The release of "Knock-Off" has been postponed due to actor Kim Soo-hyun's personal life controversy.
On the 21st, a Disney+ official stated to OSEN, "After careful consideration, we have decided to put the release plans for 'Knock-Off' on hold." This decision is a response to the critical public opinion arising from the personal life controversy surrounding the male lead, Kim Soo-hyun.
"Knock-Off" depicts the story of a man whose life is completely turned upside down due to the IMF, as he transforms from an ordinary office worker into a global kingpin in the counterfeit market. Kim Soo-hyun and Jo Bo-ah star as the male and female leads, respectively, and it was predicted that the show would be divided into seasons 1 and 2, similar to "Casino," making it one of Disney+'s anticipated works for this year.
In particular, "Knock-Off" Season 1 was scheduled to be released in April, following the Disney+ original "Hyperknife," which was released on the 19th. Plans for a production presentation and other schedules were also under discussion. However, with the postponement of the show's release, all related schedules have been suspended.
The unprecedented situation of Disney+ halting a flagship project this year is attributed to the personal life controversy of male lead Kim Soo-hyun. Kim Soo-hyun is currently facing allegations of 'grooming' for allegedly continuing a romantic relationship with the late actor Kim Sae-ron during her minor years.
The family of Kim Sae-ron claims through the YouTube channel "Garosero Research Institute" that Kim Soo-hyun has been in a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was in the 3rd year of middle school for over six years. Specifically, they allege that during Kim Sae-ron's lifetime, her former agency, Gold Medalist, which was established by Kim Soo-hyun, pressured Kim Sae-ron by sending a letter of demand for 700 million won in damages, and that Kim Soo-hyun, despite being her ex-boyfriend, remained passive during this.
However, Kim Soo-hyun's side denies all related allegations. They acknowledge that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were indeed in a relationship, but assert that it began in the summer of 2019 when they were both adults, not during her minor years, and continued until the fall of 2020. Additionally, Gold Medalist emphasized that the letter of demand directed at Kim Sae-ron was merely a legal procedure for processing the penalty related to her drunk driving accident and did not involve actual claims or requests for repayment.
Despite Kim Soo-hyun's claims, public perception remains cynical. This is particularly fueled by the fact that last year, Kim Soo-hyun's side denied the dating rumors during the 'self-dating rumor' controversy involving Kim Sae-ron, only for them to later emerge as true. The frequent disclosure of past photos by the "Garosero Research Institute" and Kim Sae-ron's family has drawn strong criticism. Consequently, while Kim Soo-hyun's side continues to reassert the facts and deny these allegations, they face increasing criticism that they are merely perpetuating lies.
Amid the controversy, Disney+ previously noted, "'Knock-Off' continues to film. There have been no significant changes. The schedule for a production presentation has not been finalized," maintaining a cautious stance. However, the release of "Knock-Off" has ultimately been postponed.
Moreover, Disney+ has also been faced with delays in another program starring Kim Soo-hyun, "Good Day." "Good Day," which is airing simultaneously on MBC and Disney+, gained attention for featuring Big Bang's G-Dragon. It was expected that Kim Soo-hyun would appear as a guest, but he has ended up having to cut all his filming segments. This adds to the postponement of the release of "Knock-Off." Until the controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun is resolved, the delays remain uncertain.
In the midst of this, Kim Soo-hyun's side has filed charges against the "Garosero Research Institute" and the family of Kim Sae-ron. Regarding this, Gold Medalist explained, "We have reported Kim Se-hee, the operator of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (hereafter referred to as Gaseyeon), who posted a photo of actor Kim Soo-hyun with his pants down on a live broadcast, and the family of the late Kim Sae-ron who provided that photo to Kim Se-hee, as well as an unidentified individual claiming to be the late Kim Sae-ron's aunt, for violations of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (Distribution of Photograph and Recordings)."
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]