The Korean entertainment industry is reeling as the controversy surrounding top actor Kim Soo Hyun intensifies, with major projects and lucrative endorsements collapsing in the wake of explosive allegations. Today, June 3, 2025, the fallout reached new heights: Disney+ officially removed the highly anticipated drama "Knock Off" from its upcoming slate, and several brands have now dropped the embattled star, with legal battles looming and new revelations expected to surface.
Disney+ Halts "Knock Off" Release Indefinitely
Once positioned as a flagship K-drama for Disney+ Korea, "Knock Off"—starring Kim Soo Hyun and Jo Bo Ah—was set to be one of the streaming giant's biggest releases of 2025. That all changed after allegations emerged in March that Kim Soo Hyun had dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage, a claim he has vehemently denied in a public press conference.
Despite his denials, the controversy has only grown, prompting Disney+ to delay the drama's premiere and, as confirmed at the 2025 Open House event, to remove it from the platform's second-half lineup. No new release date has been provided, and the future of the project remains uncertain.
Endorsement Deals Collapse, Lawsuits Mount
The scandal's ripple effects have devastated Kim Soo Hyun's commercial standing. On June 3, actor Kim Woo-bin was announced as the new face of Korean hotpot brand Shabu All Day, replacing Kim Soo Hyun due to the ongoing controversy. This is just the latest in a string of high-profile losses: major brands like PRADA and skincare label Dinto have severed ties, and Homeplus has erased his image from its marketing materials.
Legal action is escalating as well. Two brands, identified as Companies A and B, have filed lawsuits seeking 3 billion KRW (about $2.2 million USD) in damages for breach of contract, with more companies reportedly preparing claims that could push the total to nearly 10 billion KRW ($7.5 million USD). Kim's endorsement portfolio has shrunk dramatically, from 19 deals to just four remaining.
New Revelations and Public Backlash
The controversy shows no sign of abating. On June 3, the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute teased new leaks—potentially photos or videos—that could further implicate Kim Soo Hyun in the scandal. The channel has been at the center of the storm, fueling public debate and prompting Kim Soo Hyun to file defamation and stalking lawsuits against both Garosero and Kim Sae-ron's family.
Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron's family, represented by law firm Buyou, has accused Kim Soo Hyun of pressuring the late actress over a debt and of dating her while she was a minor. Kim Soo Hyun has categorically denied these claims, stating, "I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. And it is also not true that the deceased made a tragic choice because of me turning away or because my agency pressured her about her debt". Despite his statements, online backlash and speculation continue to mount, with some netizens accusing him of lying at his press conference.
Industry and Fan Reactions
The industry's response has been swift and unforgiving. Production staff from "Knock Off" have reportedly been told to seek other work, and co-star Jo Bo Ah has already moved on to a new project. Fans are left wondering if "Knock Off" will ever see the light of day and whether Kim Soo Hyun's career can recover from the scandal.
With new leaks promised and legal battles intensifying, the Kim Soo Hyun controversy is far from over. For now, the once-unshakable star faces an uncertain future as both the entertainment industry and the public await the next chapter in this ongoing saga
