Knock-Off (2025)

Director: Park Hyun-seok
Writer: Han Jung-hoon
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jo Bo-ah, Yoo Jae-myung, Kim Eui-sung, Bang Hyo-rin, Kwon Nara, Park Se-wan
Platform: Disney+
Episodes: 12
Genre: Black Comedy, Crime Drama

Introduction

Knock-Off (2025) plunges viewers into the shadowy, morally ambiguous world of counterfeit goods in post-crisis South Korea. Set in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, this gripping black comedy crime drama blends suspense, sharp wit, and complex character dynamics to examine the cost of survival when ambition crosses ethical boundaries.

Plot Overview

Kim Soo-hyun stars as Kim Seong-jun, an ordinary office worker whose life is upended by the devastating 1997 financial crisis. Stripped of his stable job, Seong-jun reinvents himself as the cunning vice president of Saemmul Market — a sprawling, chaotic hub for counterfeit luxury goods. With an incisive mind and unrelenting drive, he swiftly climbs the ranks, eventually dominating not only Korea’s underground economy but also influencing the global counterfeit trade.

However, his past resurfaces in the form of Song Hye-jeong (Jo Bo-ah), his former lover and now a special judicial police officer assigned to dismantle Saemmul Market’s empire. Their reunion ignites a tense, intricate game of cat and mouse, where blurred lines between justice and loyalty complicate every move.

Performances

Kim Soo-hyun delivers a captivating performance, skillfully portraying Seong-jun’s transformation from a desperate man to a formidable underworld figure. His portrayal balances charm, intelligence, and ruthlessness, making the character both compelling and morally complex.

Jo Bo-ah shines as Song Hye-jeong, embodying a determined and principled law enforcer whose personal history adds emotional depth to her pursuit. The chemistry and tension between the leads fuel the series’ dramatic core.

Supporting actors Yoo Jae-myung, Kim Eui-sung, Bang Hyo-rin, Kwon Nara, and Park Se-wan bring strong performances that enrich the story, portraying a diverse cast of characters caught in the morally gray marketplace.

Direction and Writing

Director Park Hyun-seok, known for The Princess’ Man and Song of the Bandits, brings a sleek and stylish approach to Knock-Off, deftly blending elements of dark comedy and crime thriller. His direction maintains a tense atmosphere while highlighting the absurdity and irony embedded in the counterfeit trade.

Han Jung-hoon’s writing stands out for its sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and well-rounded characters. The script successfully navigates complex themes such as corruption, loyalty, and the pursuit of identity amid chaos, all while maintaining a brisk narrative pace.

Cinematography and Production Design

The series boasts polished cinematography that captures the vibrant yet gritty essence of Saemmul Market and the broader counterfeit economy. Contrasting neon-lit market stalls with shadowy backrooms, the visuals underscore the duality of this underground world.

Production design excels in recreating a post-crisis South Korea, using detailed set pieces and costumes to authentically convey the socio-economic atmosphere and cultural tensions of the era.

Themes and Impact

Knock-Off explores the precarious balance between survival and moral compromise, where every choice involves a trade-off between truth and illusion. It challenges viewers to reconsider notions of right and wrong in a world where the value of authenticity is constantly questioned.

The series also probes themes of love and betrayal, highlighting the personal costs of ambition and the blurred boundaries between enemy and ally, especially when past relationships complicate present conflicts.

Conclusion

Knock-Off (2025) is a stylish, suspenseful crime drama that shines a light on South Korea’s counterfeit underworld with intelligence and emotional depth. Anchored by powerful performances and sharp writing, it offers a fresh perspective on the human stories behind economic collapse and underground resilience.

For fans of dark comedies and crime thrillers with a socio-political edge, Knock-Off promises an intense and thought-provoking 12-episode journey into a marketplace built on deception, where the greatest danger lies not in the fake goods—but in the people pretending to be something they’re not.