Kim Soo Hyun’s upcoming Disney+ series Knock-Off has been paused indefinitely due to a dating scandal involving the actor and the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The production team has notified cast and crew of the filming halt, while Disney+ remains silent on the drama’s future.
Knock-Off, a black comedy crime drama, was set to premiere in April 2025. It stars Kim Soo Hyun as a man who rises to become a counterfeit goods kingpin after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The series, also featuring Jo Bo Ah, had completed filming for its first season and was preparing for a second. However, allegations about Kim Soo Hyun’s past relationship with Kim Sae Ron have led to significant backlash, prompting Disney+ to postpone the release and now halt production entirely.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began in March 2025 when a YouTube channel, Garo Sero Institute, alleged that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. Kim Sae Ron, who passed away on February 16, 2025, at age 24, was reportedly 15 when the alleged relationship began, while Kim Soo Hyun was 27. Her family supported these claims, stating the relationship lasted six years.
Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, denied the allegations, asserting that the relationship started in 2019 when Kim Sae Ron was an adult. The agency filed a 12 billion KRW (approximately $8.4 million USD) lawsuit against Garo Sero Institute and Kim Sae Ron’s family for defamation and spreading false information.
Public reaction has been intense. A petition named the “Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act” gained 50,000 signatures, calling for raising South Korea’s age of consent to 19. Social media platforms, including X, have seen demands for Kim Soo Hyun’s removal from Knock-Off, with some netizens threatening to boycott the series.
“If they can chop her scenes, we want a new male lead too.” “Disney+, we’re boycotting Kim Soo Hyun. Cancel Knock Off or expect a MAJOR backlash.” — Netizens on social media, expressing outrage over the controversy
On April 23, 2025, industry insiders reported that the Knock-Off production team informed cast and crew of an indefinite filming suspension. The drama, with a budget of 60 billion KRW (about $41.6 million USD), was in its final stages of production. Kim Soo Hyun reportedly earned 5 billion KRW (approximately $3.46 million USD) for the eight-episode first season.
Disney+ initially stated on March 21, 2025, that the release was postponed “after careful consideration.” However, the platform has not confirmed the filming halt, only reiterating that the series is “on hold.” The production team, through OSEN, stated, “Nothing has changed other than the existing official position,” avoiding direct comment on the suspension.
“After careful deliberation, we have decided to postpone the release of Knock Off.” — Disney+ representative, March 21, 2025
The halt has raised concerns about financial penalties for Kim Soo Hyun. Industry standards suggest actors involved in controversies may be liable for 20-30% of production costs if they breach contracts. For Knock-Off, this could mean penalties ranging from 12 to 18 billion KRW ($8.4 to $12.6 million USD). Some reports speculate penalties could reach 100 billion KRW ($75 million USD) if the series is canceled, though the exact amount remains unconfirmed.
Impact on Kim Soo Hyun’s Career
The scandal has significantly damaged Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation. Known for hits like My Love from the Star, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, and Queen of Tears, he was South Korea’s highest-paid actor in 2024. However, the controversy has led to severed ties with major brands, including Prada, Jo Malone, Dinto, and CUCKOO. A Taiwan fan meeting organized by Seven-Eleven at the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival is also cancelled, with potential penalties for the actor.
GOLDMEDALIST has taken aggressive legal action. On April 15, 2025, the agency announced lawsuits against those spreading “malicious posts, comments, and false information” on platforms like YouTube and X. Kim Soo Hyun held an emotional press conference on March 31, 2025, denying the allegations, but it failed to quell public criticism, further fueling the controversy.
Knock-Off’s Story and Cast
Knock-Off follows Kim Sung Joon, played by Kim Soo Hyun, an office worker who loses his job during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He enters the counterfeit goods market, becoming a global kingpin. Jo Bo Ah stars as Song Hye Jung, a special judicial officer and Kim Sung Joon’s ex-girlfriend, tasked with stopping counterfeit operations. The series, directed by Park Hyun Suk and written by Han Jung Hoon, also features Yoo Jae Myung, Kim Eui Sung, Bang Hyo Rin, and Kwon Nara.
The drama was marketed as a gritty black comedy, drawing comparisons to Disney+’s Casino. Its multi-season structure and high budget underscored Disney+’s confidence in the project before the controversy erupted.
Public and Industry Response
The public backlash has been relentless. Netizens have flooded Disney+ with complaint emails, demanding clarity on Knock-Off’s status. A widely viewed post, with nearly 90,000 views, shared Disney+’s response: “Knock Off is not on the current release schedule.” Many interpreted this as a reaction to Kim Soo Hyun’s press conference, speculating that a penalty lawsuit may follow.
“No matter how many complaint emails were sent to Disney+, the only response received was ‘No public schedule.’ I guess Disney didn’t like Kim Soo Hyun’s press conference, considering people started getting responses.” — Original poster on a Korean online community
Sponsors, such as Safety Zone Korea, have expressed concerns. CEO Park Ki Pyo stated, “We collaborated with Knock Off for its youthful energy and innovative branding. This unforeseen scandal is regrettable. We will determine our stance after Disney’s decision.”
The controversy has also affected other projects. MBC’s variety show Good Day, featuring Kim Soo Hyun, was edited to remove his footage and later announced a temporary hiatus. Meanwhile, Jo Bo Ah, who married her non-celebrity boyfriend in October 2024, may see her Netflix series Tangum become her next release if Knock-Off remains delayed.
Despite Knock-Off’s challenges, Disney+ Korea is moving forward with its 2025 lineup. Upcoming titles include Nine Puzzle with Kim Da Mi and Son Seok Ku, Fine: Country Bumpkins starring Ryu Seung Ryong and Im Soo Jung, Polaris featuring Kang Dong Won, Jeon Ji Hyun, and John Cho, The Murky Stream with Rowoon and Shin Ye Eun, The Manipulated starring Ji Chang Wook and Do Kyung Soo, and Made in Korea with Hyun Bin and Jung Woo Sung. This robust slate suggests Disney+ is shifting focus to mitigate the impact of Knock-Off’s uncertainty.
Current Status
As of April 23, 2025, Knock-Off remains in limbo, with no confirmed timeline for resuming filming or release. Disney+’s refusal to elaborate has left fans and industry observers uncertain about the drama’s future. Kim Soo Hyun continues to face legal battles and public scrutiny, with his agency vowing to address misinformation. The situation remains fluid, with potential financial and professional consequences for the actor and the series.
