Actor Kim Soo-hyun Returns to Ads and Social Media Amidst 40 Project Offers

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has made a notable return to the spotlight, resuming advertising shoots and social media activities after a hiatus of approximately one year. This marks a significant step as attention turns to his potential next acting roles, especially following recent legal proceedings involving a YouTuber accused of spreading false information.

Kim completed his first official schedule in 14 months by participating in a photoshoot for the Filipino fashion brand 'Bench' on July 14. The following day, he posted on his personal social media account for the first time since February of the previous year, sharing a photo from his Bench campaign. The images showcased his enduring visual appeal and a bright smile.

The entertainment industry is keenly observing Kim's next move. Reports indicate that he has received around 40 offers for future film and drama projects. Industry insiders are reportedly engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions, closely monitoring his choices and career trajectory. Kim is recognized as a leading Hallyu star, having starred in successful dramas such as 'Dream High' (2011), 'Moon Embracing the Sun' (2012), 'My Love from the Star' (2013), 'The Producers' (2015), and 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' (2020), all of which garnered significant popularity both domestically and internationally.

His most recent drama, tvN's 'Queen of Tears,' which aired in 2024, achieved a remarkable peak viewership rating of 24.9% (based on Nielsen Korea's paid household standards), surpassing 'Crash Landing on You' to become the highest-rated tvN weekend drama in history. The industry's focus on Kim's return is largely due to his established box office success and global influence.

Legal proceedings are still ongoing. The YouTuber in question, Kim Se-ui, was recently arrested and indicted on charges including defamation and stalking, stemming from repeated claims made on YouTube and press conferences about Kim Soo-hyun's alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron since her minor days. Police investigations concluded that audio recordings presented by Kim Se-ui were manipulated using generative AI, and evidence from KakaoTalk messages was also deemed fabricated. Kim Soo-hyun's agency released a statement in early June expressing gratitude to his fans. However, civil lawsuits with advertisers, including Frombio, Cuckoo Electronics, Trendmaker, Classis, Eider, and Mido, are continuing. Eider, for instance, reduced its damages claim from approximately 2.5 billion won to about 400 million won, and the court has encouraged settlement between the parties, suggesting a potential shift in the civil litigation landscape. The third hearing, scheduled for August 26, is anticipated with interest. Attention is also directed towards the Disney+ series 'Knock Off,' which halted filming after the controversy arose. Originally slated for a Season 1 release in April of the previous year, its release has been postponed amidst the allegations. With his return to advertising and social media, the industry is keenly awaiting Kim Soo-hyun's next steps in resuming his acting career through his choice of projects and the release of 'Knock Off.'