Kim Soo-hyun’s Image Blurred on TV: Actor’s Standee Censorship Sparks Attention Amid Ongoing Scandal

Actor Kim Soo-hyun finds himself deeper in crisis as public scrutiny over his alleged underage relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron shows no signs of subsiding. Over a month into the controversy, the situation continues to evolve with new setbacks affecting both his public image and professional engagements.

Blurred Out on Broadcasts

After being edited out of MBC’s variety show “Good Day,” his face has now been blurred out in a web variety show, marking another public snub from the entertainment industry.

On April 11, Koreaboo reported that Kim Soo-hyun’s standee was digitally blurred in a recently aired YouTube video by channel Pixid, which featured TXT members Beomgyu and Soobin. What raised eyebrows was the fact that standees of other K-celebrities appeared unblurred, signaling a deliberate editorial choice.

During the episode, member Beomgyu appeared in the role of a “K-drama club president,” enthusiastically introducing iconic Korean dramas such as “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Slave Hunters,” and the “Reply” series.

He also listed “My Love from the Star” and “Queen of Tears,” both starring Kim Soo-hyun, as part of his favorites. Yet, viewers quickly noticed that Kim’s face was blurred out on the posters shown, and a cardboard cutout of him positioned behind Soobin was also pixelated for the entire segment.

The footage was reportedly filmed before the controversy erupted, but producers chose to obscure Kim’s image in light of the still-unresolved allegations. The move has been interpreted as a cautious stance by media producers wary of public backlash.

Sponsorship Fallout: Major Brands Distance Themselves

Kim Soo-hyun is facing growing financial fallout from his ongoing scandal. Brands like Prada, Dinto, and Tous Les Jours have ended or declined to renew contracts with him, while Shinhan Financial Group has removed his ads but is still monitoring the situation. Disney+ has also halted production and delayed the broadcast of his upcoming drama “Knock Off,” potentially exposing him to major penalties if the project is canceled.

A person close to actress Kim Sae-ron’s family claimed she dated Kim Soo-hyun from 2015 to 2021 and accused him of manipulating her when she was underage. Kim Soo-hyun insists the relationship began after she became an adult. Both sides have shared alleged evidence, but the controversy continues to escalate, now involving legal issues.

Kim Soo-hyun, once regarded as one of Korea’s most bankable stars, is now grappling with a tarnished image, shaken public trust, and a wave of corporate and entertainment industry withdrawals.