What happens when a scandal goes further than anyone expected, far enough to stop a major project in its tracks? Disney+ has decided to indefinitely postpone the release date of “Knock-Off,” the Korean drama (K-drama) led by Kim Soo Hyun, as debates around his alleged ties to the late Kim Sae Ron continue to unfold. Now, the drama’s future is unclear. And so is the truth.
Hence, with no new date in sight and no updated statement from the platform, fans are left wondering: how far will this really go? The answer may lie in how entertainment handles risk, and who ultimately pays the price when that risk becomes real.
“Knock Off”: A High-Stakes K-Drama Starring Kim Soo Hyun
Since its very first announcement, we all know how “Knock Off” Korean drama would never be a small project, especially when Disney+ announced Kim Soo Hyun as its main cast.
And so it’s true. With a reported budget of ₩60 billion KRW (around $44 million USD), “Knock Off” Korean drama was meant to be Disney+ Korea’s biggest K-drama to date. Set during the 1997 IMF financial crisis, the story follows an ordinary office worker who rises to become a global counterfeiting kingpin. Kim Soo Hyun, cast in the lead role, was expected to deliver a performance that would anchor the show’s international appeal.
And yet, the production came to a standstill as Kim Soo Hyun’s name became increasingly linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding the late actress Kim Sae Ron. While the drama was nearly finished, the combination of public pressure and unresolved allegations proved too heavy to ignore.
The “Knock-Off” Korean Drama Release Date: Officially Delayed
On April 23, 2025, multiple reports confirmed that both the filming and release date of “Knock-Off” K-drama had been put on hold. A Disney+ representative issued a short response, stating that the platform is “maintaining its position,” referring to the previously announced decision to postpone the show.
There was no additional comment regarding the filming shutdown. Disney+ simply went silent after the initial decision. And the lack of further updates has only added more uncertainty for fans following the situation closely. As of now, there is no confirmed release date for “Knock-Off” K-drama, and no timeline for when production might resume.
“There is no change to the original position. The release is postponed, and no additional statement will be made at this time.”
Disney+ to OSEN.
Why One Actor Can Pause an Entire Project
Here’s the reality: when a lead actor becomes the center of controversy, the fallout goes far beyond their own career.
Kim Soo Hyun’s reported fee of ₩9 billion KRW (approximately $6.5 million USD) accounts for 15% of the entire production budget. With this percentage, he became way more than just a lead actor or a performer. Because for the production team, such massive fees also made Kim Soo Hyun a core financial investment for “Knock Off” Korean drama.
And in an industry where an actor’s image is deeply tied to a drama’s marketing, international licensing, and streaming success, reputation becomes a bigger risk. And this risk grows exponentially when global platforms like Disney+ are involved.
For many production teams, it’s no longer just about waiting out a scandal—it’s about protecting the long-term value of a show that hasn’t even aired yet.
What the Industry Is (and Isn’t) Saying
While Disney+ remains cautious in its public response, the decision to suspend both the “Knock Off” K-drama filming and its release date suggests a complicated internal concern. Reports indicate that the cast and crew had now been officially notified about the filming halt. Not only that, but many were also nearing the final stage of production already.
This comes weeks after Kim Soo Hyun’s emotional press conference on March 31, where he denied all allegations of inappropriate conduct or financial pressure involving Kim Sae Ron. Despite the statement, debates have continued across social media, fueled by anonymous posts, alleged insider testimonies, and content from YouTube-based investigative channels.
His agency, GOLDMEDALIST, has taken a defensive stance, announcing legal action against what they describe as “malicious content and false narratives” circulating online. They’ve committed to working with international legal counsel to address defamation on platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
But the damage may already be done.
What “Knock-Off” Means for K-Drama Risk Culture
Additionally, beyond the release date postponement of the “Knock Off” Korean drama, this case actually raises bigger questions. It now forces the industry to reconsider how it manages risk in an age where public opinion moves faster than legal outcomes.
When one actor is tied so closely to a production’s brand identity, can a show still stand on its own if controversy erupts before it even airs?
And if not, what’s the contingency plan?
For avid fans of Korean drama, it may be a frustrating moment. But for production studios, this should become a wake-up call.
“Knock Off” Korean drama may resume filming and proceed with its release date someday. But for now, it stands as a clear sign of just how fragile even the biggest K-drama productions can become when scandal and storytelling collide.
Paused Release Date of “Knock Off”: A Massive Wake-Up Call for K-drama Industry
Finally, no one knows if “Knock Off” Korean drama will eventually make it to its release date in the future. Or, if this massive production will just quietly fade away like many projects caught in controversy. However, we now understand that what’s happening now says a lot about where the industry is headed.
There’s less room for hesitation. Less protection for even the biggest stars. And more weight is placed on how public perception moves, even before the truth is fully known.
Kim Soo Hyun “Knock Off” K-drama isn’t just a paused project anymore. This series is now a turning point—a moment that shows how fast the rules are changing in Korean entertainment.
Don’t you think so too? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates. You can also join our exclusive membership. You might be able to join our upcoming exclusive community events and win exciting prizes!
