South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is scheduled to appear in court on November 21, 2025, for the first hearing of a lawsuit filed against him by a cosmetics brand. The hearing, set to take place in front of the 22nd Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court, comes seven months after the initial complaint was filed in April 2025.
The lawsuit, filed by Cosmetics Brand A, seeks 500 million KRW (approximately $350,000 USD) in damages. The core of the dispute stems from the termination of Kim Soo Hyun's modeling contract with the company. The brand claims it ended the contract due to "personal life controversies" surrounding the actor. The one-year endorsement deal was originally supposed to run through August 2025, making the early termination a potential financial setback.
The controversy began in March 2024 when a selfie of Kim Soo Hyun with the late actress Kim Sae Ron resurfaced, sparking speculation about their past relationship. Kim Sae Ron, who passed away in February 2025, had previously been embroiled in a drunk-driving incident in 2022. Following the resurfaced photo, the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute alleged that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had been romantically involved when she was a minor.
Kim Soo Hyun and his legal team, led by attorney Go Sang Rok, have vehemently denied the allegations of an inappropriate relationship with Kim Sae Ron. They maintain that the claims are false and defamatory. Kim Soo Hyun publicly addressed the allegations at a press conference, tearfully denying them and stating he could not admit to something untrue.
Despite the denials, the controversy has impacted Kim Soo Hyun's career. Several brands reportedly severed ties with the actor, and his entertainment activities have been put on hold. Kim Soo Hyun's legal team has taken action against Garo Sero Research Institute, filing a lawsuit seeking 12 billion KRW (approximately $9.2 million USD) in damages for defamation and violation of information and communications laws.
Cosmetics Brand A released a statement explaining their decision to terminate the contract, stating, "We judged that there were serious reasons preventing the fulfillment of the advertising contract and we have officially initiated the termination process through our legal representatives". They added that the decision reflected their commitment to upholding the brand's values and maintaining consumer trust.
Kim Soo Hyun's legal team has refuted all allegations, clarifying that he had a verified romantic relationship between 2016 and 2019, long before the alleged events. They claim to have evidence, including over 150 handwritten letters, to support their claims. They also argue that messages presented by Garo Sero Research Institute as evidence of an inappropriate relationship were sent by a different individual.
As Kim Soo Hyun prepares to appear in court, the outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain. The case highlights the challenges celebrities face in navigating personal controversies and the potential impact on their professional lives.
