THE highly anticipated Disney+ series Knock-Off, starring Kim Soo-hyun, is moving full steam ahead with production, undeterred by the swirling controversy surrounding its lead actor.
According to media reports, filming for the series' second season is underway, with preparations for the first production presentation expected to take place next month.
A source close to the production stated th at the cast and crew are continuing their work as planned, with no significant disruptions or alterations linked to the ongoing controversy.
"The schedule for the production presentation has not been finalised,” the article further read.
While the production of Knock-Off remains unaffected, public sentiment regarding Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron remains overwhelmingly negative.
Many social media users have criticised what they perceive as a double standard in the entertainment industry, arguing that female celebrities often face harsher repercussions for controversies compared to their male counterparts.
Comments on social media, Instagram, reflect this growing frustration:
User @marie.shanaa commented, "If it were a woman, she would lose everything."
Similarly, @Emilieandkorea mockingly remarked, "I really love how men are protected in the entertainment industry, not just in Korea but everywhere."
Another user, @dudabaltar, stated "She was in a K-drama when he hit the car, and she was excluded from the drama. Netflix erased all her scenes. She just disappeared in the middle of the series. I highly doubt this will happen to him.”
@uniquely_mika criticised the apparent bias, saying, "The double standard in this is insane. I love Kim Soo-hyun’s acting, but when something is wrong, we should call it out. The evidence is clear that he dated her when she was 15, and you’re still supporting him? If Kim Sae-ron had this level of support during her DUI incident, she might still be alive. If it were a woman accused of grooming a minor or doing something even less serious, her career would have ended instantly.”
User @cocolondon_123 also condemned the support for the actor, stating, "These Koreanboos who support this man—get some psychological help.”
Knock-Off follows the journey of a man whose life is upended by the 1997 Asian financial crisis—commonly referred to as the IMF crisis in South Korea. Once an ordinary office worker, he rises to become a powerful figure in the global counterfeit goods trade.
Directed by Park Hyun-suk (Stranger 2) and written by Han Jung-hoon (Bad Guys), the series features Kim Soo-hyun in the lead role of Kim Seong-jun, a former office worker-turned-mastermind behind an international counterfeit empire. Jo Bo-ah co-stars as Song Hye-jeong, a special judicial police officer determined to dismantle the illegal operations. The series is slated for release on Disney+ in 2025.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Kim Soo-hyun may no longer be part of G-Dragon's variety show Good Day, despite having previously filmed for it.
Based on media reports, the show is set to resume filming on March 13, but the actor is not expected to attend. He had already completed a recording session for the programme on Feb 27.
Discussions are ongoing regarding whether his pre-recorded content will be edited out, given the mounting backlash. The controversy surrounding him has made it difficult for him to continue with Good Day, with reports suggesting that producers are reconsidering his involvement.
A social media user on X highlighted the situation:
@kdramaolive: "Kim Soo-hyun cancelled the recording of Good Day on March 13. Expected to leave the show. MBC is discussing re-editing the scenes.”
Previously reported, the controversy erupted following claims aired on the YouTube channel Hoverlab (also known as Garo Sero Institute), alleging that Kim Soo-hyun was in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. The programme claimed that he began dating her when he was 27, while she was only 15, and that their relationship lasted for six years.
Kim Sae-ron’s family supported these claims, stating in an interview with Hoverlab that the two were involved romantically and that Kim Soo-hyun’s former agency, Gold Medalist, had paid KRW 700 million to settle Kim Sae-ron’s DUI case before ultimately cutting ties with her.
The financial strain allegedly worsened her struggles, contributing to her tragic passing on Feb 16 2025. Gold Medalist has since denied the allegations, calling them "baseless and malicious,” and announced legal action against the YouTube channel responsible for spreading the claims.
Despite these denials, the controversy continues to fuel heated discussions online, with many questioning the entertainment industry’s handling of the issue.