Disney+ Under Fire for Silence on “Kim Soo-hyun Scandal”: Why Isn’t It Taking Action?
As the Kim Soo-hyun controversy continues to unfold, Disney+ has come under fire for its lack of response regarding the upcoming drama “Knock Off”, originally set to premiere next month. Despite the controversy persisting for over two weeks, Disney+, which is overseeing the production, has neither issued a statement nor taken any clear action, leading to growing frustration within the industry.
“Knock Off”, the follow-up to “Hyper Knife”, has been in production since July of last year, with filming continuing into early 2025. The drama was planned as a two-season series, with the first season initially scheduled for release in April. However, due to the Kim Soo-hyun controversy, the chances of its timely release now seem slim. The series follows a man whose life is turned upside down by the IMF crisis, leading him to transition from a regular office worker to a global counterfeit market kingpin.
Disney+ vs. Netflix: Handling Crisis
The core of the controversy lies in Disney+’s lack of action. More than ten days have passed since the issue first arose, yet the streaming platform has provided no updates on the drama’s release schedule. This silence has left not only the production team but also sponsors and the actors’ agencies in a difficult position, with no clear direction on how to proceed.
Industry experts have begun drawing comparisons between Disney+ and Netflix, particularly in how the two platforms handle crises involving their actors. One widely cited example is Netflix’s response to Yoo Ah-in’s propofol scandal. “The Match”, a film starring Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in, was completed in 2021 and was originally slated for release on Netflix in 2024. However, once Yoo Ah-in came under investigation for illegal drug use, Netflix acted swiftly by indefinitely postponing its release.
Notably, Netflix didn’t stop at simply delaying the film. It exerted considerable pressure on the film’s initial distributor, Acemaker Movieworks, pushing them to the brink of contract termination. Ultimately, the distribution rights were transferred to By4M Studio, and the release strategy shifted from streaming to a theatrical premiere. The film is now set to hit cinemas on March 26.
Netflix also took drastic measures with “Goodbye Earth”, a 12-episode drama that originally featured Yoo Ah-in in a leading role. In response to the scandal, the platform significantly reduced his screen time, although the series still struggled critically and commercially upon release. Furthermore, in the case of “Hellbound”, Yoo Ah-in was widely praised for his portrayal of Chairman Jung Jin-soo in Season 1. However, after his legal troubles emerged, Netflix replaced him with actor Kim Sung-cheol for “Hellbound” Season 2, another example of the company’s decisive approach to handling controversies.
In contrast, Disney+’s apparent reluctance to make a decision is seen as exacerbating the situation. The ongoing uncertainty has left much of the “Knock Off” cast in limbo, unable to plan their future schedules. Moreover, the absence of any formal communication from the platform has only fueled frustration within the industry.
”Knock Off” Case: How Disney+ Explained?
“Knock Off” features an ensemble cast of acclaimed actors, including Jo Bo-ah, Yoo Jae-myung, Lee Jung-eun, Kim Eui-sung, Kang Mal-geum, Kim Hye-eun, Jo Woo-jin, and Jung Man-sik. Given the prominence of these actors, industry insiders argue that delays and lack of direction could lead to significant financial and professional setbacks for those involved.
Expressing concern over the prolonged inaction, one industry insider remarked, “This is an unprecedented situation. Disney+ should take responsibility and provide a clear stance as soon as possible. The longer they drag this out, the more damage they’re causing to everyone involved.” Another source criticized Disney+’s handling of the matter, stating, “The administrative process is moving far too slowly. It reminds me of how international OTT platforms used to operate in their early days, frustratingly inefficient.”
A representative from the drama’s production team also shared their frustration but refrained from making any definitive statements, saying, “We haven’t received any updates from Disney+. At this point, there’s nothing we can say.” Meanwhile, Disney+ has maintained its silence, only offering the vague response , “Please wait for the release date.”
With “Knock Off” hanging in limbo and no official word from Disney+, the uncertainty is taking a toll on the production team, actors, and sponsors. Industry experts warn that further delays or indecision could cause lasting damage, not only to those involved in the drama but also to Disney+’s credibility in the Korean entertainment market. As the controversy drags on, many are left wondering: will Disney+ finally take action, or will its inaction set a troubling precedent for future projects?
