Kim Soo-hyun Confirmed to Attend Taiwan Event Amid Controversy
Kim Soo-hyun will depart from Incheon International Airport to Kaohsiung Airport, Taiwan, on March 30 and return to Korea on April 1 after a one-day stay. His participation in the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival, hosted by 7-Eleven, will mark his first public appearance since allegations surfaced regarding an alleged underage relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron and financial disputes.
With speculation about whether he would cancel, event organizers have confirmed that the festival will proceed as planned. “The event is still taking place according to contract,” the organizers stressed a few days ago.
If he were to withdraw, the cancellation penalty was estimated at 1.32 billion won. 50 police officers will be deployed at the event for security, though authorities emphasize that this is a standard measure rather than a response to the controversy.
On March 25, Taiwanese media outlet ETtoday reported, “Although it has been reported that Kim Soo-hyun will depart from Incheon International Airport for Kaohsiung on March 30, stay for a day to attend the event then return to Korea on April 1, nothing has been confirmed yet.”
According to the media outlet, the festival organizers stated, “There are no changes to the plan, and the performance will proceed as usual. However, the exact time of Kim Soo-hyun’s arrival in Taiwan has not yet been determined.”
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai also commented, “We are reviewing the matter carefully and have not held any meetings with airport police.” Mayor Chen explained that for airport police deployment to be arranged, the relevant agency or promoter must submit documentation to Kaohsiung City, which would then be forwarded to the airport police—but no such request has been received yet.
Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival & Fan Meeting Details
According to Taiwanese media ET Today on March 21 (local time), Kim Soo-hyun will attend the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival, an event organized by 7-Eleven. Around 200 attendees have been selected through a lottery system for the fan meeting. As 7-Eleven’s promotional model, Kim Soo-hyun was also set to appear in marketing materials displayed in 7-Eleven stores across Taiwan.
Initially, 7-Eleven had planned to launch special edition fresh food, coffee cups, and other promotional items featuring Kim Soo-hyun’s image as part of the event. He was scheduled to perform for approximately 40 minutes on the festival’s final day. However, reports indicated that organizers had reconsidered his participation following the emergence of allegations.
Kim Soo-hyun’s career has suffered significant setbacks due to these allegations. He has faced intense backlash, with several advertising brands terminating or suspending contracts with him. Videos of overseas fans tearing up his advertisement materials have gone viral on TikTok, while Chinese fan cafes have shut down, and Weibo has been flooded with critical posts.
His agency, Gold Medalist, has continued to deny all accusations. They have taken legal action against Kim Sae-ron’s family and Garosero Research Institute, which initially exposed the claims. Kim Soo-hyun has remained silent on the matter, leaving the public anticipating whether he will personally address the controversy.
Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron’s family and Kim Soo-hyun’s side remain in sharp conflict over allegations of a relationship during her minor years and pressure to repay 700 million won in debt. At the beginning of the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun attended a scheduled recording for the variety show “Good Day”.
With his trip to Taiwan now confirmed, attention is focused on whether he will break his silence on the allegations or continue to let his agency handle the matter.