Disney+ has announced an indefinite delay in the release of Kim Soo-hyun’s new drama Knock-Off, citing controversy surrounding the actor. Meanwhile, another high-profile project, Made in Korea, led by Jung Woo-sung, is moving full speed ahead for its upcoming debut. As Disney+ navigates through both anticipation and scandal, questions arise about whether the platform can overcome current hurdles and find international success.
At the recent ‘Disney+ Open House’ held at the Walt Disney Korea headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, key figures such as Choi Yeon-woo, head of local content, and producers from major upcoming titles like Made in Korea and Killers’ Shopping Mall were in attendance. The event showcased Disney+ Korea’s ambition to strengthen its influence both locally and globally.
Disney+ has aggressively built its 2025 lineup to appeal to global audiences. The year began with the release of Trigger starring Kim Hye-soo, followed by popular entries like Hyper Knife and Nine Puzzles. Looking ahead, new dramas featuring major stars—such as Low Life, North Star, and The Murky Stream—are slated for release, aiming to build on Disney+ Korea’s growing momentum. Additionally, the series Allure, with Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, has confirmed its upcoming launch.
Kim Won-guk, the creative behind Made in Korea, emphasized the vital role OTT platforms play in the current drama landscape. He acknowledged that traditional Korean dramas—usually spanning 16 episodes—were once out of reach for his team, but through Disney+’s global platform, these ambitious productions have become possible. He stressed that by focusing on content that excels domestically, creators could also succeed internationally.
Further elaborating on the studio’s vision, Kim discussed his approach to content creation. He aims to develop stories that can evolve into extended universes, either through sequels or spin-offs. Referencing past projects like Spring in Seoul and The Director General of Namsan, he highlighted how a connected narrative world adds depth and continuity, which audiences increasingly value.
Discussing the collaboration between HYBE and Disney+ on Made in Korea, Kim expressed high expectations. With Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung leading a drama backed by a 70 billion won budget, he revealed a rare level of enthusiasm. Confident in its quality and team, he believes the show could significantly influence the future of Korean drama.
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun’s Knock-Off faces an uncertain future. Originally slated for an April release, the drama has been shelved due to controversies linked to Kim’s personal life involving the late Kim Sae-ron. The production, estimated at 60 billion won, is now on hold indefinitely. Rumors suggest Kim could face penalties up to 180 billion won, though insiders hint the actual figure may differ significantly.
Disney+ has remained tight-lipped about Knock-Off’s fate. Choi Yeon-woo reiterated the decision was made after thorough internal review but declined to elaborate on potential financial consequences or comment on Jung Woo-sung’s unrelated personal matters. While Netflix continues to lead the global OTT race, Disney+ insists it’s carving out a unique niche with content grounded in its 100-year storytelling legacy and strengthened by local partnerships.