The future of Kim Soo Hyun’s highly anticipated Disney+ series Knock Off hangs in the balance after production was indefinitely suspended on April 23, 2025, amid explosive allegations linking the actor to late actress Kim Sae Ron during her teenage years. The scandal has triggered a chain reaction, including sponsor withdrawals, legal battles, and potential financial penalties exceeding 100 billion KRW ($75 million USD)—marking one of the most severe crises in K-drama history .
Production Halts Amid Growing Backlash
Disney+ officially paused filming for Knock Off after weeks of internal deliberations, notifying cast and crew that the project would not resume “in the near future” . The decision followed mounting public outrage over claims that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was 15 years old, while he was 27. The late actress, known for The Man from Nowhere, died by suicide in February 2025, intensifying scrutiny of their alleged relationship .
The series, which had completed 80% of its 18-episode shoot, was initially slated for a mid-2025 release. However, Disney+ postponed its premiere indefinitely, stating the need for “careful deliberation” . A spokesperson later clarified that “the release schedule has not been confirmed”, leaving the door open for cancellation .
Financial Fallout and Legal Battles
The scandal’s financial repercussions are staggering:
Production Losses: ARC Media, the show’s producer, may demand 18 billion KRW ($13 million USD) in damages—triple the series’ budget—due to delays caused by the controversy .
Actor Penalties: Kim Soo Hyun’s contract includes clauses tied to personal conduct, potentially exposing him to 20–100 billion KRW ($15–75 million USD) in penalties if the project is axed .
Sponsor Exodus: Major brands like Prada, Eider, and Safety Zone Korea terminated partnerships, with the latter calling the scandal “deeply regrettable” .
Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, GoldMedalist, has aggressively countered the allegations, filing a 12 billion KRW ($8.4 million USD) defamation lawsuit against the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, which first published the claims . The actor also denied the accusations during an emotional press conference, insisting his relationship with Kim Sae Ron began in 2019, when she was 19 (Korea’s legal adult age), and ended in 2020 .
Public and Industry Reactions
The backlash has extended beyond Knock Off:
Kim Soo Hyun was edited out of the reality show Good Day .
Netizens resurfaced past interviews where he joked about marrying a 21-year-old at 41, fueling further criticism .
Disney+ is shifting focus to other 2025 K-dramas like Nine Puzzle and Polaris, signaling dwindling confidence in Knock Off’s revival .
The Show’s Uncertain Future
Knock Off, a crime thriller set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, was poised to be Kim Soo Hyun’s comeback after Queen of Tears. While insiders suggest it may not be scrapped entirely, its fate now hinges on the resolution of the legal and PR crisis .
