
Actor Kim Soo Hyun is reportedly facing a damages lawsuit worth approximately 7.3 billion KRW (around $5.6 million) from advertisers, but his legal team has expressed both caution and confidence in their response.
On June 20, attorney Bang Sung Hoon of LKB & Partners, representing Kim Soo Hyun, told News1, “It is true that some advertisers have filed claims for damages, but we cannot confirm the exact amount,” emphasizing a careful approach.
He continued, “These claims are based on false information circulated by the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute. From both legal and contractual perspectives, there is no possibility that Kim Soo Hyun will be held liable for damages.” Bang added that he remains optimistic, saying, “Once the investigation into the Garosero Research Institute’s reckless spread of misinformation proceeds, the truth will come to light and the lawsuits will naturally be resolved.”
Kim Soo Hyun recently rose to prominence in the advertising industry following the success of the tvN drama 'Queen of Tears.' He became a highly sought-after model for various brands. However, controversy arose after the family of the late Kim Sae Ron claimed through the Garosero Research Institute that Kim had been in a relationship with her when she was underage.
In response, Kim Soo Hyun held a press conference and stated that he only dated Kim Sae Ron for about a year after she became an adult, firmly denying the allegations. He has since filed criminal complaints against Garosero Research Institute CEO Kim Se Eui and Kim Sae Ron's family for defamation and violation of the anti-stalking law. He also filed a civil damages suit amounting to 11 billion KRW (approximately $8.5 million).
Amid the ongoing legal battle, it was also reported that one unit of Kim Soo Hyun’s luxury residence, Galleria Foret, had been provisionally seized. The property is estimated to be worth around 3 billion KRW (about $2.3 million). His legal team responded by stating, “Due to these completely unfounded claims, a crime victim is now suffering secondary harm.”
As the legal dispute continues, public attention remains focused on where the truth will ultimately lead.
SEE ALSO: Former manager of the late Kim Sae Ron files lawsuit against a YouTuber