On 15/7, the actor posted several photos on his personal page from a business trip to the Philippines. This marks his first social media update since he became embroiled in a scandal in 2/2025.
According to News1, Kim Soo Hyun worked as a model for a fashion brand. He appeared radiant and demonstrated professionalism during the shoot. The actor has not provided further comments regarding his personal matters.
Sources indicate that since announcing his comeback in early 6, Kim Soo Hyun has received numerous collaboration offers. The actor has reportedly been sent up to 40 film scripts.
Kim Soo Hyun's return has garnered significant attention from millions of Asian fans. Over the past one and a half years, the actor's career was stalled. He had to halt filming for the movie Knock Off, cancel events in and outside Korea, and suspend dozens of advertising contracts.
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Kim Soo Hyun, 38, at the filming session. Photo: Instagram/Ben Chan |
The scandal involving Kim Soo Hyun originated in early 2025. The YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, operated by Kim Se Ui, cited relatives of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, accusing the actor of dating Sae Ron when she was a minor. Kim Sae Ron's family alleged that Kim Soo Hyun was "heartless and ungrateful," demanding money from Sae Ron and pushing her to the brink. Sae Ron passed away in 2/2025, with police concluding she "made an extreme choice."
Kim Soo Hyun's representatives repeatedly denied the allegations. The actor stated he did not date Kim Sae Ron while she was a minor, nor did he toy with her feelings or pressure her for debt repayment.
At a press conference in late 3/2025, the actor commented, "The deceased and I once dated like any other couple, and we had a good relationship. However, after breaking up, we no longer contacted each other regularly; communication after a breakup is very awkward."
Kim Soo Hyun filed a lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron's family and the owner of Garo Sero Institute, seeking a total compensation of 12 billion won (8,1 million USD).
In late 5, Kim Se Ui was arrested on charges of violating the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence and the Act on Information and Communications Network. Investigations revealed that Kim Se Ui engaged in defamation and damaged the reputations of others.
Investigators accused Kim Se Ui of using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to simulate Kim Sae Ron's voice, creating and disseminating fake audio recordings to damage Kim Soo Hyun's reputation.
Police concluded that Kim Se Ui's actions led to consequences such as the collapse of Kim Soo Hyun's reputation, severe harm to his economic and professional activities, and the need for the actor to undergo psychological treatment. Despite these accusations, Kim Se Ui did not admit wrongdoing during the interrogation on 26/5.
Nhu Anh (according to News1, Star News)
