“ Singaporeans, known for their love of Hallyu but also their strict moral compass, aren’t vocally rallying behind him.
Social media tells a quieter story. Searches on X for “Kim Soo-hyun Singapore support” or “Kim Soo-hyun Singapore fans” today found no posts—no fan petitions, no hashtags like #StandWithKimSooHyun.”
Today’s Developments: Family as a Shield
“Today’s updates shift focus to Seoul, where Kim Soo-hyun is hunkered down at his Seongdong District residence. A report via X at 04:43 PDT today, citing Newsen, says he’s with family, seeking stability as the scandal rages. Yesterday’s X post from @vanessaalthea26, with over 15,000 views, added that his family is blocking his access to news and videos about the controversy—a desperate move to protect his mental state (X post by vanessaalthea26). This personal retreat, unreported in our earlier pieces like “Kim Soo-hyun’s dating scandal with the late actress Kim Sae-ron full overview”, shows a man under siege, leaning on loved ones as his career hangs by a thread.”
I hope that the sad irony that this man’s struggling to hold on to his sanity and mental well-being even with the support of super fans, riches and a powerful legal and PR team and powerhouse company being his voice while poor KSR had to deal with it all silently and alone isn’t lost on anyone.
No wonder the weight of it all was finally too crushing to for her to bear.
“ Public sentiment largely turned against Kim Soo-hyun, evidenced by trending hashtags such as #BoycottKimSooHyun. Fans expressed disappointment and anger, with some calling for boycotts of associated brands until they terminated their contracts with the actor. Although a minority advocates waiting for conclusive evidence, the dominant public stance remains critical.”
“Intense media coverage amplified the scandal’s effects. Reports from prominent outlets, including Reuters, CNN, and South China Morning Post, heightened the pressure on brands to act decisively. “
“ Industry experts suggest potential financial losses exceeding ₩20 billion (approximately $14 million USD) in penalties and lost contracts. While recovery isn’t impossible, his current endorsement value and brand trust have drastically declined.”
The general public is simply not buying GM’s smear campaign against KSR and her family.
Like, this has gone beyond just mainstream. It’s reaching the niche audiences that normally would have no idea about the goings on in the Asian market.
The moms, aunties, and grandmothers who are actually consumers of the products KSH promoted and also have BUYING POWER know he (allegedly) dated a 15-year-old.
KSH. IS. DONE. DONE.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: he’s NOT coming back from this!
wth did i just heard? he's preparing sincere apologies while also preparing to expose more of kim saeron's activities??
Correction: He is preparing to put on a production showcasing his renowned crocodile tears and also lie, deflect and dig himself a deeper hole like he and his team have been doing since the scandal broke.
“ In a statement sent to CNN on Tuesday, her family’s lawyers accused Kim Soo Hyun of allegedly making “false statements” and causing “further distress.” The family added that they were reviewing possible legal action.
Kim Sae-ron’s death has prompted national sympathy. It has also reignited conversations about the pressures placed on Korean stars, how fast the tide of public opinion can turn against them and how damaging that can be for their mental health.”
Oh, if major news outlets like CNN are reporting on the KSH scandal, he is DONE DONE with his international fame.
I’m going to guess that, as things regarding KSH’s controversy are very likely to escalate in the coming days, this page is going to get flooded with bots and with misinformed and, frankly, ignorant fans who clearly (and regrettably) do not understand why grooming is bad, why a minor cannot consent to a relationship with an adult, and that the very things that KSH and GM are foolishly trying to use against KSR’s reputation (i.e. emotional instability, and psychological distress, self-harm behaviors) ARE ACTUAL EFFECTS OF GROOMING OF A MINOR.
As such, I beg that they educate themselves with the following:
Kim Soo-Hyun is being accused of having dated Kim Sae-ron (who is now deceased after having taken her life ON HER (alleged) GROOMER’S BIRTHDAY) when SHE WAS A MINOR (as young as 15-years-old, allegedly).
Even if the news calls it a “dating controversy,” if he (allegedly) “dated” her when she was as young as 15-years-old, that would also mean that he (allegedly) GROOMED HER, WHICH IS BAD (refer back to the linked guide above).
