K-Drama Industry Struggles: Kim Soo-hyun and Yoo Ah-in Face Actor Scandals

Controversy Surrounds Disney+’s Upcoming Release of “Knock-Off”

Originally set to debut next month, the highly anticipated drama “Knock-Off“is now facing an internal review due to escalating public disapproval.

The series follows a man’s transformation from a humble office employee to a notorious counterfeit kingpin in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, with Kim Soo-hyun taking on the lead role. This production was notably one of Disney+’s most significant investments for 2025.

Industry experts are now speculating that Disney+ may delay or scrap the release altogether. The controversy erupted after the YouTube channel, Garosero Research Institute, claimed on March 10 that Kim Soo-hyun was in a six-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron starting when she was just 15. The situation intensified the following day when a photo emerged showing Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek, igniting further public outrage. Although Kim Soo-hyun’s team has denied these allegations, they have yet to disclose any substantial evidence. His agency, Gold Medalist, stated, “We will provide a clarifying statement next week, ” which should help determine the fate of “Knock-Off.”

Concerns among industry insiders suggest that this scandal may deter Disney+ from investing in future Korean dramas. Productions like “Knock-Off”require significant financial backing and were seen as a way for Disney+ to strengthen its foothold in Korea and Asia, especially following Kim Soo-hyun’s global acclaim from his role in “Queen of Tears.”An insider remarked, “This unexpected fallout could severely hinder their ambitions.” Meanwhile, Netflix has secured lengthy exclusive contracts with major content creators such as Studio Dragon and ContentreeJoongAng, leaving Disney+ with limited options to compete.

Moreover, the escalating costs associated with high-profile actors are creating additional challenges. Once the fees rise for top-tier talent, it sets a new industry standard, prompting other actors of similar caliber to expect comparable salaries. Among streaming services, Netflix remains the only entity capable of resisting these rising costs, although even it has faced setbacks due to actor-related scandals. A notable case is the film “The Match, ”which was supposed to premiere in 2023 but was canceled following an investigation into lead actor Yoo Ah-in’s alleged propofol abuse. Netflix ultimately disbanded the project, leading distributor Acemaker Movieworks to transfer distribution rights to BY4M Studio, which will now release it in theaters on March 26—almost two years later.

Knock-Off with Jo Bo-ah and Kim Soo-hyun

Some industry analysts suggest that Disney+ might have little choice but to proceed with the release of “Knock-Off, ”regardless of the surrounding controversy. Many contractual penalty clauses stipulate conditions like “conviction of a crime, ” which does not apply in Kim Soo-hyun’s case, given the nature of the allegations. Under current Korean law, sexual relations with a minor under 16 are considered negligent rape, while prior to May 2020, this threshold was set at 13 years old, insulating Kim Soo-hyun from potential criminal liabilities. Even if there’s a clause regarding “public controversies”in his contract, the ambiguous phrasing could open up avenues for legal complications.

As concerns mount over the risks associated with actor misconduct, many stakeholders advocate for clearer contract penalty clauses to safeguard productions. One insider emphasized, “Each contract can vary widely, and some do not include penalties at all. With entire projects hanging in the balance due to an actor’s personal life, we need standardized guidelines.” Another added, “Even where penalties are outlined, interpretations can differ legally. The industry requires stronger protections to mitigate such risks.”

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