Kim Soo-hyun, a popular South Korean actor, is facing backlash after reports surfaced about his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The controversy has led several brands to cut ties with the actor. According to reports from the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a secret relationship since 2015, when Sae-ron was only 15 years old and Soo-hyun was 27.
The revelations have sparked outrage among fans and the public. Luxury brand Prada was one of the first to take action, terminating its ambassador relationship with Kim Soo-hyun on March 14. In a statement, Prada said, “We would like to inform you that after considering the severity of the issue, our collaboration with Kim Soo Hyun has been mutually concluded.
The contract has been terminated. The decision came from headquarters.
The production team of the Korean drama “Good Day” has also decided to remove scenes featuring Kim Soo-hyun from the show.
brands end contracts amidst controversy
They released a detailed statement apologizing to viewers for the sudden changes and explaining the technical challenges involved in editing out the actor’s appearances. Other brands, including vegan beauty brand Dinto and bakery chain Tous les Jours, have suspended promotional activities featuring Kim Soo-hyun and removed advertisements featuring him from their social media accounts. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, initially denied romantic involvement between the actor and Kim Sae-ron but later confirmed it, claiming the relationship began only after Sae-ron turned 19, the legal age in Korea.
The agency also acknowledged that Soo-hyun had been “guiding” Sae-ron since she was 15. Reports suggest that Kim Sae-ron faced substantial financial pressure following a 2022 DUI incident, accumulating a 700 million won debt. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency allegedly pressured her to repay the debt, threatening legal action when she requested more time.
Kim Sae-ron died on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday this year, adding to the tragic nature of the controversy surrounding their relationship. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the scandal will impact Kim Soo-hyun’s career and the brands associated with him.