Does not matter that he is your beloved oppa. Does not matter that you love his looks or acting.
Him being an adult as old as 27-years-old and (allegedly) having been sexually attracted to a 15-year-old MINOR will never not be highly inappropriate, abusive or gross (not to mention illegal in many countries, except for in Korea in 2015, which is the ONLY reason KSH would escape legal repercussions).
Finally, just because it wasn’t illegal, doesn’t mean it wasn’t immoral, abusive and JUST PLAIN WRONG.
"The family never hid anything. They were completely unaware and are at a loss as to how such claims are being made," Kim said. "Kim Sae-ron's mother broke down in tears yesterday. We had planned a press conference today, but she's now physically unable to even stand."
Kim also said, "The family had never heard anything about Kim being married and cannot understand why she would have discussed an abortion with her manager."
He further claimed that Gold Medalist has effectively acknowledged the identity of the person in the photo released by Hoverlab on Mar. 15, adding, "The real battle has just begun, Kim Soo-hyun has finally stepped into the ring."
Sit tight, everyone, we’re about to see KSH get his comeuppance. KSH and GM are about to learn that KSR’s family has been three steps ahead all along.
Whatever mistakes her family may have made when KSR was alive, they are about to atone for by clearing KSR’s reputation and name and exposing KSH and GM for who and what they truly are.
Also: Whatever we may think of Hover Lab’s Kim Se-ui, I’ve finally realized that, with his background in journalism and his connections, he may have been the exact person KSR’s family needed in their corner to go up against KSH and GM.
KSH, GM and even that lame YouTuber are behaving as if they’re still dealing with the scared, vulnerable KSR (may she rest in peace).
They’re not fully understanding that now, they’re dealing with people who, granted may not be as rich or powerful as KSH, but are grown ass people who aren’t going to be so easily intimidated.
Also, publishing KSR’s mother’s letter was a genius move because it not only suggests that she’s going to resign herself to knowing that she and the people genuinely closest to her knew KSR’s true character (i.e. indicating KSH and GM are lying on her daughter) but it also distances her from whatever actions Garosero takes next (and, trust, they WILL keep dropping more info).
It also takes back power and control from the narrative that GM was trying to push by drawing the focus back to a devastated, grieving mother who has already lost everything after the death of her precious daughter.
It’s amazing how KSR died a broken, betrayed and powerless woman but, in death, what was done to her is now being heard around the world loud and clear.
The right people, the SANE people who have the power to make their discontent and disgust known through their voices and pocketbooks are now the voice of KSR.
This lets you know how KSH and GM have put in efforts to use “K-netizen support” as a smokescreen to hide how badly things are going for them.
Even after the most recent developments, the general public (again, not diehard KSH fans or the people ignorant about grooming who refuse to see how abhorrent it was that KSH allegedly groomed a 15-year-old girl) is not buying any of KSH or GM’s gross attempts to damage KSR reputation even after her death.
The fact that “Good Day” had to cancel airing their next episode despite trying to reassure the public they’d be editing KSH out as much as possible?
The general public can’t even stand to see him on screen!
And how audacious and bullying of KSH to still show up to the taping under the excuse he was “fulfilling [his] duties.”
Naw, he wanted to try to use it as good PR and it backfired on him.
His fans are sorely mistaken if they think any of the laughable recent attempts to change the narrative are working.
Social media is not reflective of what’s actually happening in the real world and on the ground.
Of course, KSR's side has dirt on him—there's no other reason he'd be losing brand deals left and right. Big…
Yeah. KSH has lost international support and he’s not getting that back.
At this point, he and his agency are trying to salvage and retain Knetizen support at least so he can continue to make a living.
Also, a lot of people aren’t realizing that the people who actually would spend their hard earned money on the brands he endorses are not as easily manipulated as the “oppa loving” diehard fans and are not at all forgiving,
And they don’t forget.
Once you do something that leaves a sour taste in their mouths and/or are inextricably linked to scandal like KSH is to the way he allegedly groomed, used and disposed of KSR, you are not going to be able to claw your way back in their good graces.
And investors are not going to be willing to take a gamble to invest in your projects because it won’t be worth the headache, outcry and pushback from the established clients that buy their products.
