South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has become embroiled in a serious controversy that has deeply affected both his career and public image. Allegations surfaced claiming that he was romantically involved with late actress Kim Sae Ron during her teenage years, an accusation that has stirred widespread backlash across social media and mainstream platforms.
In the wake of the scandal, several major brands that previously featured Kim in promotional campaigns have swiftly cut ties. Reports suggest up to 25 companies—including prestigious names like Prada—have canceled their endorsement contracts. Notably, Prada has since replaced him with a younger Korean-American personality, reflecting a shift in branding priorities in response to public sentiment.
The fallout from these allegations has also disrupted the actor’s latest television project, Knock Off. The drama, co-starring Jo Bo Ah, was set to be a flagship series for Disney+. However, due to the ongoing controversy, production has been suspended indefinitely.
The streaming platform has not confirmed any plans to resume filming.What further raises the stakes is the drama’s massive budget, reportedly around 60 billion Korean won. As one of the most expensive productions in South Korean TV history, the future of Knock Off remains uncertain.
If Disney+ decides to abandon the project altogether, production companies SLL and Arc Media could be facing significant financial damage.Legal risks may also loom for Kim Soo Hyun. If any of the allegations are legally validated, producers could potentially pursue compensation from the actor for losses incurred.
Nevertheless, there’s speculation that if Disney+ backs out, other platforms such as Netflix or Viki might step in to acquire the rights to the series, offering a potential path forward.Adding another layer to the controversy, a YouTube channel known as GaroSero has come under fire for allegedly spreading AI-generated misinformation related to the case.
Authorities are investigating the channel’s CEO for distributing fabricated evidence, which has slightly shifted public opinion in Kim’s favor as doubts over the credibility of the claims arise.According to industry insiders, Knock Off has been quietly removed from Disney+’s 2025 release schedule.
There are now talks about delaying the show until 2026 in hopes that the public climate will be more favorable by then. Earlier marketing signs, such as promotional listings on IMDb, had suggested the company was positioning the series for major success before the controversy erupted.
The plot of Knock Off centers on a young man, played by Kim Soo Hyun, who enters the criminal underworld as a means of survival. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Jo Bo Ah, Kwon Nara, Bang Hyo Rin, Yoo Jae Myung, and Kim Hye Eun, the series was poised to be a major hit. However, with the scandal ongoing, the show’s fate remains in limbo.
