Latest news with #KnockOff
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Amid Kim Soo Hyun backlash, a look at 7 Korean actors who bounced back from controversies
Popular South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun's recent controversy involving the late Bloodhounds star Kim Sae Ron rocked the nation and the entertainment industry. Given the Queen of Tears actor's decade-long career and massive popularity, the news spread like wildfire, making global headlines and forcing a sudden halt on his upcoming Disney+ K-drama Knock Off, billed as the next big swing of his career. With South Korea's big cancel culture, celebs who get caught in serious scandals often struggle, sometimes permanently, to claw their way back into the spotlight, regardless of how murky or mild the accusations may be. In Soo Hyun's case, he is accused of dating a minor. While we don't yet know how things will pan out for him, he's not the first to land in hot water. Several stars before him have faced backlash, but managed to find their way back into the spotlight. Also read: Squid Game season 3 trailer: Fans say, 'our mental health isn't ready' as Netflix teases twisted games, traitors, and a tortured Gi Hun Avid Korean entertainment lovers would remember Shi Ho, whose soaring career, marked by early 2000s hits like Queen of Reversals, The Princess' Man, and Cheongdamdong Alice, making him South Korea's top star, was ruined over a false sexual assault scandal. In 2013, he was set to venture into cinema with Confession of Murder, but before that, a trainee dragged him to court for forcing her into sexual intercourse. Shi Ho counter-sued, saying he never had bad intentions and everything was consensual. At the time, many came out in support of Shi Ho, even the restaurant owner who witnessed the incident, along with friends and colleagues. Due to the lack of evidence, Shi Ho was let go, and the girl suddenly withdrew her lawsuit. But Shi Ho then struggled to make a comeback, contracts were stalled, ads were taken down, and fans turned against him. He took a break and did nothing from 2013 to 2016. Then in 2017, he made a successful comeback with My Golden Life, starring Shin Hye Sun. Shi Ho is still active in the industry, though not as much as before. Also read: Ex-BIGBANG's T.O.P admits past mistakes for first time through 'failed drug addict' character: 'I can finally move on with my life' Back then, no one imagined that Lee Byung Hun, now a Korean A-lister with global fame thanks to Squid Game, would bounce back from not one but two major scandals. In 2009, his ex-girlfriend Kwon Mi-yeon accused him of cheating, manipulating her into quitting her career for marriage, and even hinted at his involvement in shady dealings in the U.S. She later dropped the lawsuit, and Lee walked free. But trouble found him again in 2014 when he was accused of having an affair with model Lee Ji Yeon and Glam's Da Hee, while his wife was pregnant. Lee publicly apologised and took a break. Then in 2018, he made a full-blown comeback with Mr. Sunshine. Popular actor Song Hye Kyo became a global phenomenon way before the Hallyu wave struck the world with global OTT platforms, so her involvement in a tax evasion scandal in 2014 became a huge issue. Song was accused of evading around 2.5 billion won in taxes over three years, and the actor ended up blaming her accountant for the confusion. She later issued a public apology on camera. Song bounced back into the spotlight faster than anyone else, thanks to her career's biggest hit, Descendants of the Sun. She was able to build back her reputation, and soon after, she got married to her co-star Song Joong Ki, which further boosted her popularity. The now ex-couple was called the power couple of South Korea. Song Joong Ki's personal life has always remained under scrutiny ever since he married Song Hye Kyo in 2017. Within just two years, he was accused of secretly filing for divorce, while his then-wife claimed she found out about it on TV. The official reason was given as 'differences in personality,' but rumours suggested infidelity on his part. He disappeared from the limelight for a while and then returned with successful projects like Vincenzo. In 2023, after he got married to British actor Katy, he sparked another round of controversy with his 'men have it harder in the industry' comment, saying that 'being a father, being a husband' can cost you jobs in entertainment. Throughout his career, he's been tangled in dating controversies too, but never actually got cancelled and kept bagging lead roles. That is, until recently, his comebacks like Bogotá, Loh Kiwan, etc., have started pulling in mixed to flat-out cold responses. After going big with slice-of-life comfort K-dramas like Start-Up and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Kim Seon Ho faced major backlash in 2021 after he was accused of abortion coercion by a former alleged girlfriend. At the time, he had a long list of ad deals and contracts lined up, but sponsors quickly pulled back, and he started losing everything to the controversy. His silence didn't help either and led to him dropping out of major projects. It was only after Dispatch's investigative reporting that the truth came out, suggesting the actor didn't force his ex, and Seon Ho bounced back into the limelight. He's now leading several shows