Kim Soo‑hyun’s return on horizon? Disney+ reconsiders fate of 'Knock-Off'

​Signs are emerging that actor Kim Soo-hyun may be gearing up for a return to the spotlight after a hiatus prompted by controversy over his private life.

Discussions have reportedly resumed about scheduling “Knock-Off,” a Disney+ original series that has been shelved for nearly a year, raising speculation about the actor’s potential comeback.

Kim’s legal representative Kho Sang-rock shared a news report on Feb. 28 on Instagram noting that Disney+ is reconsidering the release schedule for “Knock-Off” as part of its lineup restructuring for the first half of 2026. “The report is likely to be true,” Kho commented, adopting a cautious stance. The statement followed a report from The Fair News, which claimed that Disney+ is coordinating a first-half release for “Knock-Off” as part of its content revamp. The series had been indefinitely postponed after allegations emerged last year that Kim had been romantically involved with the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor. Kim’s side strongly denied the claim, stating the relationship began only after both were adults, and he held a press conference in March 2025 to address the matter.

Nonetheless, Disney+ opted to postpone the series to avoid risk. Industry observers now believe the platform’s decision to revisit the project reflects a pragmatic shift: Despite reputational concerns, Kim’s global fandom remains strong, and the massive financial loss tied to scrapping the 60 billion won ($41 million) production has prompted Disney+ to reconsider.

Commenting on the resumed discussions, Kho asserted that “no photo or document proves any underage relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron,” adding that the ongoing investigation would confirm this. He also referenced accusations that YouTube account Garosero Institute fabricated evidence and spread false claims. 

“If intensive investigation reveals serious criminal behavior by the perpetrators,” Kho said, referring to Garosero, “Disney’s reputational risk will be officially resolved and there will be no further reason to delay 'Knock-Off.' Personally, I hope viewers can see it within the first half of this year.”

“Knock-Off,” starring Kim and Cho Bo-ah, is a high-budget drama that depicts the rise of a man who becomes the “king of counterfeit markets” during the Asian financial crisis in Korea in the late 1990s. Initially slated for release in April 2025, the show was postponed just one month before the premiere due to the scandal.Others took a sterner view. “The rebound of a celebrity’s career despite scandal shows how much money drives this industry,” another viewer noted. “When fame yields such high profits, accountability must rise to match. If producers benefit from a star’s influence, they must bear the risk when that influence turns toxic.”

The case echoes broader debates in the streaming era. The recent release of Disney+ show “Battle of Fates,” featuring comedian Park Na-rae, despite her own controversies over workplace misconduct and unauthorized medical procedures, has reignited discussion over how digital platforms handle entertainers under scrutiny.

In “Battle of Fates,” Park’s segments as host were aired intact, a departure from the cautious editing typical of broadcast networks — a choice that sparked fresh criticism and renewed calls for clearer industry standards on reputation management and content ethics.

Others took a sterner view. “The rebound of a celebrity’s career despite scandal shows how much money drives this industry,” another viewer noted. “When fame yields such high profits, accountability must rise to match. If producers benefit from a star’s influence, they must bear the risk when that influence turns toxic.”

The case echoes broader debates in the streaming era. The recent release of Disney+ show “Battle of Fates,” featuring comedian Park Na-rae, despite her own controversies over workplace misconduct and unauthorized medical procedures, has reignited discussion over how digital platforms handle entertainers under scrutiny.