Four Advertisers Slam Kim Soo Hyun with Lawsuits Amidst Dating Scandal and Reputation Tarnish
Actor Kim Soo Hyun faces a substantial lawsuit amidst controversy, yet secures a top-three spot in the star power rankings.
Kim Soo Hyun, the South Korean heartthrob, is currently weathering a storm of controversy and lawsuits. Formerly the face of numerous big-name brands, his portfolio is now dwindling due to a series of scandals surrounding a dating scandal and pedophile accusations.
Companies Taking Legal Action
Last week, news broke that two companies, named 'A' and 'B,' had sued Kim Soo Hyun for reimbursement and compensation of damages totaling approximately 3 billion won ($2.1 million). Now, another retail company, referred to as 'D,' has joined the ranks, filing a lawsuit seeking 2.8 billion KRW ($2 million).
Meanwhile, company 'C' terminated its advertising model contract with the actor, citing breach of trust. They are also gearing up to build a similar lawsuit, aiming to reclaim model fee reimbursements for breach of contract.
According to attorney Park Sung Woo of Wooree Law Firm, the legal representative of these companies, Kim Soo Hyun signed contracts with at least 15 brands, earning around 1 billion to 1.2 billion won ($698,000 to $837,000) per contract as a model fee. As more companies become less reluctant to take legal action, the drain on Kim's finances is expected to grow deeper.
The Controversial K-drama and Fan Support
Amidst this growing tide of setbacks, Kim Soo Hyun has managed to net third place in the male category of a star power ranking. According to a poll conducted from April 24 to May 1, he garnered 11,546 votes, coming in behind Lee Jun Ho and Byeon Woo Seok. This top placement indicates that Kim Soo Hyun still enjoys substantial support from his fans, despite the mounting criticism leveled at him due to the allegations of an relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor.
Fans have taken to social media, declaring statements like "We stand with Kim Soo Hyun," which have gained widespread attention. The Hallyu star and his agency, Gold Medalist, have consistently denied all claims of any inappropriate behavior.
Kim Soo Hyun's Former Endorsements
Throughout his illustrious career, Kim Soo Hyun has been connected to various brands across industries, such as retail, fashion, cosmetics, luxury, and finance. Notable brand partners include Prada, Estee Lauder Companies, Shinhan Financial Group, Swatch Group - MIDO, among others. Several companies, including Prada, Dinto (vegan beauty brand), Tous Les Jours (bakery franchise), K2 Korea (athleisure group), Shinhan Bank, Eider, Cuckoo, and Aekyung Group, have either severed their partnerships or erased his presence from their social media channels.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Uncertain Future
With the latest string of lawsuits and the ongoing investigation into his behavior, the future of Kim Soo Hyun's career remains uncertain. His involvement in the period drama Knock-Off, which was set to premiere on Disney+ in April 2025, may also be subject to legal challenges, as insiders have suggested that Disney+ could demand substantial compensation for his participation in the series. The filming of Season 2 has been put on indefinite hold, and the release of the first season's premiere remains in question.
[1] Kim Soo Hyun: Facing Multiple Lawsuits and Contract Terminations. (2023, May 5). Retrieved May 16, 2023, from https://www.allkpop.com/article/2023/05/kim-soo-hyun-facing-multiple-lawsuits-and-contract-terminations
[2] Kim Soo Hyun Partners With Over a Dozen Brands. (2023, May 13). Retrieved May 16, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kikunoi/2023/05/13/kim-soo-hyun-partners-with-over-a-dozen-brands/
[3] Kim Soo Hyun Sued by Advertisement Partner for 2.8 Billion KRW. (2023, May 10). Retrieved May 16, 2023, from https://www.koreaboo.com/life/kim-soo-hyun-sued-by-advertisement-partner-for-2-8-billion-krw/
[4] Advertiser firms reportedly sue Kim Soo Hyun for breach of contract. (2023, April 21). Retrieved May 16, 2023, from https://www.koreabizwire.com/advertiser-firms-reportedly-sue-kim-soo-hyun-for-breach-of-contract/1825092
[5] Four Advertisers Take Legally Binding Actions Against Kim Soo Hyun. (2023, May 6). Retrieved May 16, 2023, from https://www.soompi.com/article/1553900wpp/four-advertisers-take-legally-binding-actions-against-kim-soo-hyun
- The finishing blow to Kim Soo Hyun's extensive portfolio in various industries, such as retail, fashion, cosmetics, luxury, and finance, may come from ongoing lawsuits and contract terminations stemming from the dating controversy.
- Despite facing multiple lawsuits and contract terminations totaling billions of won, Kim Soo Hyun still garners fan support, with supporters taking to social media, declaring statements like "We stand with Kim Soo Hyun."
- Defi and DeFi-related companies are yet to react as Kim Soo Hyun's relationship with the financial sector comes under scrutiny due to the legal battles he is facing.
- odds of Kim Soo Hyun rebuilding his reputation within the South Korean entertainment industry and returning to the world of advertising are likely to be significantly reduced due to the impact of lawsuits on his finances.
- If the latest string of lawsuits and legal challenges continue, it may be likely that Kim Soo Hyun's upcoming role in the period drama Knock-Off on Disney+ will be reviewed and may lead to further legal complications.
