Kim Soo Hyun officially resumes activities a year after late Kim Sae Ron controversy

Actor Kim Soo Hyun officially resumes his activities after one year and four months.

On July 14, his agency GOLDMEDALIST stated, "Kim Soo Hyun is currently filming a commercial video and photoshoot for the Philippine fashion brand BENCH."

This marks Kim Soo Hyun's first official schedule in about one year and four months since the controversy surrounding the late actress Kim Sae Ron in March of last year. Having halted his activities during that time, he has now begun taking steps toward his return, with this advertising shoot serving as the starting point of his official comeback.

Earlier, Kim Soo Hyun became embroiled in allegations that he had been in a relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor. However, his agency has consistently denied the claims, stating that "he only dated after Kim Sae Ron had reached adulthood."

Kim Soo Hyun subsequently filed a criminal complaint against Kim Se Ui, the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute (HoverLab), accusing him of defamation through the public dissemination of false information, among other charges, over the allegations.

However, Kim Se Ui claimed during a YouTube broadcast on May 20, "The National Forensic Service determined that the recording cannot be considered AI-manipulated," adding that "the police's warrant request is intended to block the exposure of a prominent politician's sexual crime case in Vietnam." 

The court reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Kim Se Ui on charges including defamation, violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, making threats, and attempted coercion.

Kim Soo Hyun is also involved in a legal dispute with an advertiser. Last year, outdoor brand Eider filed a lawsuit seeking approximately 2.5 billion won (about $1.68 million USD) in damages against Kim Soo Hyun and GOLDMEDALIST, citing damage to the brand's image. However, the court recently recommended that both parties reach a settlement.

At the second hearing held on July 8, Eider reduced its claim from approximately 2.5 billion won to about 400 million won (approx. $269,000 USD). The company is understood to have withdrawn its claim for damages stemming from the alleged reputational harm caused by the controversy and is now seeking only the return of the remaining model fees under its endorsement contract with Kim Soo Hyun.

As this commercial shoot marks Kim Soo Hyun's first official schedule since suspending his activities, attention is now focused on whether he will soon resume full-scale promotions both in South Korea and overseas, including the release of the long-awaited Disney+ drama Knock Off.

Source: Maeil Business Newspaper