Jo Bo-ah Responds to ‘Knock Off’ Delay Amid Kim Soo-hyun Controversy: “My Words Could Cause Hurt”

Actress Jo Bo-ah has shared a careful and thoughtful stance regarding the postponed release of the Disney+ series Knock-Off, in which she stars alongside Kim Soo-hyun. Speaking during a media interview for her upcoming Netflix project Dear Hongrang on May 19 in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Jo Bo-ah expressed both restraint and optimism.

Originally expected to make her post-marriage acting return through Knock-Off, Jo Bo-ah ultimately re-entered the spotlight through the Netflix historical mystery melodrama Dear Hongrang after complications surrounding the series. Knock-Off’s future remains uncertain, reportedly due to controversy surrounding lead actor Kim Soo-hyun.

When asked about the halted release, Jo Bo-ah replied cautiously, “I want to be careful. My words could unintentionally hurt someone, so I prefer to stay quiet about it.” She emphasized her emotional investment in the series, adding, “It was a project we prepared with great enthusiasm for a long time. Everyone worked hard on it. I believe that one day, the efforts will be recognized and the show will have a good outcome.”

In the meantime, Jo Bo-ah is drawing attention for her performance in Dear Hongrang, which marks her official comeback following her marriage. Directed by Kim Hong-sun (The Guest, Voice) and written by Kim Jin-a (Dr. Brain), Dear Hongrang tells the story of Hong-rang, the long-lost son of Joseon’s wealthiest merchant family, who returns with no memory after 12 years only to face doubt from his half-sister, Jae-yi, played by Jo Bo-ah.

Reflecting on the project, Jo Bo-ah noted, “We filmed for about eight months, finishing around May last year. It feels different now that it’s finally being released. I was single during the shoot, but now, watching it as a married woman, it feels like a younger version of myself is on screen. So much has changed in my life since then.”

On shooting a period drama, she shared her delight and challenges, “It was fun. I realized how complex and charming the genre is. We filmed across various locations, and I wore traditional hanbok and braided hairstyles, which made it feel authentic. In the dead of winter, I remember layering up to five pairs of fleece pants to get through the cold shoots.”

Despite the delay of Knock-Off, Jo Bo-ah’s grace in addressing the situation and her dedication to her craft underscores her professionalism and growing strength as an actress.