Kim Soo-hyun faces Dh 47 million penalty as Disney halts Knock-Off filming amid controversy
Kim Soo-hyun has been embroiled in controversy owing to his relationship with Kim Sae-ron
The Disney+ original Knock Off, once one of the most anticipated K-dramas of the year, is now facing an indefinite production halt — with its lead actor Kim Soo-hyun, caught in the crossfire of mounting financial concerns.
According to a report by SPOTV News on April 23, 2025, production company ARC Media has paused filming amid public scrutiny following Kim Soo-hyun’s dating controversy involving actress Kim Sae Ron. While relationship news and public scandals are not uncommon in the Korean entertainment industry, the financial ripple effects in this case are proving to be unusually significant.
Insiders say ARC Media is now reviewing the possibility of seeking up to 18 billion KRW (approximately USD 13 million) in damages related to the delay — a figure that reportedly triples the initial cost of producing the series. Although no formal legal claim has been confirmed, discussions are reportedly underway. For context, Knock Off’s total production budget was around 60 billion KRW, with Kim Soo-hyun allegedly receiving 9 billion KRW for his starring role.
Typically, major OTT platforms like Disney+ do not pursue direct legal action against cast members in such cases. Contractual disputes and financial consequences are generally managed by the production company itself. However, ARC Media appears to be considering a more aggressive approach due to what it describes as substantial disruption and monetary loss tied to the scandal.
Kim Soo-hyun has since stepped away from public appearances, entering what industry observers are calling an ‘unofficial hiatus.’ The already-completed portions of Knock Off — including its first half — remain shelved, with no official word on a release schedule.
Set in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Knock Off follows Kim Sung Joon (played by Soo-hyun), a man who becomes deeply involved in the world of counterfeit manufacturing. His path collides with that of Song Hye Heong (Jo Bo Ah), a government investigator targeting fake goods. While the show had generated early buzz for its ambitious storyline and high-profile cast, its future now hangs in the balance — clouded by legal uncertainty and a production standstill.
