As controversy surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun continues to escalate, more brands and projects are severing ties, with Disney+'s much-anticipated drama Knock Off becoming the latest casualty.

On March 21, a representative for Disney+'s Knock Off confirmed to Herald POP, "After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone the release of Knock Off."

Starring Kim Soo-hyun, Knock Off had already completed filming for its first season and was initially slated for release in the first half of this year. The project garnered high expectations, boasting a production budget of 60 billion KRW (approximately $45 million). Filming for Season 2 had also commenced, but with Kim Soo-hyun's recent personal scandal dominating headlines, the platform has chosen to put the release on hold.

Kim Soo-hyun has come under fire after allegations surfaced claiming he was in a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron from the time she was a minor, maintaining a relationship for six years. Last year, when dating rumors first emerged, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, denied them. However, following recent claims made by Kim Sae-ron's family, the agency reversed its stance, stating, "Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after she became an adult."

Despite the clarification, public sentiment remained skeptical, further fueling backlash. In the wake of grooming allegations, brands began cutting ties with Kim Soo-hyun, including companies he modeled for and luxury brands where he served as ambassador. Additionally, MBC's variety program Good Day announced plans to edit out Kim's segments and went on hiatus to restructure the show.

With the actor remaining silent amid the mounting fallout, the ripple effects have now reached his upcoming drama Knock Off. The decision to postpone its release marks yet another blow to Kim Soo-hyun's career trajectory as public opinion continues to sour.

Meanwhile, on March 20, Kim Soo-hyun's legal team announced they had filed criminal complaints against YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute's operator Kim Se-ui, along with the late Kim Sae-ron's family members and a person claiming to be her aunt. The charges include violations under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (distribution of images taken using cameras, etc.), in connection to the recent release of private photos of Kim Soo-hyun.

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