Industry insiders are now speculating that Disney+ could pursue a breach of contract lawsuit against Kim Soo Hyun amid allegations of an underage relationship.
A Promising Comeback Marred by Controversy
Kim Soo Hyun, fresh from his acclaimed role in Queen of Tears, is set to return to television with the Disney+ series Knock-Off. The series, a black comedy set during the Asian financial crisis and co-starring Jo Bo Ah, recently wrapped filming for Season 1, with Season 2 already in production. The debut of the first season was initially slated for the first half of 2025.
However, the actor’s comeback is now clouded by allegations concerning his past relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron—claims that suggest she was underage at the time—and accusations that his agency pressured her over debt repayment. These allegations have ignited a firestorm of speculation, with many wondering if the scandal could derail both his career and the series.
Financial Stakes and Production Woes
The stakes for Knock-Off are high. Reports from AllKpop and Koreaboo indicate that the series boasts an estimated production budget of 60 billion KRW (around 41 million USD). Moreover, Kim Soo Hyun’s per-episode fee is believed to range between 500 million to 800 million KRW, totaling over 5 billion KRW for the eight-part season. Amid these significant investments, production delays have surfaced as further evidence emerges—particularly from the YouTube channel HOVERLAB (Garosero), which has been circulating previously unseen photos and documents supporting the dating allegations.
Potential Breach of Contract and Legal Fallout
Industry experts are now discussing the possibility that Disney+ could sue Kim Soo Hyun for violating the “morality clause” in his contract. Given Disney+’s status as a global OTT powerhouse, insiders argue that if the scandal is deemed to have caused financial harm or tarnished the brand’s image, the streaming service might seek legal redress. One insider noted, “Much like Netflix did with Kevin Spacey after his misconduct allegations, Disney+ could decide that the damage warrants a breach of contract lawsuit. Kim Soo Hyun’s next moves will be critical.”
Echoes of Past Entertainment Scandals
The current controversy around Kim Soo Hyun has drawn comparisons to high-profile cases in the entertainment industry. Observers recall Netflix’s legal actions against Kevin Spacey following his sexual misconduct allegations in 2018, which eventually led to Spacey’s removal from House of Cards and a significant financial settlement. Additionally, the scandal has already cost Kim Soo Hyun dearly, with Prada reportedly dropping him from his ambassador role.
What Lies Ahead
As the controversy deepens, the future of Knock-Off remains uncertain. With production delays and mounting legal threats, both Kim Soo Hyun and the series face an uphill battle in salvaging what was once a highly anticipated comeback. For now, the industry and viewers alike must wait to see how Disney+ will navigate the fallout of this emerging scandal.
