The much-anticipated K-drama Knock-Off starring Kim Soo-Hyun has stirred controversy after a new poster was unexpectedly released, reigniting speculation about the show’s future. This sudden promotional drop has come at a time when Soo-Hyun is entangled in a serious dating scandal involving the late actress Kim Sae-Ron. The appearance of official stills on IMDb has puzzled fans, especially since the series was reportedly postponed indefinitely.
Kim Soo-Hyun has been facing massive backlash following allegations made by the family of Kim Sae-Ron. They accused him of exploiting her emotionally and financially, claiming their relationship began when she was underage. These grave accusations have severely affected Soo-Hyun’s public image, leading to the loss of various endorsement deals and causing the delay of Knock-Off.
Images from the show, released on May 2, feature Soo-Hyun alongside co-star Jo Bo-Ah. Their sudden emergence online added fuel to the fire, with fans divided over their legitimacy. Some believed the stills were fan edits, while others pointed out that their presence on IMDb suggested they were released through official channels, potentially by Disney+.
The controversy has stirred intense online debate. While some believe the drama is being revived, possibly in an attempt to salvage production costs, others are harshly critical of both the network and the actor. Social media reactions have ranged from shock to outrage, with users condemning the platform for appearing indifferent to the severity of the accusations.
Comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been particularly harsh, with some users demanding accountability if the drama airs. Accusations of supporting inappropriate content and shielding abusers were rampant. The backlash has cast a dark shadow over any potential return for the drama.
Soo-Hyun’s fall from grace has been rapid and public. Once one of Korea’s highest-paid actors, he’s now at risk of losing one of his most anticipated projects. Although some fans continue to defend him, insisting that the allegations lack concrete proof, the court of public opinion remains largely unforgiving.
The sudden surfacing of promotional material has confused audiences about Disney+’s intentions. Whether the streaming giant plans to go ahead with the drama despite the controversy remains unclear. However, the polarizing reactions make one thing certain—any move to revive the series will be closely scrutinized.
Despite efforts to clarify his side of the story, Soo-Hyun faces significant resistance from the public. While some remain hopeful about his comeback, others believe airing Knock-Off would be a tone-deaf decision. As the debate rages on, all eyes are now on Disney+ and how it chooses to proceed.