Actor Kim Soo-hyun speaks during a press conference at Stanford Hotel in Mapo District, Seoul, March 31, 2025, addressing a controversy over his private life. Korea Times file
Despite the arrest of YouTuber Kim Se-ui, who allegedly made defamatory claims about actor Kim Soo-hyun, Disney+ said it has no immediate plans to release Kim’s shelved drama “Knock-Off.”
A Disney+ official told Xportsnews on Wednesday that “Knock-Off” remains temporarily postponed and that the company’s position has not changed.
The drama follows a man whose life is completely transformed by the 1997 Asian financial crisis and who goes on to build an empire in the global counterfeit goods market. When the project was announced, it drew attention for its 60 billion won ($40 million) production budget and its cast, led by Kim Soo-hyun.
However, the series’ press event and release plans were canceled after Kim became embroiled early last year in a personal controversy involving the late actor Kim Sae-ron.
The renewed attention came after Kim Se-ui, a YouTuber who was sued for defamation and spreading false information against Kim Soo-hyun, was taken into custody Tuesday. According to a statement released by Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, investigators concluded that the allegations and evidence raised by Kim Se-ui had been manipulated using artificial intelligence.
Public attention has since shifted to whether Kim Soo-hyun will be able to return to the entertainment industry. But decision-makers at Disney+ appear to remain cautious.
Rumors that “Knock-Off” would be released had already surfaced in March. Disney+ drew a line at the time as well, saying there were no updates beyond its existing position.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
