Actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to make his comeback through an advertisement with a Filipino fashion brand, sparking fresh attention as settlement talks reportedly emerge in ongoing damages lawsuits with advertisers.
On July 14, Kim will front a new campaign for a Philippine clothing label, unveiling a commercial film and a Pictorial. The shoot is said to take place in Korea. This marks his first full-fledged entertainment activity in about a year since last year’s controversy.
Previously, Kim halted his activities after suspicions arose over the timeline of his relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron. While acknowledging that the two dated, Kim’s side maintained the relationship continued only after she became an adult, denying allegations of dating during her minor years.
Investigations then followed over the authenticity of certain materials disclosed during the allegation-raising process. Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, stated that the late star’s KakaoTalk messages and audio files were confirmed to be fabricated, and the individual who raised the claims was reportedly indicted and detained on charges including defamation by spreading false information.
This trajectory appears to be influencing damages lawsuits between Kim and several advertisers.
Recently, at the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 45, the second hearing was held in a damages suit filed by an outdoor brand against Kim and Gold Medalist. The brand reportedly reduced its claim from about 2.5 billion won to 400 million won and shifted its suit from seeking damages over social scandal to demanding the return of remaining model fees due to contract termination.
The court reportedly indicated that the advertiser, Kim, and his agency all suffered harm stemming from the allegations. It also suggested a path to settle the dispute by withdrawing claims while maintaining the advertising contract, with each side covering its own legal costs.
Beyond this brand, Kim is engaged in multiple damages suits with other advertisers. Observers are watching whether the direction of this case will affect the other disputes.
With his comeback underway, attention has also swung back to the Disney+ series Knockoff, headlined by Kim. Its release has been delayed since the controversy. As of now, Disney+ is reportedly reviewing the scheduling without issuing any updated statement.
All eyes are on whether Kim, who is restarting official activities via overseas advertising, can also fully return to domestic projects with Knockoff.