Actor Kim Soo-hyun resumes official activities after 16 months, films new commercial

Actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially resumed his entertainment career.

Actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially resumed his entertainment career.

His agency, Gold Medalist, confirmed to Xportsnews that Kim recently filmed a commercial and photo shoot for the Philippine fashion brand Bench.

Kim had largely stayed away from entertainment activities since March last year after allegations about his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron became public. The commercial shoot on Monday was his first official work in about 16 months, marking the beginning of his return to the entertainment industry.

Kim was accused of dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. He denied the allegations, saying their relationship began only after she reached adulthood.

He later filed a defamation complaint against Kim Se-ui, head of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, also known as HoverLab, which made the allegations. Kim Se-ui has since been indicted and detained on charges including criminal defamation by spreading false information, violating the Act on Special Cases.

Kim also became involved in a damages lawsuit filed by an advertiser following the controversy. During the second court hearing on July 8, the court advised outdoor apparel brand Eider and Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, to try to reach a settlement.

Eider had originally sought about 2.5 billion won ($1.8 million) in damages, claiming the allegations involving Kim and the late actress had harmed the brand’s reputation while he was serving as its advertising model.

However, during the hearing, Eider reportedly reduced its claim from about 2.5 billion won to around 400 million won ($290,000). The company is now seeking only the return of the remaining model fees under the advertising contract rather than compensation for reputational damage.