Actor Kim Soo-hyun’s future in the entertainment industry hangs in the balance as he faces allegations of an inappropriate relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, which could jeopardize his scheduled appearance at an upcoming event in Taiwan. Following the tragic death of Kim Sae-ron on March 16, 2025, scrutiny has intensified regarding their past interactions, leading different brands and projects to sever ties with Kim Soo-hyun.
According to a report by Taiwanese media outlet ETtoday on March 19, at the center of the storm is Kim Soo-hyun’s anticipated participation in the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival, hosted by 7-Eleven, which is set to take place at the end of March. Initially, the event planned to have Kim conduct a fan meeting, unveiling merchandise that highlights his brand image, including food items and coffee cups. Two hundred lucky fans were to meet him in person, culminating in a 40-minute performance that serves as the festival's highlight.
However, the controversy around allegations of grooming related to his relationship with Kim Sae-ron has cast a shadow over these plans. A representative from the local brand remarked, “Currently, we are proceeding with the event as per the original contract, and if there are any changes in the future, we will respond immediately and handle it appropriately considering consumers' rights.” Nonetheless, if Kim's appearance is ultimately canceled, the penalties could be substantial, with forecasts estimating a potential cost of approximately 30 million Taiwanese dollars (about 13.22 million won).
As the fallout from Kim Sae-ron’s death unfolded, allegations surfaced that she and Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship from 2015, when she was a minor, until 2021. Following her car accident in 2022, where she faced a DUI charge, claims arose that financial pressures linked to a debt of 700 million won followed her, which has led to accusations against Kim Soo-hyun of involvement in exploitative behavior. His agency vehemently denied these claims, asserting that they dated only after she reached legal age, and they refuted the notion of pressing for repayment.
“We believe that publicly debating the matter is inappropriate for both the late Kim Sae-ron and her mother, who sought any means to restore her honor. Our management team would like to meet with you and provide sufficient explanations. Please feel free to contact the Gold Medalist office at any time,” Kim Soo-hyun's representative expressed.
In light of the negative sentiment surrounding him, sponsorships have taken a significant hit. Major beauty brands, food services, and health supplement companies that once featured Kim as their model have removed his images from their platforms. Simply put, brands like Prada and Tous Les Jours decided to terminate their contracts outright, while others like Homeplus and Eider have begun distancing themselves by eliminating advertisements featuring his likeness.
The effects of this controversy extend beyond Kim Soo-hyun personally, affecting colleagues at his agency, Gold Medalist. Fans are urging other K-drama actors under the agency's management to sever ties before damage spreads to them. Rising stars such as Seol In-ah and Choi Hyun-wook are believed to face repercussions simply by virtue of their association with Gold Medalist.
Reports suggest that seven actors managed by Gold Medalist are under scrutiny, as fans express a desire for them to sign with agencies that maintain stronger reputations amidst these allegations. This public outcry illustrates a growing concern among fans that remaining with Gold Medalist could hinder their career trajectories, given the current turmoil.
Moreover, social media sentiment has turned sour, with TikTok and Weibo users actively sharing videos tearing down Kim Soo-hyun's promotional materials, leading to further erosion of his public image. “Authentication videos of Kim Soo-hyun overseas fans tearing or throwing away advertising photos have spread,” noted a report, illustrating just how impactful the backlash has been, especially among international fans.
As the story evolves, the perception of Kim Soo-hyun appears increasingly grim. His valuation as a brand spokesperson is in jeopardy, with his fees totaling around 700 million won to 1 billion won annually from working with nearly 15 different companies. If this controversy isn’t resolved, financial forecasts suggest he could face penalties up to 20 billion won due to contract cancellations.
In an exclusive statement, Gold Medalist addressed the ongoing crisis on March 18, clearly stating they “will continue to track the progress of the case by forming a special working group.” This suggests that the agency is taking the recent allegations seriously, as they attempt to navigate through the considerable backlash while aiming to protect their existing talent and reputation.
Whether Kim Soo-hyun can recover from this tarnished reputation remains uncertain. As he prepares for a possible cancellation of his much-anticipated fan meeting in Taiwan, the ripple effects of this controversy will likely impact not only his career but also the broader landscape of the South Korean entertainment industry.
The situation is particularly precarious, given that the entertainment community often frowns upon scandal, especially those involving minors. As the allegations surface and public opinions crystallize, the timing for Kim Soo-hyun appears detrimental, with implications that may lead to long-lasting consequences.
Only time will tell how the industry will respond and whether Kim can restore his standing, navigate through the latest storm, and make a comeback after facing considerable adversity.
