Disney+ has sparked heated debate by releasing new promotional stills of actor Kim Soo-hyun from the drama Knock Off, a project that has reportedly been delayed due to the actor’s ongoing controversy. The timing of the release has intensified criticism, as the drama had previously been placed on hold while public attention focused on Kim’s personal issues.
The fresh visuals, which circulated widely across platforms such as Instiz, show Kim Soo-hyun in a striking and stylish light. While the high-quality images caught attention for their aesthetic appeal, many online users voiced frustration, questioning the decision to push promotional content while the actor remains under scrutiny.
Public reactions were sharply divided. Numerous netizens expressed disbelief and outrage, criticizing Disney+ for seemingly disregarding the controversy. Comments ranged from confusion to accusations that the platform was ignoring the potential consequences of associating with a figure currently embroiled in scandal.
Amid this backlash, Kim Soo-hyun received an unexpected boost in public support. He emerged as the top male actor in Top Star News’s monthly popularity poll, earning over 2.2 million votes. This surprising result revealed that despite the intense criticism at home, his fanbase—particularly international followers—remains strong and loyal.
The controversy also unfolds alongside other legal and financial updates surrounding Kim. He recently made headlines for a significant real estate gain, and a legal expert has suggested he is unlikely to face a ₩5.8 billion penalty tied to the Kim Sae-ron scandal. Meanwhile, his legal troubles with advertisers continue to expand, with claims now exceeding ₩2.8 billion.
This complicated mix of public backlash, unwavering fan support, and high-profile legal developments paints a polarizing picture of Kim Soo-hyun’s current standing. Disney+’s decision to promote Knock Off amid such turbulence has only intensified the spotlight on both the actor and the platform, fueling an ongoing storm of debate online.