Actor Kim Soo-hyun greeted fans by video instead of appearing in public for the first time in about 1 year and 4 months. It was the first official message since news broke that police recently cleared him of allegations of dating a minor.
On the 2nd, the Philippine lifestyle brand BENCH released Kim Soo-hyun's greeting video on its official social media. Kim, who is active as a model for the brand, is also known to have recently renewed his contract.
In the video, Kim Soo-hyun said, "Hello. I'm Kim Soo-hyun, a BENCH model. I really missed you a lot," and added, "I'm happy to greet you after a long time. Please look forward to it." After finishing his greeting with a bright expression, he waved his hand to thank fans.
This video is Kim Soo-hyun's first official greeting since private-life allegations related to Kim Sae-ron surfaced last year. He halted all activities after the controversy and resumed by filming a BENCH commercial last month.
Last year, Kim Soo-hyun was embroiled in allegations that he dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family filed a complaint against Kim for violating the Child Welfare Act, and the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute raised the allegations by releasing related recordings and chat logs.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun's side acknowledged that the two had dated but countered that the relationship began after Kim Sae-ron became an adult. They also flatly denied the allegations, saying the released audio files were manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI), and pursued legal action.
Seoul Seongdong Police recently decided not to refer Kim Soo-hyun's case for prosecution, citing insufficient evidence on alleged violations of the Child Welfare Act. Kim's legal representative said, "He has also been cleared of the most serious grooming allegation," and added, "We ask that you view Kim Soo-hyun based on objectively verified facts."
Meanwhile, prosecutors detained and indicted Kim Se-eui, the operator of the Garosero Research Institute, on charges including defamation by alleging false facts. During the investigation, some audio materials released by Kim Se-eui's side were determined to have been manipulated using AI. Kim Soo-hyun is reportedly reviewing his next projects in drama and film.