High-profile companies withdraw ties with actor Kim Soo Hyun following relationship-related turmoil
Rewritten Article:
The South Korean entertainment industry is ablaze with controversy following allegations against popular actor, Kim Soo Hyun, regarding his relationship with the late actress, Kim Sae-ron.
Kim Soo Hyun, a household name in South Korea and beyond, became entangled in a heated debate this month after a political news YouTube channel claimed he began dating Kim Sae-ron, who was underage at the time. He vehemently denies these claims.
The accusations unleashed a whirlwind of criticism towards him, exposing the intense scrutiny celebrities face in South Korea's ruthless and lucrative entertainment world.
According to the Chosun Ilbo, Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae-ron's romance thrived when both were adults. Goldmedalist, Kim Soo Hyun's talent agency, disclosed this information to the paper. However, CNN's multiple attempts to confirm the details with Goldmedalist have gone unanswered so far.
Kim Sae-ron was once managed by Goldmedalist, but her contract was not renewed in 2022, as reported by Reuters. Tragically, she was found dead at home in February, two years after retreating from the limelight following a drunk-driving conviction. No signs of foul play were discovered, and authorities are still investigating her death.
Kim Soo Hyun, famous for his roles in hit films and shows like "It's Okay to Not be Okay" and "My Love from the Star," was dropped by luxury brand Prada shortly after being announced as their ambassador in December. Other brands, such as Dinto and Eider, have also distanced themselves, while Tous Les Jours has paused its contract with Kim Soo Hyun over the controversy.
Kim's vast fanbase in South Korea and abroad has been shaken by the fallout, leaving many to question the relentless pressure and public backlash that often plague Korean stars. This controversy echoes the intense scrutiny and negative impacts felt by other young K-pop idols and K-drama actors, such as Song Jae-lim, ASTRO band member Moon Bin, singer and actress Sulli, and performer Goo Hara.
The tragic death of Kim Sae-ron has sparked a national outpouring of sympathy, reopening conversations about the pressures Korean stars face, and how swiftly public opinion can turn against them, potentially causing considerable damage to their mental health.
In light of this incident, the South Korean entertainment industry may face increased introspection, with potential consequences for the management of celebrities' personal lives and public images. The controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun serves as a painful reminder of the fragile nature of celebrity status in South Korea, where public perception can swiftly alter the course of an artist's career.
Sources: Chosun Ilbo, Reuters, CNN
Note: Additional information available on brands' responses to the controversy, such as Prada and Dinto's public statements and the actions of other brands like Eider and Tous Les Jours.
- Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his personal life, goldmedalist Hyun continues to face pressures, with luxury brand Prada and other collaborators distancing themselves, due to the allegations against him.
- The collaboration between goldmedalist Hyun and goldmedalist Sae-ron, later revealed to have occurred when both were adults, has added fuel to the fire, with the public demanding transparency and answers.
- The allegations against goldmedalist Hyun, combined with the pressure he faces during collaboration opportunities, echo the experiences of other South Korean stars, such as Song Jae-lim, Moon Bin, Sulli, and Goo Hara, who have struggled under the immense scrutiny of the South Korean entertainment industry.
