Kim Soo Hyun’s upcoming project faces uncertainty amid controversy.

Actor Kim Soo Hyun finds himself at the center of a growing controversy, putting his upcoming drama ‘Knock-Off’ and numerous brand endorsements at risk. The scandal, fueled by allegations from the late Kim Sae Ron’s family, has cast a shadow over his career, with the public sentiment rapidly shifting against him.

On March 10th KST, YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute claimed that Kim Sae Ron’s family alleged she had been in a six-year relationship with Kim Soo Hyun since she was a minor. The channel further accused Kim Soo Hyun of involvement in issues surrounding her agency transfer, financial disputes over her DUI accident (₩700 million), and other controversies.

As the scandal gains traction, even those who initially tried to remain neutral are turning away from Kim Soo Hyun. This negative sentiment has already started impacting his career, with Disney+’s ‘Knock-Off’—his much-anticipated drama—and his endorsements with over ten brands facing growing scrutiny. Some netizens have begun lodging complaints with these brands, even calling for a boycott of products associated with him.

‘Knock-Off,’ a high-budget production, is a black comedy about a man whose life is upended by the IMF crisis and who rises from an ordinary office worker to the kingpin of the global counterfeit market. Kim Soo Hyun plays the protagonist, Kim Sung Joon, a man who, after losing his job due to the financial crisis, infiltrates the counterfeit industry and ultimately becomes the mastermind behind the infamous Saemmul Market. With his sharp intellect, adaptability, and unrelenting ambition, he transforms into the supreme leader of the global counterfeit empire.

Simply put, ‘Knock-Off’ is a project built around Kim Soo Hyun. The drama relies heavily on his presence and star power, making the current controversy an even bigger liability.

With Season 1 scheduled for release in April, the production team had planned an official press conference around mid-April. However, with the scandal escalating, they now face the daunting challenge of either resolving the “Kim Soo Hyun risk” within the next month or dealing with potential fallout during promotions.

For now, the ‘Knock-Off’ team is pushing ahead, focusing on wrapping up Season 2 without making an official statement on Kim Soo Hyun’s controversy. Given that production is nearing completion, recasting the lead is not an option. Reports from social media also confirm that Kim Soo Hyun has been seen filming on set.

However, the storm surrounding the actor shows no signs of dying down. All eyes are now on Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, wondering whether he will personally break his silence or if his agency will continue to stick to its “false accusations, legal action” stance without offering further clarification.

What was supposed to be Kim Soo Hyun’s grand return with a major lead role has now turned into a potential career crisis—brought on by none other than Kim Soo Hyun himself.

SEE ALSO: Kim Soo Hyun’s agency stands firm against new allegations in Kim Sae Ron controversy