One of the most talked-about anticipated K-dramas in recent years — Knock-Off — has faced a turbulent journey since it was first announced.
Originally slated to be a big-budget Disney+ crime drama, the series was expected to mark a major return for Kim Soo-hyun after his hit role in Queen of Tears. But instead of premiering, Knock-Off has been left in limbo — postponed, debated, and currently not scheduled for release. Here’s the real story behind the headlines. On February 28, The Fair News reported that the Disney + original series “Knock-Off,” starring Kim Soo Hyun and Jo Bo Ah, was in discussions to finalize its broadcast schedule with the aim of premiering in the first half of this year.
The outlet further cited industry and tinancial sources, claiming that as Disney+ recently reorganized its major content lineup for the first half of 2026, the platform was preparing to schedule the long-delayed series.
However, on March 3, Disney + refuted the claims, stating, “Reports that we are preparing to schedule ‘Knock-Off’ for release this year are not true. There are no additional updates beyond our previous statement.”
What knock off Was Supposed to Be .
Knock-Off is a K-drama crime series set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis (IMF crisis) in Korea. The story follows a man whose life is transformed as he rises from an ordinary office worker to the king of the global counterfeit market — blending drama, social commentary, and black-comedy elements.
The cast was confirmed to include:
- Kim Soo-hyun as the male lead
- Jo Bo-ah as the female co-lead
The series was filmed and completed prior to its planned release and had a production budget of around 60 billion Korean won (approximately $40 million USD).
Why Knock -Off Didn’t Premiere As Planned.
The original premiere was scheduled for April 2025 on Disney+, but the release was postponed indefinitely before it even aired. The official reason stems from a controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun’s private life related to allegations around a late actress, which caused backlash and uncertainty about the drama’s launch.
Because of this:
- Disney+ initially halted the release to avoid reputational risk.
- The series was not included in Disney+’s confirmed 2026 drama lineup.
- As of early March 2026, Disney+ has issued clear statements denying that Knock-Off is being prepared for release this year.
In their official response, Disney+ reiterated that there are “no additional updates beyond our previous position” and that the drama remains on hold indefinitely.
This leaves the future of Knock-Off uncertain — with no official cancellation announcement, but also no release plan. Rumors of reconsideration have circulated, but nothing has been confirmed.
Fan and Industry Reaction
The postponement sparked mixed reactions:
- Some fans hoped the project would be shelved out of respect for the controversy and to protect Disney+’s brand image.
- Others were disappointed, both for Kim Soo-hyun and for Jo Bo-ah, who had completed shooting and were preparing for the drama’s release.
- Online discussions remain active, with fans debating whether Knock-Off will ever be released, delayed indefinitely, or quietly canceled.
The situation has had ripple effects on Kim Soo-hyun’s career, with several appearances and events affected by public sentiment.
What Fans Should Know
Here’s the clear takeaway:
- Knock-Off was postponed indefinitely before its release.
- Disney+ has denied recent rumors that it will air in 2026.
- There is currently no official cancellation statement, but the project remains on hold with no scheduled premiere date.
- Public perception and controversies surrounding the cast have played a significant role in the delay.
At this point, the drama’s fate — whether it ever reaches screens or remains shelved — has not been officially decided by the studio.
Final Thoughts
Knock-Off began as one of the most anticipated dramas starring one of Korea’s top actors, but its journey has been anything but smooth. While fans still hold out hope that it might eventually air, the most recent statements from Disney+ confirm that, for now, the drama is effectively canceled or indefinitely delayed — a rare example of how off-screen controversies can dramatically impact high-profile productions.
