In the world of K-dramas, controversy often walks hand-in-hand with fame, but few expected the intensity of the fallout surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun's upcoming Disney+ series, Knock Off. Allegations regarding his past relationships, particularly those involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron and former co-star Seo Ye-ji, are prompting sponsors to rethink their involvement, raising the stakes for a show that had already been approved for a second season before any scandal came to light.
Reports suggest that with claims emerging about his dubious connections with Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away earlier this year, the drama's release is at considerable risk of cancellation. According to various media sources, industry insiders have voiced concerns that Disney+ may even pursue legal action against Kim Soo-hyun, potentially citing a breach of contract that could have severe financial ramifications for the star.
The legal challenges stem from common clauses in celebrity contracts that mandate a positive public reputation. As per an industry expert's insights shared with POP!, the clause implies that if an actor's personal life brings harm to a project, they could be held financially responsible. The expert referenced the Netflix lawsuit against Kevin Spacey, where similar concerns arise over an actor’s public image. "Disney+ is considered a global OTT company, just like Netflix. If an actor’s personal controversy causes financial damages, chances are that he will be held liable. Kim Soo-hyun’s response to the situation will play an important role in deciding the outcome,” he noted.
The production of Knock Off has an enormous budget of ₩60 billion (approximately $2.36 billion), with Kim Soo-hyun poised to earn a significant portion of that—estimated at over ₩5 billion (around $197 million) for his performance over eight episodes. If Disney+ decides to pursue legal action, Kim could be liable for the losses incurred from his contracts and any potential damages from delayed or canceled production.
Simultaneously, the online discourse regarding Kim Soo-hyun intensified when Garosero Research Institute released a video allegedly showing a man's hand rubbing the back of Kim Sae-ron while a familiar voice in the background is said to be Kim Soo-hyun’s. This development has prompted demands from netizens for digital forensic evidence to assess the legitimacy of the claims regarding their relationship, which some say began when Sae-ron was underage. The family of Sae-ron has expressed intentions to verify this evidence.
On March 10, a report surfaced from HoverLab Inc., suggesting that Sae-ron's aunt claimed the actress had a six-year relationship with Kim Soo-hyun starting at just 15 years old. Despite these serious allegations, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has firmly denied the claims and suggested that it is prepared to take legal action against those spreading the rumors.
In conjunction with these revelations, Garosero Research Institute threatened to release additional footage unless Kim Soo-hyun publicly apologized to Sae-ron’s family. They stated, "If he does not formally apologize to Sae-ron's bereaved family, we may release more videos.” The family issued a public plea on March 18, insisting on the necessity of investigating their allegations and recognizing the impact of these revelations on their late daughter’s reputation.
The dynamic shifted further with the involvement of Seo Ye-ji and her alleged relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, which has only deepened the public's scrutiny of his character. As a response to the unfolding drama, she took to social media to express her distress: "To my beloved yeye...I feel overwhelmed and suffocated. I tried to suppress it all, but before I knew it, I was typing a reply to the comments and then quickly deleting them...I swear I have no personal relations whatsoever with that person or his older brother.” This vivid plea underscores the emotional turmoil surrounding the controversy.
As the fallout continues, brands that had collaborated with Kim Soo-hyun are feeling the heat as well. Esteemed luxury brands have severed their relationships, with Prada officially dropping him on March 14 amid the chaotic landscape of celebrity downfall. Following the revelations, some brands like K2 and Homeplus have scrubbed his likeness from advertising, further emphasizing the severe repercussions of the claims against him.
In a stark display of the ripple effects of reputation in the entertainment industry, MBC’s variety program Good Day decided to edit out all of Kim Soo-hyun's segments from their broadcast as well—an approach increasingly common for networks balancing viewer reactions and celebrity narratives. This decisiveness reflects the industry's fast-evolving participation in the narrative shaping surrounding public figures and the way reputations can be effortlessly tarnished.
As Kim Soo-hyun navigates these turbulent waters, his forthcoming decisions and responses could very well determine the longevity of his career, especially within a high-stakes global streaming platform like Disney+. Will he find a way to reconcile the past and emerge from this storm, or will the unfolding scandals sink his anticipated project?
