Kim Soo-Hyun Gearing Up For Comeback With Shelved Knock-Off? Disney+ REACTS On Release Rumours

Actor

Kim Soo-Hyun might be making his screen comeback given how the arrest of YouTuber Kim Se-Ui of Garosero Research Institute might just turn the tide for the South Korean star. Soo-Hyun is fast making his way back to the public eye as rumours swirl of his possible return to the entertainment industry after more than a year of being embroiled in a dating controversy with late actress Kim Sae-Ron. His agency recently announced that official investigations debunked allegations against him that he was in an inappropriate relationship with Sae-Ron when she was a minor. But, many netizens still remain skeptical and major industry players such as Disney+ continue to tread carefully.

Agency debunks allegations

On May 27, Kim Soo-Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, issued a strong statement following the arrest of YouTuber Kim Se-Ui, the operator of the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab, also known as Garosero Research Institute. The agency also said Kim Se-Ui had been arrested on multiple charges including defamation, stalking-related offenses, threats and the illegal distribution of recordings.

Gold Medalist referred to Soo-Hyun's emotional press conference held last year, saying the actor had spent the past year trying to clear his name after promising publicly that he would prove the truth instead of just asking for public trust.Supporters who 'have continued to stand by me' were also thanked in the statement, which many took as a sign that the actor was gearing up to return to acting at some point.

Internet users either skeptical, or hopeful

The agency's claims were met with anything but support. Social media and online forums were full of comments wondering if the actor had really redeemed his public image. Others questioned the wording of the statement itself, asking what exactly had been proven false. Others posted comments saying they didn't want to see the actor back on TV or film.Several netizens also accused the agency of trying to re-build public sympathy. They claimed that even if some evidence had been tampered with, doubts and unanswered questions remained surrounding the controversy.

Meanwhile, some industry insiders, according to Korean media, pointed out that other Korean celebrities who were embroiled in scandal and public criticism had gone on to have successful careers after the dust settled, suggesting that Kim Soo-Hyun could do the same in time.

Disney+ refuses to go ahead with Knock-Off

As speculation mounts about Kim Soo-Hyun's future, Disney+ made it clear that it has no plans to release his high-profile drama Knock-Off anytime soon. According to Xportsnews, the series is still on the books for the time being. The OTT platform's stance remains the same, despite recent legal developments.

The drama, reportedly made with a whopping budget of some 60 billion KRW, is about a man whose life changes dramatically after the Asian financial crisis of 1997, leading him into the world of counterfeit luxury goods.The scale of the project and the casting of Kim Soo-Hyun grabbed attention when the project went on floors. But plans for the drama's promotional activities and release were stalled after the actor got caught up in the massive dating scandal. Kim Se Ui's arrest has brought back focus on Kim Soo-Hyun, but Disney+ doesn't seem to be in a hurry to make any decisions.