and has landed some major nominations. It's Okay to Not Be Okay actor Seo Ye Ji was accused of manipulating and controlling her ex-boyfriend, faking her background, school bullying, staff abuse, etc. The actor was cancelled hard but still tried to make her way back with Eve in 2022. While the response in South Korea was mixed, Netflix numbers showed global audiences were still in. More recently, she got dragged into the Kim Soo Hyun mess for being from the same agency, Gold Medalist. But this time, she stood her ground and has now announced her next project, First of Humans. The biggest example of Korean cancel culture not touching stardom is probably BIGBANG's G-Dragon. While most of BIGBANG's members, including T.O.P, wrecked their careers with drug scandals, G-Dragon, embroiled in a marijuana case back in 2011, still stands as one of the most influential K-pop icons to this day. In 2022, he cleared his name and dropped a comeback album like nothing ever happened.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kim Soo Hyun's hit drama My Love from the Star airs in Brazil despite Kim Sae Ron controversy. Is his comeback on the horizon?
Kim Soo Hyun's iconic drama My Love from the Star is officially making its debut in Brazil today (June 2), marking its first broadcast in South America 11 years after it originally aired in Korea. The move is being seen not just as a nostalgic rewatch, but as a sign that the drama's enduring popularity is being recognised for its cultural value, separate from current celebrity controversies. The development comes as a rare win for Kim Soo Hyun, who has recently faced global backlash and boycott calls following resurfaced allegations about his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. He has been accused of dating her when she was underage—claims he has denied—clarifying instead that they were briefly involved only after she reached the legal age of consent. SBT launches a dedicated K-drama time slot for My Love from the Star. According to K-media outlet BNT News, Brazil's largest private broadcaster, SBT, announced that it will air the hit K-drama at 4:45 p.m. local time. This broadcast marks the start of its new 'Asian Production Line' programming block, created in response to the rising demand for Korean and Asian content in Brazil. SBT explained the choice by saying, 'The demand for Korean popular culture content in Brazil is increasing explosively.' My Love from the Star broke ratings history First aired in Korea from December 2013 to February 2014, My Love from the Star tells the story of Do Min Jun, an alien who crash-landed on Earth during the Joseon Dynasty, and his relationship with top star Cheon Song Yi, played by actress Jun Ji Hyun. The 21-episode fantasy rom-com became a massive hit in Korea, starting at 15.6% viewership and climbing to a high of 28.1%, averaging an impressive 24.3%. After the global Hallyu wave took the world by storm, the drama was recognised as one of the cult classics, cementing Kim Soo Hyun's position as one of the top drama stars. Is Kim Soo Hyun ready for his big comeback? With renewed global attention on his most famous work, fans are speculating whether this could signal a comeback for Kim Soo Hyun. Despite recent controversy involving Kim Sae Ron, many supporters continue to stand by him, separating his acting legacy from personal matters. His longtime followers and fan club have been organising events in his support, sending strong messages, and defending his legacy, even as the actor faces boycotts from all corners in South Korea. Uncertainty still surrounds Disney+ drama 'Knock Off' While My Love from the Star is enjoying a resurgence, the status of Kim Soo Hyun's new Disney+ project Knock Off remains unclear. No release date or official update has been confirmed, leaving fans waiting to see what direction his career takes next.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kim Sae Ron's haunting final message hinting at suicidal thoughts goes viral amid Kim Soo Hyun dating scandal: 'If I die, please…'
A private note believed to be the last message from late actress Kim Sae Ron has gone viral online, drawing fresh attention as controversy grows around actor Kim Soo Hyun. The renewed interest follows allegations that the actor was involved in a relationship with Kim when she was just 15 years old. Kim Soo Hyun's team has strongly denied any claims of underage dating, stating the relationship began only after Kim Sae Ron reached adulthood. However, her family insists the two had been romantically involved for years before she turned 18, prompting heated online discussions. Kim Sae Ron's heartbreaking message resurfaces Kim Sae Ron's message, reportedly posted on her private social media in September—five months before her death—has resurfaced following this dispute. According to The Korea Times, the note hinted at suicidal thoughts and unresolved pain. 'If I die, please capture this and share it,' she wrote, followed by a list of people who had supported her. 