On March 22nd, 2025, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun faced a significant controversy that resulted in his suspension from public activities, including the cancellation of his scheduled appearance on MBC's 'Good Day'. However, amidst this turmoil, his upcoming fan meeting in Taiwan is still set to proceed as part of the 'Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival' on March 30th, 2025.
The festival organizers confirmed that the event will continue as planned, adhering to their contractual obligations, despite potential questions regarding attendance due to the actor's negative publicity. As reported by Taiwanese media outlet ETtoday, this fan meeting may mark Kim's first official appearance since the controversy erupted.
Running from March 28th to March 30th, the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival will attract many visitors, with security measures that include the deployment of 50 police officers to ensure a safe experience. While local authorities clarified that this security presence isn't specifically targeted at Kim Soo-hyun, they are prepared for any emergencies that might arise during the event.
The fan meeting is set to allocate tickets through a lottery system, open only to individuals aged 18 and over, with a pre-lottery already selecting 200 attendees for the approximately 40-minute event. Importantly, while the fan meeting itself is free, a fee will be charged for entry into the cherry blossom festival, raising questions about the economic implications for fans amid these recent controversies.
Despite the lead-up to the event being overshadowed by critical responses from local fans and the Taiwanese public—some of whom are demanding refunds for their festival tickets—the Taiwan Consumer Council has remarked that refunds are unlikely, as the festival does not classify it as a personal concert. The possibility of cancellation hangs heavily over the event; if it were to be scrapped, penalties might reach around 30 million yuan (approximately 13.2 billion won).
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has altered its approach concerning the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Initially intending to communicate amiably to address the situation surrounding the allegations, the agency halted their outreach after the first contact yielded no response. Compounding the tension, a censored photo was leaked that allegedly shows Kim Soo-hyun in a compromising position at Kim Sae Ron's residence.
In response to this privacy breach, Gold Medalist condemned the photo's release, stating, "It's an inappropriate invasion of privacy." This marks a pivotal shift in their strategy; previously planning for reconciliation, they now opt for legal action, filing criminal suits against both Kim Sae Ron’s family and the Garo Sero Research Institute—indicating a more confrontational method to manage the growing disputes surrounding Kim Soo-hyun.
In summary, while the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival looks forward to the anticipated fan meeting, concerns remain regarding Kim Soo-hyun’s public image and the controversies impacting his engagements. As this situation evolves, it highlights significant discussions surrounding celebrity privacy rights in the age of social media, public curiosity, and the legal repercussions that can ensue. The full impact of Kim's attendance at the fan meeting, both on fans and on his career, will unfurl as the events play out in the coming days.
