Actor Kim Soo Hyun’s potential return to the screen with the upcoming K-drama Knock-Off is facing significant backlash, one year after the passing of fellow actor Kim Sae Ron. The controversy surrounding the project, initially paused following allegations related to Kim Sae Ron’s death, has resurfaced as Disney+ reportedly prepares to adjust its 2026 release schedule to include the series in the first half of the year. The situation highlights the complexities of navigating public perception and industry responsibilities in the wake of tragedy and allegations.
Knock-Off, a black comedy crime drama, represents a substantial investment for Disney+, with a reported production budget of ₩60.0 billion KRW (approximately $41.7 million USD as of February 28, 2026). The series, starring Kim Soo Hyun and Jo Bo-ah, follows the story of Kim Seong-jun, an office worker who becomes a counterfeit kingpin amid the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Originally slated for an April 2025 release, the project was indefinitely postponed last March following the death of Kim Sae Ron and subsequent allegations that have fueled public anger.
The decision to potentially revive Knock-Off comes as Disney+ reorganizes its 2026 content lineup, according to broadcasting and financial sources. Investor briefings scheduled for early March are expected to provide further details on production and streaming plans. Industry analysts suggest that Kim Soo Hyun’s continued global popularity and the significant financial stake in the series are key factors driving the reconsideration. Entertainment stocks related to the production have reportedly begun to trend upward, reflecting speculation about the drama’s revival.
The Shadow of Controversy
The backlash stems from the circumstances surrounding Kim Sae Ron’s death and the allegations that have circulated since. Whereas details remain sensitive, the controversy has led to widespread calls for accountability and a reckoning within the Korean entertainment industry. Many online are expressing outrage at the prospect of Kim Soo Hyun continuing with the project, viewing it as insensitive and dismissive of the serious allegations that emerged following Kim Sae Ron’s passing.
Social media platforms are flooded with criticism, with the hashtag #CancelKnockOff trending across multiple territories. Users are expressing their disappointment and anger, with some vowing to boycott the series and anyone associated with it. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Ill block everyone i see watching or posting about this pedo’s show. I dont care if you are my mutual, if you support pedos, you are out,” accompanied by a link to a news article about the situation. Another user stated, “Mind you kim saeron was literally exiled from the industry and had to start working a 9 to 5. Men really have it so easy,” referencing the perceived disparity in how male and female actors are treated in similar situations. Further posts express direct condemnation of both Kim Soo Hyun and Disney+, with some users calling for a complete halt to the project.
Ill block everyone i see watching or posting about this pedo’s show.
I dont care if you are my mutual, if you support pedos, you are out https://t.co/fyxS58UriE
— Tee✨ (@ItsMeTee7) February 28, 2026
Mind you kim saeron was literally exiled from the industry and had to start working a 9 to 5. Men really have it so easy https://t.co/nqeYt3LQzX
— aj (@denimtokki) February 28, 2026
STILL A PEDO
Fk him
Fk his show
Fk his supporters
Fk Disney https://t.co/fyxS58UriE— Tee✨ (@ItsMeTee7) February 28, 2026
fck him and everyone supporting this show https://t.co/EHLZFiQAQV
— MB (@marbffr) February 28, 2026
The Future of Knock-Off and Industry Accountability
The situation surrounding Knock-Off raises broader questions about accountability and ethical considerations within the Korean entertainment industry. The case has sparked a renewed debate about the treatment of actors, particularly female actors, and the power dynamics that can contribute to harmful situations. The decision to proceed with the series, despite the ongoing controversy, will likely be closely watched as a test case for how the industry addresses such issues in the future.
Disney+’s decision is also being scrutinized in light of its global audience and the potential impact on its brand reputation. The company faces the challenge of balancing commercial interests with public sentiment and ethical considerations. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how international streaming platforms navigate sensitive issues in the Korean entertainment market.
The series, written by Han Jung-hoon and directed by Park Hyun-seok, centers on a compelling narrative of ambition and survival in the face of economic hardship. Kim Soo Hyun’s portrayal of Kim Seong-jun, a man transformed by circumstance, was initially anticipated to be a major draw for viewers. Although, the current climate casts a long shadow over the project’s prospects.
What’s Next
Disney+ is expected to provide a more definitive update on the release schedule for Knock-Off during investor briefings in early March. These briefings will likely address remaining production details and outline the company’s strategy for navigating the ongoing public backlash. The industry will be watching closely to see how Disney+ responds to the criticism and whether it will proceed with the release as planned. The future of the series, and potentially Kim Soo Hyun’s career trajectory, hangs in the balance.
What are your thoughts on the situation surrounding Knock-Off? Share your opinions in the comments below.