Remember: KSH has to contend not just with the fans who followed his ads but also the general buying public.
So is the call recording true? Because they aren't denying it but saying leaking private recoridng without permission…
“Garoseoro Research Institute warned that YouTuber Lee Jin Ho could face immediate arrest for defaming the late Kim Sae Ron. They added that they are currently verifying the facts surrounding the audio recording, and if it turns out to be false, additional charges could be filed against Lee Jin Ho.”
The family is playing chess while KSH and his brute team are playing checkers, bookie. 😏
https://x.com/sanctuary_for_f/status/1902692675960390042The above is a translation of a letter KSR's mom wrote…
That poor mother. Her nightmare will never end and hopefully the regrets she talks about in the letter won’t eat her alive.
But she can be more at ease now that KSH is getting his just dues. There’s no salvaging the career he had (internationally). The best he can hope is to keep his delusional fans in Korea and the pockets in other countries.
On a petty note: congratulations to Park Hyung-sik.
Only South korean people on Instagram are supporting him. Internationally nobody is buying this bullshit. South…
Thank you for pointing this out. His real bread and butter was international fans and endorsements. He’s currently losing those and there’s no way he gets them back.
As an international K-Drama watcher, we are done with him and can smell the bullshit lies and deflections a mile away.
For those questioning why Garosero has been slowly dripping out info, this is why.
Shady knows shady. They knew the slimy, gross antics that KSH and GM would eventually use (like they are now through the YouTuber Lee Jin Ho) to deflect about the alleged grooming.
They were giving KSH and GM enough rope to hang themselves.
And they were also waiting for the family to have reason to go scorched earth on KSH.
Hell hath no fury like a grieving mother.
Y’all are about to see KSH and GM’s arrogance and narcissism destroy everything they’ve built.
Before the end of the week is here, we will see KSR family checkmate KSH.
Oh he declined shining 🥲🥲 I just need casting news soonnnnnn😩😩😩
Oh no! I really love CJH and his acting but think he might need to get better management. His dramas have been enjoyable but not memorable. Feels like he’s being typecast in the same kind of character roles in shows with average writing .
an industry full of greedy abusers who were dismissive of her issues and seemed to have worsened her depression,…
It’s still aligned with my original statement. It’s all related to being a part of the industry. It seems you misunderstood that I was blaming her agency or even her family (I wasn’t). Although one could say that an agency has a responsibility to maintain the safety of and protection of their talent. Also, Zhao Lusi has to walk a fine line here and from a PR standpoint can’t outright call out her agency’s negligence (but if things got to this point the negligence is obvious). In the end, even if Zhao Lusi ever minimized her own issues, others aided and abetted and exacerbated her issues because, in the end, it was in their best interests (I.e. financially). One can read between the lines.
Honestly, given that Zhao Lusi’s experience seems to be the norm vs. the exception in the industry, there seems to be a need for an overhaul in the industry. Part of that is calling out the rampant abuse, overworking of talent, and ignoring their resulting mental, physical and emotional issues as well as minimizing the need of help and proper attention.
The news has reached even the people who normally wouldn’t be paying any mind to the hallyu scene.
Even they are aware now and talking about it.
His career as he once knew it (superstar status) is done for.
“ Singaporeans, known for their love of Hallyu but also their strict moral compass, aren’t vocally rallying behind him.
Social media tells a quieter story. Searches on X for “Kim Soo-hyun Singapore support” or “Kim Soo-hyun Singapore fans” today found no posts—no fan petitions, no hashtags like #StandWithKimSooHyun.”
Today’s Developments: Family as a Shield
“Today’s updates shift focus to Seoul, where Kim Soo-hyun is hunkered down at his Seongdong District residence. A report via X at 04:43 PDT today, citing Newsen, says he’s with family, seeking stability as the scandal rages. Yesterday’s X post from @vanessaalthea26, with over 15,000 views, added that his family is blocking his access to news and videos about the controversy—a desperate move to protect his mental state (X post by vanessaalthea26). This personal retreat, unreported in our earlier pieces like “Kim Soo-hyun’s dating scandal with the late actress Kim Sae-ron full overview”, shows a man under siege, leaning on loved ones as his career hangs by a thread.”
