The storm surrounding Kim Soo Hyun is only getting bigger—and now, it's taking down his highly anticipated projects with it.

On March 21, Disney+ dropped a bombshell: its original K-drama Knock Off, which had wrapped up filming and was scheduled for release this year, is being shelved indefinitely. With a jaw-dropping production budget of 60 billion KRW (roughly $45 million USD), Knock Off was set to be a game-changer for K-dramas globally. Season 2 was already in production. But now? Everything is on pause.

A Disney+ rep told Herald POP, “After careful deliberation, we have decided to postpone the release of Knock Off.” Translation: the controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun has reached a boiling point, and even major studios are tapping the brakes.

The actor is currently under intense public scrutiny after allegations resurfaced that he had a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron starting when she was a minor. While his agency, Gold Medalist, originally denied the claims, they later revised their statement, admitting the two dated between summer 2019 and fall 2020—after she had legally become an adult. But the damage was already done.

Instead of cooling the fire, the agency’s statement only intensified the backlash. Major brands swiftly pulled the plug on endorsement deals. Prada, Shinhan Bank, Tous Les Jours, and even shows like MBC’s Good Day began distancing themselves—editing him out, shelving projects, or canceling appearances altogether.

And yet, despite the swirling controversy, Kim Soo Hyun is still scheduled to make a public appearance—his first since the scandal erupted—at the upcoming Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival in Taiwan. The fan meeting, which will reportedly last about 40 minutes and feature 200 lottery-selected fans (all over 18), has sparked a fresh wave of backlash.

Organizers confirmed that the event is moving forward “in accordance with the contract,” despite a flurry of refund demands from ticket holders. With 50 police officers expected to be on-site for crowd control, it’s clear that the situation is being treated with heightened caution. Still, many critics argue the fan meeting is tone-deaf given the gravity of the allegations.

Meanwhile, Gold Medalist isn’t staying quiet. The agency has filed a formal legal complaint against HoverLab (YouTuber Kim Se Ui) and members of Kim Sae Ron’s family, accusing them of distributing illegally filmed materials and spreading false information.

With his hit projects postponed, endorsements lost, and a cloud of controversy hanging over his career, fans and critics alike are now watching to see what Kim Soo Hyun’s next move will be—and whether the fan meeting in Taiwan will help repair his public image, or damage it even further.

One thing’s certain: this scandal has shaken the K-drama world, and Knock Off might not be the only thing taking a fall.