Production of Disney Plus original series Knock-Off has come to a complete halt following the ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun. The cast and crew were recently informed that filming has been suspended indefinitely, according to a report by SPOTV News on April 23rd.
This comes after the platform had already announced a delay in the series’ release, citing a need for “careful consideration” before proceeding. Despite internal discussions about resuming production, especially since filming was nearing completion with the final episode script already written, Disney Plus has now decided to temporarily shut everything down. Some actors and crew members have reportedly moved on to other projects while waiting for further updates.
Although the show’s future remains uncertain in the short term, industry insiders believe it’s unlikely Knock-Off will be permanently shelved. A final decision regarding its continuation is expected to depend heavily on the developments in the Kim Soo Hyun controversy.
Recently, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team filed a massive 12 billion won ($8.4 million) lawsuit against several parties, including YouTubers behind the controversial channel Garosero Research Institute, who have accused him of being responsible for the death of actress Kim Sae Ron.
In a separate but related incident, YouTuber Lee Jin Ho released an audio recording of Kim Sae Ron speaking with a close acquaintance prior to her passing. In his video, Lee claimed that Kim had been suffering from extreme loneliness and financial hardship, which allegedly led her to marry a man referred to as her “New York husband” despite her reluctance. He also revealed that she had been under psychiatric care, had attempted self-harm multiple times and had been hospitalized in the emergency room over 20 times.
Lee further questioned the narrative presented by Kim’s family, who have pointed to Kim Soo Hyun as the primary cause of her death. He stated that Kim had multiple relationships after Kim Soo Hyun and argued that placing the entire blame on him oversimplifies the complex circumstances she faced.
In the recording, Kim Sae Ron expressed emotional distress, saying, “My boyfriend suddenly showed me videos of shamans on YouTube saying things like I’m the bad one and that I should already be dead.” Lee claimed Kim endured severe gaslighting and conflict in her marriage, and despite efforts to maintain the relationship, she ultimately fell into despair.
As both legal and public battles unfold, the fate of Knock-Off and those involved remains in limbo, with all eyes on how this high-profile controversy will resolve.
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