Full Breakdown
Kim Soo-hyun Returns to Commercial Work Amid Ongoing Legal Disputes
7/14/2026, 9:48:17 PM
Resumption of Activities
On 14 May, actor Kim Soo-hyun’s agency Goldmedialist announced that he was filming a commercial video and photo shoot for the Philippine fashion brand BENCH. This marks his first official schedule in roughly one year and four months, after a self-imposed hiatus that began following public allegations concerning his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
Background of the Allegations
The controversy originated in March 2022 when a YouTube channel, Garo Sero Research Institute, alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor and that his side pressured her family to repay debts, allegedly contributing to her death. Kim Soo-hyun’s representatives denied the claims, stating the relationship began after Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood. The actor subsequently filed a criminal complaint against the channel’s operator, Kim Se-ui, for defamation and related offenses.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Dispute
Kim Se-ui was later indicted and detained on charges that include defamation, violations of the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, intimidation, and attempted coercion. In a separate civil matter, outdoor apparel brand Eider sued Kim Soo-hyun and Goldmedialist for damages initially valued at roughly 2.5 billion won, alleging harm to its brand image. At a second hearing on 8 May, the court urged settlement, and Eider reduced its claim to about 400 million won, focusing on the return of the remaining model fee under the advertising contract rather than broader reputational damages.
Official Statements & Responses
Goldmedialist confirmed the Bench shoot and reiterated the agency’s denial of the dating allegations, emphasizing that the actor’s activities are resuming under normal contractual terms. The agency also highlighted its cooperation with law-enforcement investigations into the defamatory content circulated by the YouTube channel.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kim Soo-hyun is currently filming a commercial video and photoshoot for the Philippine brand BENCH.” — Goldmedialist
- “He later filed a complaint against Kim Se-ui, the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, on charges including defamation for the publication of false information.” — article report
- “Kim Se-ui has been indicted and detained on charges including defamation, violations of the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, intimidation, and attempted coercion.” — article report
- “5 billion won to about 400 million won.” — article report
