Disney+ Faces Dilemma Over Next Month's 'Knock Off' Release
"Penalty Clauses Differ... Clear Standards Needed"
Actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing allegations of having dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, casting uncertainty over the release of the Disney+ series 'Knock Off.' Originally scheduled to air next month, the release is now under internal review due to rapidly worsening public opinion. 'Knock Off' is a work depicting the story of a man whose life was completely overturned by the 1997 foreign exchange crisis and who becomes the king of the global counterfeit market, with Kim Soo-hyun playing the lead role.
The broadcasting industry expects that Disney+ is likely to postpone the release. This is because on the 10th, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' cited statements from Kim Sae-ron's family, claiming that the late actress dated Kim Soo-hyun for six years starting when she was fifteen. The next day, a photo showing Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek was released, further spreading negative public sentiment. Kim Soo-hyun's side has denied the allegations but has yet to present clear evidence. His agency, Gold Medalist, stated, "We plan to clarify the facts and respond to baseless rumors next week." Accordingly, the decision on whether to release 'Knock Off' next month is expected to be made next week or shortly thereafter.
Production insiders worry that this incident may cause Disney+ to become more reluctant to produce Korean dramas in the future. This is understandable, as 'Knock Off' is among the productions with high budgets scheduled for release this year. Considerable effort has been put into global promotion and marketing, reflecting high internal expectations. One insider said, "With Kim Soo-hyun, who rose to global stardom as the 'Queen of Tears,' leading the project, they aimed for a rebound not only in the domestic market but also across Asia," adding, "Unexpected setbacks like this mean missing the chance to overcome structural limitations." Disney+ struggled to secure dramas in the domestic market at launch because Netflix had already signed long-term contracts with major content providers like Studio Dragon and Contentsree Central, as well as partnership agreements with other companies.
The rising production costs due to intense competition also pose a burden for Disney+. Once production costs increase, they rarely decrease. In particular, the fees for top-tier actors, which make up a significant portion, tend to set a precedent: if one actor crosses a certain threshold, others with similar popularity expect the same. Netflix is practically the only platform capable of putting a brake on this trend. However, even Netflix is not free from 'actor risks.' The film 'Seungbu' is a representative example. Scheduled for release in 2023, it was withdrawn after lead actor Yoo Ah-in came under investigation for propofol use. The original distributor, Ace Maker Movie Works, transferred the rights to Byform Studio, and the film will only be released in theaters on the 26th, more than two years later.
Some speculate that Disney+ might reluctantly proceed with airing 'Knock Off.' Many contracts specify penalties only in cases of a 'confirmed guilty verdict,' and dating a minor alone is difficult to legally punish. Currently, sexual intercourse by an adult with a person under 16 is punishable as statutory rape of a minor. Before May 2020, the standard was under 13 years old. Since courts judge based on the law at the time of the act, Kim Soo-hyun would not be subject to punishment even if they dated. Even if the penalty clause states 'causing social controversy,' its meaning is ambiguous, leaving room for legal dispute.
In the production industry, which must bear actor risks, there is a consensus on the need to clarify penalty clauses following this incident. One insider said, "Penalty clauses vary from contract to contract, and are sometimes omitted," adding, "Since a work can be shelved solely due to an actor's personal life issues, it is necessary to establish and share clear standards." Another insider emphasized, "Even if penalty-related clauses are included in contracts, their legal effectiveness can vary depending on interpretation," stressing, "Safety measures are needed to reduce risk across the industry."
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