Disney+ Postpones “Knock-Off” Amid Kim Soo-hyun Controversy – What’s Next for the K-Drama?

Introduction 

The highly anticipated Disney+ K-drama Knock-Off has officially been postponed following recent controversy surrounding lead actor Kim Soo-hyun This unexpected delay has sparked industry speculation, with fans and advertisers eagerly awaiting updates.  

But what exactly led to this decision? And what does it mean for the future of Knock-Off and Kim Soo-hyun’s career? Here’s everything you need to know.  

Why Did Disney+ Delay "Knock-Off"?

 

The decision to postpone "Knock-Off" comes amid growing backlash against Kim Soo-hyun, who has been caught in a controversy involving his alleged past relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron.  

Although his agency, Gold Medalist, has strongly denied the allegations, several major brands have already distanced themselves from the actor. Luxury fashion brand Prada and Korean beauty company Dinto have both ended their contracts with Kim, citing public concern.  

Disney+ issued an official statement, saying:  

"After thorough discussions, we have decided to put the release of 'Knock-Off' on hold. Further updates will be provided at a later date."  

 What is "Knock-Off" About?  

Knock-Off is a crime-thriller K-drama set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The story follows Seong-jun (played by Kim Soo-hyun), a man who rises to prominence in the global counterfeit goods market.  

The show was expected to be one of the biggest Korean dramas of 2025, featuring a high-stakes plot, intense action, and a top-tier cast. However, with this controversy, the future of the series remains uncertain.  

Industry & Public Reactions  
Production Sponsors Uncertain 

The postponement has left sponsors and production partners in a difficult position. Anjeonjidae Korea, a street fashion brand that collaborated on the show, expressed disappointment over the situation.  

CEO Park Ki Pyo stated:  

"We regret the disruption caused by the controversy. We will wait for Disney+ to provide further updates before making a final decision on our involvement."

 Fans Divided Over the Postponement 

Reactions from fans have been mixed. While some continue to support Kim Soo-hyun, others are calling for the show’s permanent cancellation. Discussions across platforms like Twitter and Naver show strong opinions on both sides.  

What’s Next for Kim Soo-hyun & “Knock-Off”? 

As of now, Disney+ has not confirmed a new release date for Knock-Off Industry insiders suggest that the platform may either:  

✔ Reschedule the premiere after the controversy settles.  

✔ Recast the lead role to protect the show’s reputation.  

✔ Cancel the show entirely if backlash continues.  

For Kim Soo-hyun, this scandal could have long-term effects on his acting career. The coming months will be crucial in determining his standing in the Korean entertainment industry.  

Final Thoughts

The postponement of Knock-Off highlights how controversies can deeply affect even the **biggest K-dramas and actors. With major brands cutting ties and Disney+ holding back the release, the future of this series hangs in the balance.  

Will Knock-Off ever make it to the screen? And can Kim Soo-hyun recover from this setback? Only time will tell.  

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