Actor Kim Soo-hyun has announced plans to clarify his position regarding various allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron, based on 'clear evidence.' It remains to be seen whether this will change public opinion and prevent advertisers from withdrawing their support.

Kim Soo-hyun is currently at the center of several allegations concerning Kim Sae-ron's death. The YouTube channel 'Garo-sae-ro Research Institute' (Gaseyeon) claimed that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a romantic relationship for over six years and criticized the response of Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, during Kim Sae-ron's drunk driving incident as inappropriate. Notably, the timing of their alleged relationship, when Kim Sae-ron was a minor, has raised suspicions about a relationship with a minor.

In response, Kim Soo-hyun's agency stated, "Gaseyeon made malicious claims against the agency and actor Kim Soo-hyun, alleging that we colluded with YouTube to harass the late actor Kim Sae-ron. They claimed that Kim Sae-ron dated Kim Soo-hyun from the age of 15, that the agency's response during Kim Sae-ron's drunk driving accident was inappropriate, and that our manager had a personal relationship with the YouTuber. These allegations are all false and cannot be overlooked. The agency is reviewing its options for the strongest legal action available against Gaseyeon for spreading false information."

Despite the agency's warning of 'strongest level of response,' the allegations have not stopped. Gaseyeon has continued to release new allegations daily, and interviews with some family members of Kim Sae-ron have also been made public.

As Kim Sae-ron's family members stepped forward and continued to unleash allegations on YouTube channels, Kim Soo-hyun, who found himself in a difficult position, opted to step forward himself. The agency Gold Medalist stated on the 13th, "To clarify the facts and respond to baseless rumors, we will announce our position next week based on clear evidence. We apologize for any fatigue this prolonged situation may have caused. This is a request to refrain from continuing coverage."

Kim Soo-hyun's current situation can be described as being cornered by various allegations. As evidence of this, advertisers have begun to withdraw. Kim Soo-hyun, who has been active as a model for around 15 corporations in banking, fashion, and retail, has seen companies like Eider and Shabu All Day delete advertisements featuring Kim Soo-hyun from their official websites and social media accounts as allegations have arisen. Companies that had selected Kim Soo-hyun as a model over a decade ago are also taking measures, such as switching previous ads to private.

Kim Soo-hyun's advertising fee is estimated to average between 700 million won and 1 billion won per year. The scale of penalties is typically two to three times that amount, so if Kim Soo-hyun fails to properly clarify the controversy arising from these allegations, he could face penalties of about 20 billion won. Particularly, since he is currently involved in ongoing or shooting dramas and entertainment programs, the amount of penalties may change.

As signs of advertisers withdrawing arise, Kim Soo-hyun has hinted at 'clear evidence' and is expected to announce an official position that may temporarily bind their feet. Indeed, companies that have employed Kim Soo-hyun as a model are closely monitoring the situation and cannot help but remain attentive to this official stance. Through Kim Soo-hyun's official position to be revealed next week, they might reach a judgment about whether to wait and watch public opinion and the circumstances.

Kim Soo-hyun has little time left. As he claims to have 'clear evidence,' it is noteworthy whether that evidence can thoroughly clear up the allegations.

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