It has been a full year since the tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron, and the controversy surrounding her alleged relationship with top star Kim Soo-hyun has never really gone away. Now, the industry is bracing for a major moment. Disney+ is reportedly planning to release Kim Soo-hyun‘s long-stalled drama Knock-Off in the first half of 2026. The news has split the internet right down the middle. On one side, fans are celebrating the return of the “Queen of Tears” star to their screens. On the other side, a loud and angry group of netizens is swearing they will never watch it, using phrases like “We won’t be watching” and calling for a boycott. The divide is deep, emotional, and shows no signs of healing.
The $41.7 Million Project That Got Frozen
Knock-Off is not just any drama. It is a massive, high-budget production. Reports say the series cost around 60 billion won (approximately $41.7 million) to make . The story is set during the IMF financial crisis in South Korea. It follows a regular man who loses everything and then slowly rises to become a powerful figure in the world of counterfeit goods. It is a dark, ambitious project that was supposed to showcase a different side of Kim Soo-hyun.
But everything stopped in March last year. Right after the allegations about his past with Kim Sae-ron exploded online, Disney+ made a quick decision. They pulled the plug on the release schedule and put Knock-Off on an indefinite hold . For an entire year, the project sat on a shelf. No one knew if it would ever see the light of day. The cast and crew were left in limbo. Now, according to multiple Korean media outlets and investor briefings, Disney+ is ready to move forward. They are restructuring their 2026 content lineup, and Knock-Off is reportedly being reconsidered for a release in the first half of the year .
Why the Internet Is Saying ‘We Won’t Be Watching‘
As soon as the comeback news spread across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Korean forums, the backlash was immediate and fierce. Many people have not forgotten the allegations. They feel that bringing Kim Soo-hyun back to the screen right now is disrespectful to the memory of Kim Sae-ron.
The core of the anger comes from the accusations made by the YouTube channel Hoverlab (also known as Garo Sero Institute) and Kim Sae-ron‘s family. They claimed that Kim Soo-hyun dated the actress for six years, starting when she was just a 15-year-old minor . Kim Soo-hyun was 27 at the time the alleged relationship began. An unpublished statement attributed to Kim Sae-ron also surfaced online, where she reportedly wrote that they dated from November 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021 .
Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Goldmedalist, have denied these claims completely. At a tearful press conference in March last year, the actor admitted they dated but insisted it was only for a year, and it happened after Kim Sae-ron became an adult in 2019 . Still, for many netizens, the damage was done.
One user on X expressed their frustration by saying, “Can everyone boycott this please F**k Kim Soo Hyun” . Another comment read, “No me importa cuánto se invirtió. Esto es muy irresponsable, y no permitiremos la reintegración de esta persona sin moral en la industria cuando debería estar en la cárcel,” which translates to “I don‘t care how much was invested. This is very irresponsible, and we will not allow the reintegration of this immoral person into the industry when he should be in jail” .
The anger is not just about the past relationship. It is also about the timing. Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16, 2025, which happened to be Kim Soo-hyun‘s birthday . Critics point out that he did not attend her funeral, which made the situation even more painful for her family and fans . These raw emotions are now fueling the boycott calls against Knock-Off.
The Loyal Fans Welcoming Their ‘King’ Back
However, the narrative is not one-sided. Kim Soo-hyun has been a top actor for over a decade. He has a massive global fanbase that has stuck by him through this difficult year. For these fans, the accusations are just that—accusations without solid, court-approved proof.
When the news of the Knock-Off release broke, his supporters flooded social media with messages of excitement and relief. They believe he was wrongly accused and that the evidence presented by the YouTube channel was edited or fabricated. Legal representatives for Kim Soo-hyun have pointed out that the National Forensic Service analyzed an audio file submitted as evidence and concluded that because it was edited, they could not determine if it had been technically altered .
Fans are celebrating what they see as justice finally prevailing. Comments like “Finally. El rey de los kdramas ha vuelto. #kimsoohyun” (Finally. The king of K-dramas is back) and “La superestrella más grande en la historia de Corea, el Señor kim soo hyun ha vuelto” (The biggest superstar in Korea’s history, Mr. Kim Soo-hyun is back) are common among the posts cheering the announcement .
They argue that an actor’s career should not be destroyed by unverified rumors. They point to the fact that Kim Soo-hyun has filed multiple criminal complaints and a 12 billion won ($8.3 million) damages suit against Hoverlab and others for defamation . For these fans, his return in Knock-Off is a long-overdue correction.
The Legal Fight Is Still Not Over
One major reason why this comeback is so controversial is that the legal situation is still unresolved. The dispute has turned into a complex web of suits and countersuits involving the actor, the bereaved family, and the YouTube channel operator .
Police investigations are reportedly in their final stages. Commissioner Park Jeong-ho of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency mentioned in late January that the inquiry was nearing its end and a conclusion was expected soon . But until a final verdict is reached in court, the “he said, she said” battle will continue to rage online.
Some netizens feel that Disney+ is moving too fast. They believe the streaming giant is prioritizing money over morality. With such a huge investment on the line, letting Knock-Off sit on a shelf forever would mean writing off a loss of over $40 million . For Disney+, releasing the drama might be a financial necessity rather than a statement of support for the actor.
What ‘Knock-Off‘ Is Really About
For those who are curious about the show itself, Knock-Off is based on a unique and gritty premise. It explores the world of counterfeit luxury goods, a massive underground economy. Kim Soo-hyun plays a man who falls from grace during the financial crisis and finds a new, dangerous path in life.
The series is directed by Park Hyun-seok, known for his work on crime thrillers. It also stars a strong supporting cast, including actress Cho Bo-ah. The show was originally planned for a 2025 release but is now expected to drop on Disney+ globally. If the reports are confirmed at the Disney+ investor briefing scheduled for early March, viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and worldwide will finally get to see it on the platform .
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This situation raises a bigger question for the entertainment industry. Once an actor is accused of something as serious as grooming a minor, can they ever fully come back? Kim Soo-hyun‘s case is unique because the evidence is heavily disputed. Both sides claim the other is lying.
Last year, brands quickly distanced themselves from the star. Advertisements were hidden, and endorsements were paused . Now, with the potential release of Knock-Off, the tide might be turning. But the internet divided over Kim Soo-hyun‘s K-drama comeback shows that public opinion is not easily swayed.
For every fan ready to hit the play button, there is another person ready to type “We won’t be watching.” This split screen reflects the uncomfortable reality of the post-#MeToo era in K-dramas. Audiences are no longer willing to separate art from the artist, especially when the allegations involve a minor and end in tragedy.
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