Originally scheduled to air next month, “Knock-Off” is now under internal review due to the rapidly worsening public sentiment.
“Knock-Off” depicts a man’s rise from office worker to counterfeit kingpin after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Kim Soo-hyun plays the lead role.
Industry insiders speculate that Disney+ may postpone or even cancel the release. The controversy erupted after the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute claimed on March 10 that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron for six years starting when she was 15. The next day, a photo of Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek was released, further fueling public outrage. While Kim Soo-hyun’s side has denied the allegations, they have yet to provide concrete evidence. His agency Gold Medalist announced, “We will issue a statement next week to clarify the facts and address the baseless rumors.” The fate of “Knock-Off” will likely be decided around that time.
Production insiders worry that this scandal may make Disney+ more hesitant about investing in Korean dramas. “Knock-Off” was one of the most expensive projects on Disney+’s 2025 slate, with extensive global marketing efforts in place. One insider noted, “They likely saw this as a chance to re-establish their presence in Korea and Asia, especially with Kim Soo-hyun now a global star after ‘Queen of Tears’. This unexpected scandal could cause them to lose that opportunity.” Disney+ has already struggled to compete in Korea, as Netflix secured exclusive long-term deals with major content providers like Studio Dragon and ContentreeJoongAng, leaving Disney+ with fewer options.
Rising production costs also pose a challenge. Once fees for top-tier actors increase, it becomes the industry norm for similar-level stars to demand the same rates. Among streaming platforms, Netflix is the only one with the power to push back against these rising costs, but even they are not immune to actor scandals. The film “The Match” is a prime example. Originally set for a 2023 release, its launch was scrapped after lead actor Yoo Ah-in was investigated for propofol abuse. Netflix eventually abandoned the project, forcing distributor Acemaker Movieworks to sell the rights to BY4M Studio, which will now release it in theaters on March 26, about two years later.
Some argue that Disney+ may have no choice but to release “Knock-Off” despite the controversy. Most contract penalty clauses specify “conviction of a crime”, which does not apply to Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged relationship. Under Korean law, sex with a minor under 16 is considered negligent rape, but before May 2020, the threshold was 13 years old. Since legal judgments are based on the laws in effect at the time of the alleged offense, Kim Soo-hyun is not subject to criminal charges. Even if there is a “public controversy” clause in his contract, the vague wording could lead to legal disputes.
With growing concerns over actor-related risks, many in the industry believe contract penalty clauses should be made clearer. One insider stated, “Each contract has different penalty terms, and some don’t include them at all. With entire projects at risk due to an actor’s personal life, we need clear, standardized guidelines.” Another added, “Even when penalty clauses exist, legal interpretations vary. The industry needs stronger safeguards to minimize risk.“
