Disney+ Faces Criticism for Inaction on “Kim Soo-hyun Scandal”: What’s Behind the Silence?

The ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun has placed Disney+ under scrutiny, particularly regarding its upcoming drama “Knock Off”. Originally scheduled for a next-month release, the streaming platform has faced criticism for its lack of communication amidst the escalating situation. As the scandal continues for over two weeks without a formal response, frustration among industry stakeholders is palpable.

“Knock Off”, a sequel to “Hyper Knife”, has been under production since July last year and is set to continue filming into early 2025. Initially, the first season was slated for an April premiere. However, with the ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun, the timely release of the series seems increasingly unlikely. The narrative follows a man’s transformation from a regular office worker to a powerful figure in the global counterfeit market, a storyline that was meant to engage audiences deeply.

Comparative Crisis Management: Disney+ vs. Netflix

The crux of the dilemma lies in Disney+’s slow response. More than ten days have passed since the controversy emerged, yet no updates regarding the drama’s launch have been forthcoming. This inaction has not only left the production team in a precarious position but has also put the sponsors and the actors’ agencies at a standstill, creating confusion about future steps.

Industry analysts have started comparing the approaches of Disney+ and Netflix regarding crisis management involving actors. A notable case includes Netflix’s decisive action amid Yoo Ah-in’s propofol scandal. The film “The Match”, principal photography for which wrapped in 2021, faced immediate postponement following Yoo Ah-in’s legal troubles. Netflix’s quick pivot compelled the original distributor, Acemaker Movieworks, to renegotiate the film’s release strategy, ultimately shifting the premiere from streaming to theatrical release, now scheduled for March 26.

Moreover, Netflix took significant action with “Goodbye Earth”, a 12-episode series that originally featured Yoo Ah-in. The platform reduced his screen time substantially, although the show faced challenges in audience reception upon release. In another instance, the acclaimed “Hellbound” saw a cast change, replacing Yoo Ah-in with Kim Sung-cheol for the second season due to the surrounding controversies, further highlighting Netflix’s proactive stance during crises.

In stark contrast, Disney+’s ongoing indecision is seen as exacerbating the already tense situation. The uncertainty surrounding “Knock Off” has left the cast members unable to move forward with their schedules while also stirring unrest within the industry.

Disney+ and the “Knock Off” Scenario: A Call for Clarity

The ensemble cast of “Knock Off” includes notable talents like Jo Bo-ah, Yoo Jae-myung, Kim Eui-sung, among others. These high-profile actors are at risk of facing professional setbacks due to the ongoing delays and a lack of clear guidance from Disney+.Industry experts are voicing their concerns about the extensive silence from the platform and its implications.

In light of the prolonged inaction, one industry insider expressed, “This is an unprecedented situation. Disney+ must take responsibility and deliver a clear statement urgently. Prolonging the silence is only causing further harm.” Another professional echoed similar sentiments, noting, “The sluggish administrative response resembles the inefficiencies prevalent in the early years of international OTT platforms.”

A representative from the production team voiced their discontent without detailing further, stating, “Until we receive communication from Disney+, we can offer no updates.” Meanwhile, the official position from Disney+ remains vague as they have repeated, “Please wait for the release date.”

The uncertainty surrounding “Knock Off” continues to affect the involved actors, sponsors, and production team. As industry experts caution, the prolonged indecision could inflict lasting repercussions not only on those directly connected with the drama but also on Disney+’s reputation within the Korean entertainment landscape. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are left to ponder whether Disney+ will act decisively or risk establishing a troubling precedent for future projects.

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