Overview
Knock‑Off was poised to become one of 2025’s most provocative and stylish Korean dramas. Backed by Disney+ and helmed by the writing duo behind Song of the Bandits, the show promised to blend black comedy, social satire, and crime drama against the gritty backdrop of late-90s Korea.
But just weeks before its scheduled April 2025 premiere, Knock‑Off found itself at the center of a scandal that led to its indefinite postponement. Lead actor Kim Soo-hyun, one of Korea’s most bankable stars, became embroiled in a serious controversy that not only jeopardized the show’s release but sparked a much broader conversation about celebrity accountability in Korean media.
So where does that leave Knock‑Off? Is it a lost masterpiece or a tainted project better left shelved? Let’s unpack its story, its creative promise—and the real-world drama that overtook the fictional one.
The Story
Set during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis—one of Korea’s most turbulent modern periods—Knock‑Off follows Kim Seong-jun (played by Kim Soo-hyun), an ordinary mid-level office worker who suddenly finds himself laid off and broke. Disillusioned and desperate, he stumbles into the shadow economy of Saemmul Market, a notorious district known for producing high-quality counterfeit goods.
Gifted with a sharp eye for detail and ruthless business acumen, Seong-jun climbs the underworld ranks to become the kingpin of counterfeit Korea. But his criminal empire is threatened by the arrival of Song Hye-jeong (Jo Bo-ah), a dogged judicial investigator—and his ex-lover.
As the two lock horns, the show transforms into a stylish cat-and-mouse game filled with moral ambiguity, corporate corruption, and dry, biting humor.
Why It Stands Out
1. A Unique Premise Rooted in History
The IMF crisis of 1997 devastated millions of Korean households. By setting Knock‑Off in this era, the show doesn’t just serve up crime thrills—it comments on desperation, class stratification, and the moral gray areas people enter when survival is on the line.
2. Black Comedy Meets Crime
Korean dramas are no stranger to crime, but Knock‑Off’s tone is what makes it fresh. The series leans into satire, presenting corruption with a smirk, not a scowl. Think Narcos meets My Mister with just a touch of Parasite’s social commentary.
3. Anti-Hero Excellence
Kim Soo-hyun’s character isn’t just a victim or a villain—he’s both. Watching Seong-jun manipulate, charm, and blackmail his way to the top promised the kind of morally complex storytelling we rarely get in K-dramas.
4. Cinematic Flair
Early trailers and behind-the-scenes footage showed dark color palettes, claustrophobic city streets, and fast-paced editing. Stylistically, Knock‑Off was set to rival premium cable dramas from the West—gritty, polished, and addictive.
The Cast
- Kim Soo-hyun (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay) as Kim Seong-jun
- Jo Bo-ah (Tale of the Nine-Tailed) as Song Hye-jeong
- Yoo Jae-myung, Kwon Na-ra, and Park Se-wan round out a talented supporting cast.
There’s no question that Kim Soo-hyun would have delivered a layered, magnetic performance—his ability to play both charismatic and quietly volatile characters is one of his strengths. Unfortunately, that very public charisma became the center of a private controversy.
The Controversy
Just as Disney+ began promoting the show in March 2025, allegations surfaced regarding Kim Soo-hyun’s relationship history—specifically, reports linking him romantically to the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. The allegations, which stemmed from old photos and text messages, ignited a firestorm online.
Within days:
- Disney+ announced it would postpone the premiere indefinitely.
- The production company, ARC Media, reportedly explored legal damages against Kim’s agency.
- Brands and sponsors dropped partnerships with Kim.
- A national petition gathered over 100,000 signatures demanding his removal from the project.
Whether the allegations are substantiated or not, the fallout has been severe. Korean audiences and media remain particularly sensitive to actor conduct—especially when it involves minors—and Knock‑Off has become collateral damage.
Art vs. Artist: Can We Separate Them?
This is the biggest question hanging over Knock‑Off now: should viewers be able to enjoy the drama’s story and themes regardless of the actor’s personal life?
There’s no easy answer. Some argue that art should stand alone; others believe platforming problematic stars sends the wrong message. Either way, it’s a discussion worth having—and one that Knock‑Off forces us to confront.
Final Thoughts
Will we ever see Knock‑Off air? It’s hard to say. Most filming was reportedly complete, and Disney+ had global streaming rights lined up. But given the scale of the scandal, a quiet release later in 2025—or a complete re-edit with a new lead—isn’t off the table.
Even if it never airs, Knock‑Off deserves to be part of the 2025 K-drama conversation. Not just because of its sharp writing or charismatic cast—but because it’s a reminder of how fragile entertainment can be when it collides with real-world consequences.
Verdict: A Must-Watch That May Never Be Watched
Whether you side with “separate the art” or not, Knock‑Off is undeniably a drama that reflects the ambition—and the risk—of Korean storytelling today. If it ever premieres, it could become one of the most controversial hits (or flops) of the decade.
💬 What’s your take? Would you still watch Knock‑Off if it aired? Or should networks hold actors more accountable before airing major projects? Let me know in the comments below.
