Kim Soo-hyun Faces Lawsuits from Long-term Advertisers, Dispute with Late Kim Sae-ron Escalates to National Forensic Service
On April, an electronics company filed a provisional claim for ₩100 million (about USD 75,000), which the Seoul Eastern District Court approved on May 20. The same company later lodged a full damages lawsuit demanding ₩850 million (USD 637,000).
Kim Soo-hyun had served as the model for this company’s rice cooker advertisement for a decade. However, amid resurfaced rumors of a past relationship with the late Kim Sae‑ron—who was a minor during their alleged 2016~2022 association—several brands terminated contracts with him. In reaction, a medical equipment firm filed a real estate provisional seizure against him on May 8. The court approved placing a ₩3 billion (USD 2.25 million) lien on his Galleria Forêt apartment.
Kim’s legal team from LKB & Partners confirmed the sequestrations but criticized advertisers for penalizing the alleged victim instead of pursuing accountability against those who spread false claims. They argued that claims from the YouTube channel “Garo Sero Institute” are being discredited, making the advertisers’ stance regrettable.
Regarding the Kim Sae‑ron scandal, Kim’s team has requested a forensic analysis from the National Forensic Service (NFS) to determine whether digital evidence was manipulated. “While we cannot directly commission the NFS, we have formally asked investigative authorities to verify if evidence was altered,” said Kim’s lawyer.
Set to star in the upcoming Disney+ series “Knock-Off” after his hit drama “Queen of Tears”, Kim’s new projects have been delayed, and all advertising activities have reportedly halted.