'They are the ones who saved me.' She also called out those who abandoned her during her lowest point, writing, 'To the ones who left me when I was struggling the most, I hope you reflect on everything you received from me.' Referring to her 2022 drunk driving controversy, she added, 'The breathalyzer showed 0, the blood test showed a high level but that was from the day before... I compensated for all the damages anyway. At least now, I won't be in pain anymore.' Signs of repeated self-harm raised red flags before her death Earlier, Dispatch reported that an eyewitness, Kim Sae Ron's neighbour, had noticed multiple marks on Kim Sae Ron's hands and body that appeared consistent with repeated self-harm. The source claimed the scars were visible and expressed concern for her well-being at the time. Kim Soo Hyun denies underage allegations Kim Soo Hyun has spoken out to firmly deny claims that he dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. At a press conference held in March, the actor got emotional as he clarified that their relationship began only after Kim Sae Ton reached adulthood. 'I did not date her when she was a minor,' he said, also denying any connection to the reasons behind her tragic passing. His agency, Gold Medalist, also hit back against rumours that he lent Kim Sae Ron money or pressured her to repay debts. They stated that any financial matters were between her and the company, not Kim personally. Amid the controversy, the actor has lost some endorsement deals and is pursuing legal action against those spreading false claims. Meanwhile, his return to acting also remains uncertain, as Disney+ has indefinitely postponed the release of his much-anticipated drama, Knock Off. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Disney+ Korea unveils strategy for latter half of 2025
Release schedule for Disney+ tentpole project 'Knock Off' starring Kim Soo-hyun still undecided Disney+ Korea on Friday outlined its strategic vision and announced a highly anticipated slate of original series for the second half of the year, spotlighting the return of major Korean stars including Kang Dong-won and Jun Ji-hyun. According to Choi Yeon-u, director of local content at Walt Disney Company Korea, the forward-looking strategy of Disney+ centers on four key pillars: 'tentpole,' 'curated selection,' 'franchise series,' and 'new opportunities.' 'Tentpole' refers to the streamer's commitment to developing large-scale content backed by compelling narratives and participation from top-tier actors and production staff. 'Curated selection' encompasses a diverse portfolio of content that can complement tentpole content, while "franchise series' signals an effort to develop Korean content with global franchise potential and expand the universe within the fictional world. Finally, 'new opportunities' highlights the platform's push to expand experimental content in new formats that reflect changing viewer consumption patterns. In addition to outlining its strategic direction, Disney+ announced its 2025 content lineup for the latter half of the year, including 'Tempest,' starring Kang Dong-won and Jun Ji-hyun; 'Made In Korea,' starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung; 'Low Life,' starring Ryu Seung-ryong; 'The Murky Stream,' starring Ro-woon and Shin Ye-eun and 'The Manipulated,' starring Ji Chang-wuk. The platform also confirmed the upcoming broadcast of two projects in 2026: 'Dazzlement' (translated), a highly anticipated drama adaptation of a popular webtoon of the same name starring Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho, as well as a new variety show, 'Destiny Wars 49' (translated), in which 49 contestants compete for survival. Casting and directorial details for 'Destiny Wars 49' have not yet been disclosed. Following Choi's remarks, two key producers behind Disney+ Korean originals were introduced. Kim Won-kuk, the head of Hive Media Corp, the production company behind 'Made In Korea,' and You Jung-hoon, the head of Merry Christmas, which is producing the second season of 'A Shop for Killers,' shared their perspectives on the evolving content landscape. Yoo emphasized creating content with the potential to be expanded upon. "When designing content, I believe we need to start by thinking about the universe it exists in. … Korean creators need to focus on this aspect and craft stories that are scalable. That's the way to truly communicate with the world," said Yoo, during a press event held at The Walt Disney Company Korea's headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Friday. "I believe we should prioritize content with the potential to evolve into series and spin-offs. It's important to focus on the world-building elements and explore how these universes can be expanded. We also need to closely track viewer consumption habits and adapt to their changing lifestyles," he added. Yoo also characterized shifts in content consumption as driven by fast consumers and on-demand viewing, explaining, 'Streaming platforms effectively fulfill the demand for on-demand access. Even during the planning phase, creators need to move beyond traditional storytelling methods and focus on preserving tension and pacing that resonates with streaming platform audiences.' Choi was also asked about Disney+'s release schedule for 'Knock Off.' The tentpole project was initially slated for release earlier this year but postponed following controversy surrounding its main lead, Kim Soo-hyun. Regarding the exclusion of 'Knock Off' from the second-half lineup, Choi said 'Disney+ has officially decided to postpone its (release) plans after careful consideration. It is difficult to provide any further comment at this time.'
