Disney+ has sparked heated debate by releasing new images of Kim Soo-hyun from its drama Knock Off, which is currently on hold due to the actor’s ongoing controversy. The move has left fans and netizens divided, with many questioning the timing and decision to promote the project.
The release of new stills from Knock Off has ignited a firestorm of reactions online. Disney+ shared the images on May 2, 2025, despite the drama’s indefinite postponement due to allegations surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The photos, showcasing Kim Soo-hyun in a sleek, stylish look, quickly spread across platforms like Instiz, where they were posted under the title “Disney Unveils New Visuals of Kim Soo-hyun from Knock Off.” While some praised the actor’s visuals, the timing of the release drew sharp criticism.
Knock Off, a black comedy crime drama, follows Kim Sung-joon, played by Kim Soo-hyun, an office worker who rises to power in the counterfeit goods market after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The 18-episode series, co-starring Jo Bo-ah, was set to be a major Disney+ release with a massive ₩60 billion KRW (about $42 million USD) budget. Kim Soo-hyun was reportedly paid ₩9 billion KRW (around $6.29 million USD) for his role. Directed by Park Hyun-seok and written by Han Jung-hoon, the drama was initially slated for an April 2025 release but was delayed after the controversy broke in March 2025.
The allegations claim Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was underage, a charge that surfaced after Kim Sae-ron’s death in February 2025. The accusations, first shared by a YouTube channel linked to her family, have led to intense public scrutiny. Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, GOLDMEDALIST, have denied the claims, calling them baseless and pursuing legal action against those spreading false information. The actor has also faced financial repercussions, including lawsuits from advertisers seeking damages totaling billions of KRW for breach of contract.
Kim Soo-hyun; IMAGE: Disney+
Public Reaction to the New Stills
The release of the stills has fueled polarized reactions. On Instiz, netizens expressed shock and disbelief at Disney+’s decision to promote Knock Off amid the unresolved scandal. Many criticized the platform for appearing to ignore the gravity of the situation.
Wow Are they crazy? Huh..? What? They’re just going ahead with it without any penalty..? Have they lost their minds?? Wow, they’re actually going through with it? ?????? LOL Disney? LOL they’ve gone nuts
Some netizens questioned whether Disney+ was testing public sentiment or planning to resume production despite the controversy. Others speculated that the release might indicate confidence in Kim Soo-hyun’s ability to weather the storm, given his enduring popularity.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Popularity Holds Strong
Despite the backlash, Kim Soo-hyun received a boost from a recent popularity poll. On May 1, 2025, Top Star News announced that he topped their monthly male actor popularity ranking with 2,242,170 votes out of 5,519,310 total votes. This result stunned international fans, as it highlighted Kim Soo-hyun’s strong domestic support base. His fanbase, particularly in China, has also rallied behind him, with over 1 million members of KSHBar launching a “truth will prevail” campaign using LED trucks to show support.
However, the controversy has taken a toll. Knock Off’s production was halted on April 23, 2025, with ARC Media, the show’s studio, notifying cast and crew of the indefinite suspension. Industry insiders estimate that a cancellation could result in penalties for Kim Soo-hyun and GOLDMEDALIST, with figures ranging from ₩18 billion to ₩180 billion KRW (approximately $13 million to $126 million USD). Additionally, Kim Soo-hyun faces multiple lawsuits from advertisers, including a recent ₩2.8 billion KRW (about $2 million USD) claim filed on May 1, 2025, for breach of contract.
Disney+’s Stance
Disney+ has remained cautious in its official statements. When asked about the filming halt, a representative reiterated that the platform was “holding off on the release” and that “nothing has changed” regarding the production status. This ambiguity has fueled speculation about whether Knock Off will resume or face cancellation. The drama’s postponement has also affected co-star Jo Bo-ah, whose role was highly anticipated following her recent marriage.
The controversy has broader implications for Kim Soo-hyun’s career. Luxury brands like Prada have severed ties with him, and he was dropped from the variety show Good Day, with his scenes edited out. His agency has taken aggressive legal action, filing complaints against YouTubers and netizens for defamation, including a ₩12 billion KRW (about $8.41 million USD) lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the Garo Sero Research Institute.
Fan Backlash and Ethical Concerns
The situation has also sparked controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun’s fans. Some members of his fan union, Kim Soo Hyun Korea & Global Fan Alliance, faced backlash for making disrespectful comments about Kim Sae-ron and her family. Posts on Kim Soo-hyun’s fan gallery mocked the price of Kim Sae-ron’s urn and revived unverified rumors about her personal life, including claims of drug use and a DUI accident.
She didn’t even have money to pay her debts, but went for something expensive. Her family is trying to profit off their dead daughter.
Netizens condemned these remarks as hypocritical, noting that the fan union was pursuing legal action against defamation while some members slandered the late actress. The backlash highlighted the ethical tensions surrounding the controversy, with many urging respect for Kim Sae-ron’s memory.
Legal Developments and Financial Stakes
The legal battles surrounding Kim Soo-hyun continue to escalate. On April 29, 2025, two advertising companies sued him for ₩3 billion KRW (about $2.1 million USD) in damages, followed by a third company considering similar action. A legal expert recently stated that Kim Soo-hyun is unlikely to pay a rumored ₩5.8 billion KRW advertising penalty, as the claims lack sufficient evidence. Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron’s attorney, Boo Ji Seok, faces a whistleblower complaint for alleged misconduct, including false statements about Kim Soo-hyun.
The financial stakes are high. Knock Off’s massive budget and Kim Soo-hyun’s hefty fee mean that a cancellation could have significant repercussions for Disney+, ARC Media, and the actor. The drama’s completed portions remain shelved, with no confirmed release date.
As of May 3, 2025, Knock Off remains in limbo. Disney+’s decision to release new stills has kept the drama in the spotlight, but it has also intensified scrutiny. Fans of Kim Soo-hyun continue to support him, citing his consistent denials and legal efforts to clear his name. However, the public’s divided sentiment and ongoing legal disputes suggest that the drama’s future hinges on the resolution of Kim Soo-hyun’s controversy.
