The Knock-Off (Korean title: 넉오프) is one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of the year — bringing together two familiar faces from acclaimed projects in a gritty crime story that promises sharp tension, character complexity, and dramatic stakes.
What The Knock Off Is About.
The Knock-Off is a black comedy crime drama that explores the rise of a man from an ordinary life into the shadowy world of counterfeit goods following an economic crisis.
The series centers on:
- Kim Seong-jun (played by Kim Soo-hyun) — a regular office worker whose life is turned upside down by the 1997 Asian financial crisis. As he navigates a harsh economy, he becomes deeply involved in the counterfeiting market, ultimately rising to become a key figure within it.
- Song Hye-jeong (played by Jo Bo-ah) — Seong-jun’s former girlfriend, now a special judicial police officer tasked with cracking down on illegal counterfeits, which puts them on opposite sides of the law and adds emotional tension to the story.
Both leads are driven by ambition, survival, and conflicting values that spark personal tension and narrative depth.
Main Cast
- Kim Soo-hyun as Kim Seong-jun — the male lead whose life changes after the IMF crisis.
- Jo Bo-ah as Song Hye-jeong — the lead female role, a judicial police officer and Seong-jun’s ex-girlfriend.
Jo Bo-ah is known for her role in Tale of the Nine-Tailed (Season 1), where she played the female protagonist alongside Lee Dong-wook and others in the supernatural fantasy series.
Genre and Tone
The Knock-Off blends:
- Crime drama — exploring criminal networks and underground economies.
- Black comedy elements — adding dark humor to the otherwise intense narrative.
- Personal conflict and character drama — focusing on the complicated relationship between former lovers on opposite sides of legality.
This mix sets it apart from typical procedural or action dramas by combining emotional storytelling with social commentary.
Release Details
- Network: Disney+ (original)
- Original planned release: early 2025
- Current status: Postponed indefinitely due to production issues connected to controversies involving the lead actor.
At present there is no confirmed new release date announced by Disney+ after the postponement.
Behind the Scenes
The Knock-Off is written by Han Jung-hoon, known for his work on series like Song of the Bandits and 38 Task Force, and directed by Park Hyun-seok (Stranger 2, Song of the Bandits).
This creative team has strong experience in tightly woven crime narratives, which sets high expectations for the storytelling quality.
Why Fans Are Excited
1. Kim So Hyun Returns
Kim Soo-hyun recently gained massive praise for his role in Queen of Tears, making his return to leading roles highly anticipated.
2. Jo Bo -Ah’s Involvement
Jo Bo-ah is well known among K-drama fans, especially for roles like her performance in Tale of the Nine-Tailed, where her on-screen presence made a strong impression.
3. Fresh Crime Storylines
Instead of romantic or historical settings, The Knock-Off ventures into a bold crime narrative with emotional and legal conflict — a genre that continues to trend globally.
Final Thoughts
Although The Knock-Off does not yet have a confirmed release date due to its current postponed status, it remains one of the most talked-about upcoming Korean dramas — especially because of its lead actors and unique premise.
Fans of Kim Soo-hyun and Jo Bo-ah, as well as viewers who enjoy high-stakes crime dramas with complex character relationships, will want to keep an eye on updates for this title.
