Top Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun faces mounting professional consequences following allegations that he dated the late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, sending shockwaves through broadcasting networks and advertising partners.
The controversy erupted on March 10 when YouTube channel “Garosero Research Institute” claimed Kim had dated Kim Sae Ron for six years, beginning when she was just 15 years old in 2015. While Kim’s agency Gold Medalist immediately denied the allegations as “clearly false,” the channel subsequently released photos allegedly showing Kim kissing Kim Sae Ron’s cheek, intensifying public scrutiny.
Viewers of MBC’s variety show “Good Day,” where Kim currently appears alongside G-DRAGON, have flooded the program’s message board demanding his removal. The show, which follows the creation of a “Song of the Year,” has yet to issue an official statement regarding Kim’s status.
Disney+ original series “Knock Off,” starring Kim as a man who becomes a counterfeit goods kingpin following the 1997 financial crisis, also faces uncertain prospects. While industry insiders suggest the release may be difficult under current circumstances, a Disney+ representative stated only that “No official release date has been determined yet.”
Major brands featuring Kim in advertising campaigns are quickly reassessing their relationships:
- Homeplus, which recently re-signed Kim as their 28th anniversary campaign model, stated they will “decide after confirming the exact situation”
- CJ Foodville’s Tous Les Jours bakery chain is reportedly considering not extending their contract with Kim, which expires this month
- LG Household & Health Care has already made cosmetics advertisements featuring Kim from 2012-2015 private on their official YouTube channel
Kim Soo Hyun, who rose to international fame through hits like “My Love From the Star” and “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” continues to deny the allegations through his agency.
Key Updates:
- Allegations emerged March 10 via YouTube channel
- Agency denies claims as “clearly false”
- MBC variety show faces viewer backlash
- Multiple brand partnerships in jeopardy
Keywords: Kim Soo Hyun controvers
