Kim Soo Hyun’s upcoming K-drama Knock Off has recently stirred up attention with the release of its promotional poster. This poster features the actor alongside Jo Bo Ah, and the timing of its debut has sparked heated debates on social media. This release has come despite earlier reports that the production had been halted by the platform, following a scandal surrounding Kim Soo Hyun.
The promotional poster quickly gained traction online, becoming a hot topic as fans and critics voiced their opinions. Kim Soo Hyun has been embroiled in a dating controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron, which has significantly impacted his career. This controversy led to the actor losing several brand endorsements and projects, as well as facing multiple lawsuits seeking compensation for the alleged issues arising from the scandal.
After the major success of Queen of Tears, Kim Soo Hyun had been expected to star in a high-profile crime-action drama. Fans were eagerly anticipating his return, but in April, the drama’s production was indefinitely paused due to the controversy surrounding the actor. This pause was reportedly influenced by allegations regarding Kim Soo Hyun’s relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was underage, based on claims made by her family and a YouTube channel.
Despite the pause in production, the Knock Off poster surfaced online in early May, causing a wave of speculation. Initially believed to be fan-created, it was later confirmed as an official release sourced from IMDb. This revelation confirmed that the poster was indeed part of the official campaign for the drama, despite the ongoing controversies.
The controversy surrounding the production’s delay has left many unanswered questions, particularly regarding the future of Knock Off. While the drama has been officially postponed, the reasons behind the release of the promotional material remain unclear. Disney+, which is handling the distribution, has yet to comment on the matter, leading to further uncertainty about the drama’s fate.
The poster’s release has also prompted a wide range of reactions from netizens. Some users expressed surprise that the platform was proceeding with the promotion amid the scandal, with one commenting that the release was “just a new picture of him.” Others voiced their disappointment at the handling of the situation, questioning the timing of the promotional materials given the ongoing controversy.
On the other hand, many fans have rallied in support of Kim Soo Hyun and the drama. One fan commented, “Millions of #KimSooHyun fans around the world are waiting for Knock Off with great anticipation” and urged the platform not to let the rumors overshadow their support for the actor. Another fan expressed hope that the series would not be delayed due to “cancel culture,” calling for the drama to be released worldwide as planned.
Despite the divided opinions, the Knock Off controversy highlights the impact of celebrity scandals on ongoing projects. The situation also raises questions about the responsibility of production companies and platforms in navigating sensitive issues. With the platform’s official statement still pending, it remains to be seen how the drama will move forward and how the public’s opinion will shape its release.