Korea Herald
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Dear Hongrang' explores mystery, sibling romance, trauma
Series stars Lee Jae-wuk, Cho Bo-ah discuss the historical drama, say series is a layered ensemble of characters driven by sorrow Netflix Korea's latest original series, "Dear Hongrang" explores the provocative concept of romance between siblings, setting the stage for a historical drama woven with mystery and psychological trauma. Set in the Joseon period, "Dear Hongrang" centers on Jae-yi (Cho Bo-ah), who grows suspicious when her younger brother, Hongrang (Lee Jae-wuk), reappears after a 12-year disappearance. As Hongrang struggles with amnesia regarding his childhood, he begins to develop a romantic connection with Jae-yi. The series unfolds as a cascade of revelations peels back layers of long-buried secrets. Lee Jae-wuk, who leads the drama as the enigmatic Hongrang, reflected on the emotional demands of his character during a recent group interview held in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. 'I still tear up when thinking about Hongrang,' said Lee. 'He's such a tragic character who grew up in a harsh environment. I regret that I couldn't portray him perfectly. I often find myself thinking about him -- Hongrang still holds a place in my heart.' 'To be honest, I don't think I was able to express even 10 percent of this character's pain. After we wrapped filming, I kept asking myself every night, 'Did I do a good job?' It was really upsetting at times.' Lee also revealed the intentional focus of his performance: that no matter how cold or conflicted Hongrang appeared, his attention always returned to Jae-yi. 'At the end of Hongrang's gaze, there always had to be Jae-yi. He felt compassion for her, and it seemed like, subconsciously, he needed her to be there. So even when he acted harshly and pushed her away, I tried to make sure his eyes were always on Jae-yi,' said Lee. Cho Bo-ah, who portrays Jae-yi, the emotionally complex anchor of the story, described the series as a layered ensemble of characters driven by sorrow rather than malice. "Each one carries their own sense of sorrow. There's no clear villain -- every character has their own backstory and their motivations are convincing. Through them, the series captures various forms of desire and greed," said Cho. Rather than playing Jae-yi as a conventional period drama heroine, Cho leaned into the emotional vulnerability at the core of her character. 'Rather than portraying Jae-yi as a strong, assertive and independent character, I approached her more through emotion -- through the sorrow she carries. She grew up without receiving love from her parents and lost her younger brother, Hongrang, the only person she considered family. I tried hard to understand the pain she's endured since childhood.' She continued, 'I do think Jae-yi might come across as somewhat passive. Still, I believe she carried each moment of the story in her own way, with sincerity and effort.' Cho also addressed the indefinite postponement of her high-profile Disney+ project "Knock Off," a series reportedly budgeted at 60 billion won ($43 million), which was shelved due to controversy surrounding co-star Kim Soo-hyun. "I'd prefer to hold back on this, as my words might hurt someone," she said carefully. "It's a project we all worked hard on together for a long time, pouring a lot of love into it. I believe that someday, people will recognize our efforts and it will lead to good results." All 11 episodes of "Dear Hongrang" are now streaming on Netflix.
