Will Disney Even Need Kim Soo-hyun’s Knock-Off? This K-Drama’s 7-Day Reign Might Be Enough

A new Korean drama is proving that an adults-only (19+) rating is no obstacle to global success. The buzzworthy title? Disney+ original Hyper Knife, which dropped last month and has already exploded in popularity worldwide.

Just seven days after its release, Hyper Knife became the most-watched Korean title of 2025 on Disney+ globally and across the Asia-Pacific region, solidifying its status as the must-watch K-drama of the season.

Starring veteran actor Sol Kyung-gu and beloved actress Park Eun-bin, the series debuted on March 19 and shot to the #1 spot on Disney+ Korea’s TV show rankings within just two days, holding strong for two consecutive weeks. According to FlixPatrol, it remains in the top 5 across key Asian markets including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan.

The first original medical thriller from Disney+, Hyper Knife follows Jung Se-ok (Park Eun-bin), a once-genius surgeon now working in the shadows, and her intense reunion with her former mentor Choi Deok-hee (Sol Kyung-gu), the very man who led her down a dark path.

As the title suggests, Hyper Knife is all about the dual edge of the scalpel — a life-saving surgical tool that also becomes a weapon of revenge. Far from your typical “hero doctor” story, the drama dives deep into the complex psyche of its leads, unraveling themes of narcissism, self-loathing, and mirrored identities.

While rated 19+, the drama leans more on psychological tension than graphic violence, offering a gripping exploration of obsession and control.

One of the biggest draws? The powerhouse performances. Park Eun-bin, in her 29th year since debut, shatters her usual soft, kind image — fully unleashing a cold intensity. Her fierce presence is perfectly matched by Sol Kyung-gu’s controlled charisma, creating a dynamic that crackles onscreen.

Supporting cast members Yoon Chan-young and Park Byung-eun, who portray members of Se-ok’s illegal surgery team, add realism and depth with their nuanced acting. With top-tier direction, writing, and performances, the show is being praised as a high-caliber thriller.

Now past its halfway mark, only four episodes remain. The drama is ramping up the suspense, as Se-ok and Deok-hee reunite in the OR for the first time in six years, while police close in on Se-ok.

Viewers are especially on edge wondering: Will Se-ok honor Deok-hee’s final wish and operate on him? With just episodes 5 and 6 dropping today (April 2), fans can expect heightened tension and even more emotional twists as the series barrels toward its finale.

On top of its storytelling success, Hyper Knife is also playing an unexpected role: Disney+’s comeback hit. With other anticipated titles faltering — like Kim Hye-soo’s underperforming Trigger and Kim Soo-hyun’s Knock-Off delayed due to personal controversies — Hyper Knife is carrying the platform’s Korean content lineup.

In a year where the fate of Korean originals on Disney+ was uncertain, Hyper Knife has emerged as a true breakout — delivering not only a thrilling plot, but also proving the global power of K-dramas once again.