Actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing allegations of having dated the late Kim Sae-ron since their minor years, leading to overseas brands cutting ties with him.
On the 18th, Cuckoo China issued a statement through its official social media, announcing, "We will suspend all brand activities related to Kim Soo-hyun."
It further stated, "We will immediately replace all photo materials of Kim Soo-hyun posted on all official platforms (including WeChat, Weibo, and the official website) and suspend any related marketing plans under preparation."
Cuckoo China noted, "As a home appliance company rooted in the Chinese market for over 20 years, we always prioritize social responsibility and consumer rights," adding, "This adjustment is not only a timely response but also a measure to firmly protect brand value. We will continue to handle related issues appropriately through legitimate means."
Previously, Kim Soo-hyun signed contracts to be the model for the brand in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia on the 1st, amidst hopes for the lifting of the Korean Wave ban in China. However, shortly after, controversies surrounding his personal life erupted, leading to a complete halt of all advertisements.
Meanwhile, the late Kim Sae-ron's family claimed through the YouTube channel "Garosero Research Institute" (abbreviated as "Gaseyeon") that Kim Sae-ron and the deceased dated for six years starting when the deceased was 15 years old and alleged that after the deceased caused a drunk driving accident in 2022 and faced economic hardships due to a suspension of activities, they pressured Kim Sae-ron to repay 700 million won borrowed to settle the accident.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun's agency Gold Medalist said it is a "manifestly false fact that cannot be tolerated," and noted, "We will consider the strongest level of legal action available against the falsehoods propagated by the Garosero Research Institute," but as more revelations emerged, they changed their statement to acknowledge that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun dated from the summer of 2019, after she became an adult, until the fall of 2020.
However, regarding the collection notice for the 700 million won repayment, they stated, "If we unilaterally make Kim Sae-ron bear the penalty payment, it could lead to a potential breach of duty by company executives, and there were concerns that the expense would not be recognized as a deductible expense for the company. It had to be confirmed that efforts were made to secure our claim against Kim Sae-ron."
Despite repeated statements, suspicions surrounding Kim Soo-hyun remain unresolved, and with continued withdrawal from the advertising industry, the crisis persists.
Additionally, Kim Soo-hyun was scheduled to participate in a fan meeting at the Cherry Blossom Festival event hosted by 7-Eleven in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on the 30th, but the likelihood of cancellation is high. According to industry insiders, if the event is canceled, the penalty could amount to 30 million yuan (approximately 13.227 million won).
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]