Disney+ denied recent reports claiming that the long-delayed series “Knockoff,” starring Kim Soo Hyun, would be released this year.
On March 3, the streaming platform confirmed that the project remains on indefinite hold with no new updates.
Disney+ told Xportsnews that reports of a 2026 release were false and that there are no additional updates beyond their existing position. The official stated, “There are no additional updates beyond our previous position.”
This statement contradicts a February 28 report from The Fair News. It suggested that Disney+ was reorganizing its content lineup and planning to premiere the series in the first half of 2026. Kim’s attorney, Ko Sang Rok, fueled rumors by saying it was “highly likely” the series could air.
The platform’s stance returns to its position from March 2025, when it postponed the series after “careful review.”
Notably, it was not included in “Knock Off” in its 2026 release lineup presented at the “Disney+ Original Preview 2025” event in Hong Kong.
“Knock Off” is a black comedy drama set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. It follows an ordinary man whose life is upended by the IMF crisis. It leads him into the counterfeit goods market, where he eventually becomes the global king of knockoffs.
The series stars Kim Soo Hyun and Jo Bo Ah, with a production budget of about 60 billion won. It was originally scheduled for release in April 2025 but was halted in March 2025 after Kim Soo Hyun became involved in a controversy.
Allegations arose that he had dated the late Kim Sae Ron when she was still underage.
Kim Sae Ron, a fellow actress, passed away at age 24 in February 2025 under circumstances ruled a suicide. Following her death, her family publicly alleged that the 38-year-old actor had been in a relationship with her for six years, starting when she was a minor.
He has denied the allegations, held an emotional press conference in March 2025, and filed lawsuits against a YouTube channel and members of Kim Sae Ron’s family for defamation. Investigations and legal proceedings are still ongoing.
The controversy effectively paused Kim Soo Hyun’s career. All scheduled activities, including fan meetings, were canceled, and he entered an unofficial hiatus. “Knock Off” was one of Disney+’s most expensive Korean originals, with Kim Soo Hyun reportedly receiving 9 billion won for his role. Production had reached the middle of the second season when it was halted. An overseas shoot in Miami scheduled for April 2025 was canceled.
Industry sources estimated potential penalty fees against Kim ranging from tens of billions up to 180 billion won. The production company ARC Media considered seeking up to 18 billion won in damages due to the delay. Disney+ declined to comment on potential penalties at a May 2025 press event.
“KnocknOff” remains indefinitely postponed and is not part of Disney+’s confirmed 2026 Korean drama lineup. It includes other titles like “Perfect Crown,” “A Shop for Killers” season two, and “Portraits of Delusion.”
