The release of Disney+ Korea’s upcoming drama Knock Off, featuring renowned actor Kim Soo Hyun, has been postponed indefinitely. This decision comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding actress Kim Sae Ron, who was linked to Kim Soo Hyun in a dating scandal. The drama, which was initially scheduled for an April 2025 premiere, has now been pulled from Disney+ Korea’s release calendar for the year, leaving fans uncertain about its future.
The controversy has significantly impacted Kim Soo Hyun’s career. Several prominent brands, including Prada, severed ties with the actor following the scandal. Despite fans showing strong support for him due to the lack of concrete evidence against him, the backlash has led to a delay in his professional commitments, including the anticipated drama Knock Off.
Disney+ Korea recently issued an official statement addressing the delay. Choi Yeon Woo, the Head of Local Content at Disney Korea, confirmed that the company is still internally reviewing the situation. As of now, no new release date has been confirmed, and the company has not made any definitive decisions about when the show will air.
Choi Yeon emphasized that since the initial decision to delay the release, no further developments have occurred. The company is carefully considering all factors before moving forward. This cautious approach reflects the sensitivity surrounding the controversy and its potential impact on the show’s reception.
Knock Off is a high-budget production and includes a strong supporting cast featuring Jo Bo Ah, Kwon Nara, Bang Hyo Rin, Yoo Jae Myung, and Kim Hye Eun. The story follows a man’s transformation from an ordinary office worker to a counterfeit kingpin in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The show’s intriguing premise and star-studded cast had created high expectations prior to the controversy.
Although there is no confirmed release date yet, it has been made clear that Knock Off will not debut in 2025. Fans may now have to wait until 2026 to stream the series, depending on how the situation unfolds. Disney+ Korea’s decision reflects both the weight of public scrutiny and the need to manage reputational risks carefully in high-profile entertainment projects.
