A fan-funded advertisement featuring actor Kim Soo-hyun at Seoul’s Hongdae Station has ignited significant public backlash. The ad, organized through the CHOEAEDOL Celeb platform, was displayed at Exit 3 of the station, a location known for high foot traffic, including many international visitors.
CHOEAEDOL Celeb allows fans to crowdfund advertisements for their favorite celebrities, often timed with birthdays or project releases. However, the timing of this particular ad has drawn criticism due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun.
The actor has been under intense scrutiny following allegations that he engaged in a romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. These claims have led to widespread public debate and have significantly impacted Kim Soo-hyun‘s career. Major brands, including luxury fashion house Prada, have terminated their collaborations with the actor.
Social media users expressed their dismay over the subway ad, with some even calling the actor’s ad a “national Disgrace”. “Seriously, what are you doing??”, one lamented, while another pointed out that the Hongdae station has a lot of foot traffic from foreigners, adding that these foreigners might see the ad and question what’s wrong with Korea for having Kim Soo-hyun there despite him being accused of a crime.
Many also complained that CHOEAEDOL should have reviewed the ad and taken it down. However, fans of the actor defended it, claiming that fans worked to vote for the ad and it’s only a testament of his global fame.
On the other hand, Kim Soo-hyun’s controversy has also affected his professional engagements. His upcoming Disney+ drama “Knock-Off” has reportedly been delayed, and a planned fan meeting in Taiwan was canceled. While the actor’s side has consistently denied romantic involvement with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, people remained skeptical. His side also submitted a lawsuit earlier in the year, and is determined to identify a person claiming to be “Kim Sae-ron’s aunt”, who made a strong exposé via YouTube channel Garo Sero YouTube Institute.
