Disney+ Korea has once again refused to give a clear update on the delayed K-drama Knockoff, starring Kim Soo-hyun. The streaming platform confirmed its position remains unchanged during the 2025 Disney+ Open House event in Seoul. The drama, postponed indefinitely due to controversy, was missing from the new content lineup.
Choi Yeon-woo, Head of Local Content at Disney+ Korea, stated:
“Our official position is still the same that the release has been postponed after internal review, no separate updates since then.”
When asked about penalties for Kim Soo-hyun, Choi avoided answering, saying:
“It’s difficult to answer.”
Knockoff was set to premiere in early 2025 but faced delays after allegations surfaced about Kim Soo-hyunโs past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Reports claimed their relationship started when she was underage, though Kim Soo-hyunโs agency denies this. Legal battles and brand withdrawals followed, impacting the actorโs career.
The drama, a black comedy about counterfeit trade after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, also stars Jo Bo-ah. She recently spoke cautiously about the project, saying:
“I know you’re really curious. But I’m really careful. My words could hurt someone, so I want to be a little careful with my words. This is a piece that we have prepared for for a long time, working hard together. It is a piece that we put a lot of love into. I think that someday, our efforts will be recognized and we will see good results.”
Disney+ instead highlighted new 2025 shows like Tempest, Made In Korea, and The Manipulated. Knockoffโs absence suggests it may not release soon. Industry experts estimate cancellation penalties for Kim Soo-hyun could range from โฉ10 billion to โฉ100 billion (approx. $7.2 million to $72 million).
Kim Sae-ronโs family continues to push for an apology, while Kim Soo-hyunโs legal team fights defamation claims. The scandal has led to dropped brand deals, including a lawsuit from 7-Eleven Taiwan.
With no resolution in sight, Knockoff remains in limbo. Fans and investors await updates, but Disney+ has stayed silent.
Credits: Sourced from WikiTree, MK.co.kr.