I hope that the sad irony that this man’s struggling to hold on to his sanity and mental well-being even with the support of super fans, riches and a powerful legal and PR team and powerhouse company being his voice while poor KSR had to deal
with it all silently and alone isn’t lost on anyone.
No wonder the weight of it all was finally too crushing to for her to bear.
“ Public sentiment largely turned against Kim Soo-hyun, evidenced by trending hashtags such as #BoycottKimSooHyun. Fans expressed disappointment and anger, with some calling for boycotts of associated brands until they terminated their contracts with the actor. Although a minority advocates waiting for conclusive evidence, the dominant public stance remains critical.”
“Intense media coverage amplified the scandal’s effects. Reports from prominent outlets, including Reuters, CNN, and South China Morning Post, heightened the pressure on brands to act decisively. “
“ Industry experts suggest potential financial losses exceeding ₩20 billion (approximately $14 million USD) in penalties and lost contracts. While recovery isn’t impossible, his current endorsement value and brand trust have drastically declined.”
The general public is simply not buying GM’s smear campaign against KSR and her family.
https://www.soapcentral.com/pop-culture/news-kim-soo-hyun-s-gold-medalist-files-criminal-lawsuit-garosero-research-institute-kim-sae-ron-s-family
Like, this has gone beyond just mainstream. It’s reaching the niche audiences that normally would have no idea about the goings on in the Asian market.
The moms, aunties, and grandmothers who are actually consumers of the products KSH promoted and also have BUYING POWER know he (allegedly) dated a 15-year-old.
KSH. IS. DONE. DONE.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: he’s NOT coming back from this!
“ In a statement sent to CNN on Tuesday, her family’s lawyers accused Kim Soo Hyun of allegedly making “false statements” and causing “further distress.” The family added that they were reviewing possible legal action.
Kim Sae-ron’s death has prompted national sympathy. It has also reignited conversations about the pressures placed on Korean stars, how fast the tide of public opinion can turn against them and how damaging that can be for their mental health.”
Oh, if major news outlets like CNN are reporting on the KSH scandal, he is DONE DONE with his international fame.
There’s DEFINITELY no coming back from this.
He can also kiss the Disney+ show goodbye.
As such, I beg that they educate themselves with the following:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/dcf/gtf-cja/hb-6113/grooming_connecticut-safe-sport-policy-child-abuse-prevention_digital.pdf
Kim Soo-Hyun is being accused of having dated Kim Sae-ron (who is now deceased after having taken her life ON HER (alleged) GROOMER’S BIRTHDAY) when SHE WAS A MINOR (as young as 15-years-old, allegedly).
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna196675
Even if the news calls it a “dating controversy,” if he (allegedly) “dated” her when she was as young as 15-years-old, that would also mean that he (allegedly) GROOMED HER, WHICH IS BAD (refer back to the linked guide above).
Does not matter that he is your beloved oppa. Does not matter that you love his looks or acting.
Him being an adult as old as 27-years-old and (allegedly) having been sexually attracted to a 15-year-old MINOR will never not be highly inappropriate, abusive or gross (not to mention illegal in many countries, except for in Korea in 2015, which is the ONLY reason KSH would escape legal repercussions).
Finally, just because it wasn’t illegal, doesn’t mean it wasn’t immoral, abusive and JUST PLAIN WRONG.
Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.
"The family never hid anything. They were completely unaware and are at a loss as to how such claims are being made," Kim said. "Kim Sae-ron's mother broke down in tears yesterday. We had planned a press conference today, but she's now physically unable to even stand."
Kim also said, "The family had never heard anything about Kim being married and cannot understand why she would have discussed an abortion with her manager."
He further claimed that Gold Medalist has effectively acknowledged the identity of the person in the photo released by Hoverlab on Mar. 15, adding, "The real battle has just begun, Kim Soo-hyun has finally stepped into the ring."
Sit tight, everyone, we’re about to see KSH get his comeuppance. KSH and GM are about to learn that KSR’s family has been three steps ahead all along.
Whatever mistakes her family may have made when KSR was alive, they are about to atone for by clearing KSR’s reputation and name and exposing KSH and GM for who and what they truly are.
