In a major twist, the legal battle surrounding actor Kim Soo Hyun has entered a new phase. After GaSeYeon (Garo Sero Institute) head Kim Se-eui—who pushed allegations about Kim Soo Hyun’s relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron—was arrested on charges including spreading false information, the advertiser that sued Kim for damages has slashed its claim by a wide margin.
According to legal circles on the 9th, at the second hearing held the previous day by the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 45, the outdoor brand reduced its damages claim against Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, from about 2.5 billion KRW to 400 million KRW.
The brand had filed the suit last year, arguing its image was harmed after Kim—then its advertising model—was embroiled in rumors of dating Kim Sae-ron and alleged responsibility for her death. But with Kim Se-eui now under arrest and investigators determining that materials he disclosed were falsified using AI, the tone of the lawsuit appears to be shifting.
Reports say the brand has effectively withdrawn the original claim rooted in “social controversy” and is now narrowing the suit to seek the return of remaining model fees following contract termination. As a result, the claimed amount has dropped sharply.
The court also made its stance clear. It reportedly viewed the advertiser, Kim Soo Hyun, and his agency all largely as victims of the false information spread by Kim Se-eui. Citing Kim’s ongoing amicable talks with other advertisers, the court is said to have suggested the brand consider withdrawing the suit to resolve the dispute.
Kim Se-eui had repeatedly raised allegations about Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae-ron since March last year, causing significant fallout. Kim’s activities suffered major setbacks, from ad contracts to the release schedule of his starring projects.
Investigators, however, concluded that key materials presented by Kim Se-eui—such as audio recordings and messages—were meticulously fabricated using AI. He has since been indicted and detained on charges including defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and violations of the Anti-Stalking Act.
Following Kim Se-eui’s arrest, momentum appears to be turning in Kim Soo Hyun’s favor. With the advertiser’s damages claim dramatically reduced and the court encouraging an amicable resolution, attention is now on the possibility of Kim Soo Hyun’s long-awaited return to full-scale activities.