Will Kim Soo-hyun's First OTT Series 'Knock Off' Be a Hit? [Disney Showcase Recap]

Korean Wave superstar Kim Soo-hyun, known for his unbroken success in dramas, is set to showcase his talents on Disney+ with his first OTT series, 'Knock Off' (넉오프), alongside actress Jo Bo-ah. The chemistry between the two has generated significant anticipation.

On the afternoon of the 21st (local time), The Walt Disney Company held the 'Disney Content Showcase - APAC 2024' at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The event featured a press conference for original content from the Asia-Pacific region, where the production teams and main cast of Disney+ Korea originals such as 'Trigger', 'Fine', 'Hyperknife', 'Knock Off', and 'Nine Puzzle' shared insights about their projects.

Among these, 'Knock Off' stands out as a highly anticipated title. This new project marks Kim Soo-hyun's return to the screen after his acclaimed role in 'The Queen of Tears' (눈물의 여왕), and it features Jo Bo-ah, who has been actively working since her marriage, as his co-star. Directed by Park Hyun-seok, the series is expected to be a major draw.

The plot of 'Knock Off' revolves around a man who falls into the illegal underbelly of Korea following the IMF crisis. Kim Soo-hyun plays Kim Sung-jun, a diligent worker who inadvertently becomes involved in the counterfeit goods industry due to his father's business dealings. Initially skeptical, he transforms into the king of counterfeits, while Jo Bo-ah portrays Song Ye-jung, a public servant tasked with cracking down on these counterfeit operations.

During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun expressed his excitement about the diverse and captivating characters in 'Knock Off', stating, "I wanted to show how my character, Kim Sung-jun, survives and evolves through various crises."

Jo Bo-ah described her character, Song Ye-jung, as Kim Sung-jun's first love, who finds herself in an adversarial relationship with him as she works to enforce laws against counterfeit goods.

Director Park Hyun-seok noted that the series is set against the backdrop of the 1997 financial crisis, emphasizing the effort put into recreating the era through set design and props. He aims for the actors to convey the emotions tied to significant events from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, creating a reflective piece that resonates with both the past and present.

Kim Soo-hyun recalled a memorable scene where his character transitions from a company employee to a street vendor, selling counterfeit goods for the first time. He also hinted at the father-son dynamic he shares with veteran actor Yoo Jae-myung, promising a delightful chemistry.

Both actors shared their experiences working with Disney+. Kim Soo-hyun remarked, "This is my first project with Disney+, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful showcase and enjoy my time in Singapore." Jo Bo-ah added, "Since our story encompasses modern Korean history from the 1990s to the 2000s, I feel honored to present our fairy-tale-like project on Disney+. I hope for lots of love and support."

In the Q&A session, Kim Soo-hyun mentioned his approach to the role, stating, "I aimed to express emotions as they came, without holding back. Jo Bo-ah also emphasized the importance of preparation, particularly in understanding the historical context of the drama.

Having received praise for his romantic role in 'The Queen of Tears', Kim Soo-hyun clarified the differences in his current character, noting that while his previous role was warm and sweet, Kim Sung-jun is cold and pragmatic, focused solely on survival.

Jo Bo-ah shared her initial attraction to the script, highlighting the nostalgic elements of the 1990s and 2000s that resonated with her. Kim Soo-hyun echoed this sentiment, finding the character's journey from an ordinary employee to a global counterfeit king intriguing.

Director Park Hyun-seok humorously remarked on the casting process, expressing gratitude for the actors' choices to join the project. He also addressed the physical demands of filming, with Kim Soo-hyun sharing his love for food and recent culinary experiences in Singapore, while Jo Bo-ah emphasized the importance of rest during their busy schedules.

As anticipation builds for their on-screen chemistry, Kim Soo-hyun praised Jo Bo-ah's supportive nature, stating, "She has a warm personality that makes it easy to collaborate. The atmosphere on set is very friendly, and we enjoy discussing various topics beyond the script."

Jo Bo-ah reciprocated the compliment, expressing her appreciation for Kim Soo-hyun's ability to create an immersive environment during their scenes together. She noted that while they haven't filmed extensively together yet, she looks forward to developing their chemistry further.

Director Park Hyun-seok assured that the unique dynamic between the two leads would set 'Knock Off' apart from other dramas, promising an exciting chemistry.

As the showcase concluded, Kim Soo-hyun expressed his happiness about collaborating with Disney+ and participating in the event in Singapore, while Jo Bo-ah thanked attendees for their support and encouraged them to look forward to 'Knock Off', set to air in 2025.

The 'Disney Showcase', held over two days at Marina Bay Sands, allowed around 500 journalists, influencers, and Disney partners from 12 Asia-Pacific countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia, to preview upcoming Disney projects.