Also: Whatever we may think of Hover Lab’s Kim Se-ui, I’ve finally realized that, with his background in journalism and his connections, he may have been the exact person KSR’s family needed in their corner to go up against KSH and GM.
They’re not fully understanding that now, they’re dealing with people who, granted may not be as rich or powerful as KSH, but are grown ass people who aren’t going to be so easily intimidated.
Also, publishing KSR’s mother’s letter was a genius move because it not only suggests that she’s going to resign herself to knowing that she and the people genuinely closest to her knew KSR’s true character (i.e. indicating KSH and GM are lying on her daughter) but it also distances her from whatever actions Garosero takes next (and, trust, they WILL keep dropping more info).
It also takes back power and control from the narrative that GM was trying to push by drawing the focus back to a devastated, grieving mother who has already lost everything after the death of her precious daughter.
It’s amazing how KSR died a broken, betrayed and powerless woman but, in death, what was done to her is now being heard around the world loud and clear.
The right people, the SANE people who have the power to make their discontent and disgust known through their voices and pocketbooks are now the voice of KSR.
This lets you know how KSH and GM have put in efforts to use “K-netizen support” as a smokescreen to hide how badly things are going for them.
Even after the most recent developments, the general public (again, not diehard KSH fans or the people ignorant about grooming who refuse to see how abhorrent it was that KSH allegedly groomed a 15-year-old girl) is not buying any of KSH or GM’s gross attempts to damage KSR reputation even after her death.
The fact that “Good Day” had to cancel airing their next episode despite trying to reassure the public they’d be editing KSH out as much as possible?
The general public can’t even stand to see him on screen!
And how audacious and bullying of KSH to still show up to the taping under the excuse he was “fulfilling [his] duties.”
Naw, he wanted to try to use it as good PR and it backfired on him.
His fans are sorely mistaken if they think any of the laughable recent attempts to change the narrative are working.
Social media is not reflective of what’s actually happening in the real world and on the ground.
They have been pushed into a corner and NOW want to apologize? And, while doing so, STILL besmirch KSR’s reputation?
Whatever they are paying their team is too much.
All of this is too little, too late, and not actually effective.
At this point, he and his agency are trying to salvage and retain Knetizen support at least so he can continue to make a living.
Also, a lot of people aren’t realizing that the people who actually would spend their hard earned money on the brands he endorses are not as easily manipulated as the “oppa loving” diehard fans and are not at all forgiving,
And they don’t forget.
Once you do something that leaves a sour taste in their mouths and/or are inextricably linked to scandal like KSH is to the way he allegedly groomed, used and disposed of KSR, you are not going to be able to claw your way back in their good graces.
And investors are not going to be willing to take a gamble to invest in your projects because it won’t be worth the headache, outcry and pushback from the established clients that buy their products.
Remember: KSH has to contend not just with the fans who followed his ads but also the general buying public.
He’a definitely lost them forever.
The family is playing chess while KSH and his brute team are playing checkers, bookie. 😏
But she can be more at ease now that KSH is getting his just dues. There’s no salvaging the career he had (internationally). The best he can hope is to keep his delusional fans in Korea and the pockets in other countries.
On a petty note: congratulations to Park Hyung-sik.
As an international K-Drama watcher, we are done with him and can smell the bullshit lies and deflections a mile away.
His superstar status is gone and done for.
Shady knows shady. They knew the slimy, gross antics that KSH and GM would eventually use (like they are now through the YouTuber Lee Jin Ho) to deflect about the alleged grooming.
They were giving KSH and GM enough rope to hang themselves.
And they were also waiting for the family to have reason to go scorched earth on KSH.
Hell hath no fury like a grieving mother.
Y’all are about to see KSH and GM’s arrogance and narcissism destroy everything they’ve built.
Before the end of the week is here, we will see KSR family checkmate KSH.
Bookmark and come back to this comment.
Honestly, given that Zhao Lusi’s experience seems to be the norm vs. the exception in the industry, there seems to be a need for an overhaul in the industry. Part of that is calling out the rampant abuse, overworking of talent, and ignoring their resulting mental, physical and emotional issues as well as minimizing the need of help and proper attention.