South Korean A-list actor Kim Soo-hyun’s fan meeting in Taiwan has been cancelled amid an ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The event, originally scheduled for March 30, 2025, as part of the three-day Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival, was expected to be Kim's first public appearance following a series of troubling allegations.
On March 25, 2025, Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, issued a statement explaining that the fan meeting was postponed due to safety concerns. They stated, "Kim Soo Hyun’s Taiwanese brand event schedule has been postponed for safety reasons." However, the event organizer, Taiwan’s 7-Eleven, provided a different explanation, claiming that the cancellation was due to a scheduling conflict. In a Facebook post, they clarified, "Performing guest Kim Soo Hyun is unable to attend the event ‘Kim Soo Hyun fanmeeting,’ originally scheduled for March 30, 2025, due to a schedule change. OPENPOINT points will be fully refunded to participating members. Sorry for the inconvenience caused." This discrepancy between the agency's and organizer's statements has raised eyebrows among fans and media alike.
The cancellation comes after a wave of backlash against Kim Soo-hyun, who has found himself at the center of a scandal involving allegations that he dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Reports indicate that the two began their relationship when she was just 15 years old and he was 27. Kim Sae-ron tragically passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24, with her death ruled a suicide by police. Her death has intensified scrutiny on Kim Soo-hyun, particularly following claims made by her family and a YouTube channel, which alleged that he pressured her regarding debts owed to Gold Medalist.
As part of the festival, Kim Soo-hyun was expected to spend around 40 minutes interacting with fans, and reports indicated that around 50 police officers were set to be deployed for security. The event was anticipated to draw thousands of fans and media representatives, marking a significant moment for the actor amidst the ongoing controversy.
The allegations have had serious repercussions for Kim’s career. Following the scandal, several brands he had endorsed, including luxury label Prada, have severed ties with him. Additionally, he was edited out of K-pop star G-Dragon’s variety show, Good Day, and the release of his upcoming Disney+ series, Knock-Off, has been postponed due to the controversy.
In a further development, Kim Sae-ron's husband recently spoke out through the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, addressing rumors surrounding their marriage. He denied claims that Kim Sae-ron was forced into marriage due to an unplanned pregnancy, asserting that their relationship was based on mutual consent and that they had already planned to annul their marriage.
As the situation continues to unfold, many observers are left wondering about the future of Kim Soo-hyun’s public engagements. While supporters argue that the cancellation of the Taiwan event is a precautionary measure to shield him from further scrutiny, critics suggest it could signify an attempt to avoid confronting the serious allegations head-on.
The public's reaction has been mixed, with some expressing sympathy for Kim amid the allegations, while others are calling for accountability. This complex situation highlights the challenges faced by celebrities in the public eye, especially when personal controversies intersect with their professional lives.
As fans await updates, the cancellation of Kim Soo-hyun's fan meeting serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between celebrity culture and personal integrity. The fallout from this scandal may have lasting implications not only for Kim's career but also for the broader entertainment industry, as it grapples with issues of accountability and the treatment of young stars.
