‘Knock-Off’? Kim Soo-hyun’s scandal shakes up the industry

The highly anticipated Disney+ black comedy series Knock-Off has been indefinitely postponed due to the ongoing controversy surrounding its lead actor, Kim Soo-hyun. The series, created by Han Jung-hoon and Park Hyun-seok, was originally set for an international release in April 2025. However, allegations linking Kim to the late actress Kim Sae-ron have led to widespread public outrage, compelling Disney+ to put the project on hold. The decision reflects not only the immediate backlash but also the broader implications for Kim’s career and the South Korean entertainment industry’s stance on scandals involving high-profile celebrities.

What Are the Allegations Against Kim Soo-hyun?

Kim Soo-hyun, one of South Korea’s most well-known actors, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that he was romantically involved with actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. Compounding the controversy, accusations have emerged suggesting that Kim and his agency, Gold Medalist, pressured Kim Sae-ron to repay financial assistance she received following her involvement in a DUI incident in 2022.

Kim Sae-ron, a former child actress, had faced public backlash after being caught driving under the influence, an incident that severely affected her career. Reports indicate that Kim Soo-hyun and his agency allegedly provided financial aid to support her at the time. However, after she struggled with financial difficulties, she reportedly faced pressure to return the money. Tragically, in February 2025, Kim Sae-ron died by suicide, a development that reignited discussions about the pressures faced by celebrities in the entertainment industry.

The allegations against Kim Soo-hyun have sparked intense debate in South Korea, with many calling for accountability. The actor has reportedly gone into hiding, and several of his major brand endorsements have been canceled amid the growing backlash.

How Has Disney+ Responded to the Scandal?

Disney+ has remained cautious in addressing the controversy directly but confirmed that Knock-Off has been postponed. In an official statement to Yonhap News Agency, a Disney representative stated that the company had “decided to postpone the release after careful review.” While the statement does not explicitly reference Kim Soo-hyun’s scandal, it is widely believed that the decision stems from the overwhelming negative attention surrounding the actor.

South Korean entertainment companies and international streaming platforms often take swift action when controversies involving their actors arise, fearing damage to their brand reputation. In this case, Knock-Off was expected to be one of Disney+’s flagship projects for 2025, making the postponement particularly significant.

Online petitions demanding the cancellation of Knock-Off have gained traction, with many social media users arguing that releasing the show under the current circumstances would be inappropriate. The controversy also raises questions about how streaming platforms manage their content when leading actors become embroiled in scandals.

What Is Knock-Off About?

Knock-Off marks the second collaboration between director Park Hyun-seok and writer Han Jung-hoon, following their work on the 2023 historical action series Song of the Bandits. The new series is set in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, a period of economic turmoil that left many South Koreans struggling to rebuild their lives.

Kim Soo-hyun portrays Seong-jun, an ordinary man who stumbles upon a hidden talent for counterfeiting, which propels him into a world of high-stakes crime. The show was expected to blend dark comedy with social commentary, reflecting the desperation and ingenuity of individuals navigating financial hardships.

Given its setting and themes, Knock-Off had been positioned as a bold and engaging narrative, drawing interest from both domestic and international audiences. However, with its lead actor now embroiled in controversy, the future of the series is highly uncertain.

Can Knock-Off Recover From the Scandal?

The fate of Knock-Off remains unclear, with industry experts debating whether Disney+ will move forward with the show after the controversy subsides or opt for a complete cancellation. The series was already in its final stages of production, making a recasting highly impractical.

Historically, South Korea’s entertainment industry has demonstrated both resilience and caution when dealing with scandals involving high-profile actors. Some projects have been shelved indefinitely, while others have managed to recover after a period of public scrutiny.

For Kim Soo-hyun, the allegations represent a significant turning point in his career. Having built a reputation as one of South Korea’s most bankable actors through projects like My Love from the Star and It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, his future now hangs in the balance. If the allegations continue to gain traction, it could be difficult for him to regain public favor.

What This Means for South Korea’s Entertainment Industry

The controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun highlights the growing impact of public perception on South Korea’s entertainment landscape. The country’s entertainment industry has long operated under strict moral expectations for its celebrities, with scandals often leading to contract terminations, financial losses, and even permanent career setbacks.

Streaming platforms like Disney+ must navigate these challenges carefully, balancing financial interests with the expectations of their audience. With Knock-Off now in limbo, other production companies may reconsider their casting choices and implement stricter vetting processes for lead actors.

Additionally, the incident has reignited discussions about mental health and industry pressures in South Korean entertainment, particularly in light of Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing. Many fans and industry observers are calling for better support systems for actors facing public and private struggles.

What Comes Next?

While Disney+ has only postponed Knock-Off for now, there is no clear timeline for its potential release. If public sentiment does not shift in Kim Soo-hyun’s favor, the platform may be forced to make a final decision on the series’ fate.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the case serves as yet another reminder of how fragile celebrity reputations can be in an industry where public image is everything. Whether Kim Soo-hyun can recover from this setback remains uncertain, but for now, Knock-Off joins the growing list of productions affected by scandal-driven delays.