Actor Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations of dating the late Kim Sae-ron, who was 12 years younger, and fans have started to turn their backs.
On the 12th, Kim Soo-hyun's fan cafe "Yucariss" posted an announcement on its temporary bulletin board and transitioned all posts to private. Known as Kim Soo-hyun's "first official fan cafe," the "Yucariss" was established on Daum in 2007 and has attracted over 29,000 fans. The overseas fan account "kimsoohyuniee," which has 430,000 followers, also announced a suspension of activities. On that social media, a post read, "To the actor I once admired, goodbye." This post is currently highlighted at the top.
These movements are interpreted as a response to the allegations of Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with a minor. Kim Soo-hyun has recently faced controversy over dating rumors involving the late Kim Sae-ron. His side maintains, "It is not true. We will take legal action," but negative public opinion is spreading as testimonies from the bereaved family and various photos and letters exchanged between the two have been revealed.
The advertising industry, which is more sensitive than anyone else to actors' images and public sentiment, has already begun to distance itself from Kim Soo-hyun. K2 Korea and Shaboolday have removed photos of him from their channels, and beauty brand Dinto has put all planned schedules related to him on hold. Companies like Homeplus, Tous Les Jours, and Shinhan Financial Group, which are poised to renew contracts with Kim Soo-hyun, are facing deep concerns.
The entertainment industry is also on high alert. The production side of Kim Soo-hyun's upcoming work, "Knock-Off" on Disney+, has temporarily postponed the production report scheduled for next month, showing caution, and MBC's variety show "Good Day" is reviewing whether to edit out his segments. Kim Soo-hyun is also reported not to participate in the recording of "Good Day" scheduled for the 13th.