Actor Kim Soo Hyun is facing another major lawsuit as a company sues him and his agency for nearly $2 million, adding to the growing legal challenges tied to his recent controversies.
Lawsuit Filed by Company A
On May 2, 2025, a retail brand, referred to as Company A, filed a lawsuit against Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, GOLDMEDALIST, at the Seoul Central District Court. The company is seeking 2.8 billion KRW (approximately $1.95 million USD) in damages. The lawsuit claims that Kim Soo Hyun breached his advertising contract due to negative public reactions to controversies surrounding his personal life. Company A terminated its contract with the actor, stating that the breach caused damage to its brand reputation. The company is demanding a refund of the modeling fees paid to Kim Soo Hyun and additional compensation for the losses incurred.
“The breach lies on the ground of Kim Soo Hyun negatively impacting the brand, as a result of the immense backlash he is facing,” a legal source stated.
The lawsuit was reported by YTN Star, a Korean media outlet, based on information from legal sources familiar with the case. The filing took place on April 25, 2025, and marks the latest in a series of legal actions against the actor.
Previous Lawsuits by Companies B and C
This is not the first legal action against Kim Soo Hyun. Two other companies, referred to as Company B and Company C, previously filed lawsuits against him and GOLDMEDALIST on April 28, 2025. These companies, which also had advertising contracts with the actor, are seeking a combined total of 3 billion KRW (approximately $2.08 million USD) in damages. The lawsuits demand the return of modeling fees and compensation for losses due to the controversies. Additionally, Company C terminated its contract with Kim Soo Hyun, citing a breach of trust, and is considering further legal action to recover fees or impose penalties.
“It is known within the industry that Kim Soo Hyun signed advertising contracts with about 15 brands, with each domestic contract reportedly valued at around 1 to 1.2 billion KRW,” said Park Sung Woo, an entertainment lawyer from Wooree Law Firm.
The combined claims from Company B and Company C were reported by multiple outlets, including Soompi and Hankyung, confirming the total amount sought. These lawsuits stem from the same public backlash that prompted Company A‘s action.
Impact of the Kim Sae Ron Controversy
The lawsuits are linked to a controversy involving Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron, who passed away on February 16, 2025. In March 2025, the YouTube channel HoverLab (also known as Garosero Research Institute) and Kim Sae Ron’s family accused Kim Soo Hyun of dating her when she was a minor, starting in 2015 when she was 15 years old. They released photos, videos, and KakaoTalk messages as evidence, claiming the relationship lasted until 2021.
Kim Soo Hyun denied these allegations during a press conference on March 31, 2025, stating that their relationship began in 2019, when Kim Sae Ron was an adult, and lasted about a year. He claimed the KakaoTalk messages were edited and submitted forensic analysis reports to support his claim that the 2016 and 2018 messages were not exchanged with him.
“It is not true that I dated her when she was underage. The KakaoTalk messages have been edited,” Kim Soo Hyun said at the press conference. “I am sorry for causing so much pain to many people,” he added, expressing regret for the controversy.
Despite his denial, the allegations led to widespread public criticism. As a result, Kim Soo Hyun lost numerous endorsement deals, with reports indicating that 15 out of his 19 brand contracts were terminated. The financial impact was significant, with penalties and losses estimated to exceed 22 billion KRW (approximately $15.3 million USD). Additionally, his upcoming Disney+ drama, Knock-Off, was indefinitely postponed, with industry insiders suggesting potential cancellation, which could lead to further financial penalties ranging from 18 billion to 180 billion KRW.
Potential for More Lawsuits
Industry experts predict that more companies may file lawsuits against Kim Soo Hyun. Park Sung Woo noted that advertisers are often hesitant to be the first to sue a high-profile figure, but once one lawsuit is filed, others tend to follow. Estimates suggest that the total damages sought from Kim Soo Hyun could reach 10 billion KRW (approximately $6.96 million USD) or more if additional brands take legal action. Some reports even suggest potential liabilities could climb as high as 30 billion KRW (approximately $20.9 million USD) if all affected brands pursue claims.
“Once news of a lawsuit emerges, it is likely that more advertisers will follow,” Park Sung Woo explained.
The ongoing legal battles have also sparked speculation about Kim Soo Hyun’s financial situation. Some netizens and industry insiders questioned whether he and GOLDMEDALIST were facing financial difficulties, especially after earlier reports suggested a delay in paying court fees for a separate lawsuit. However, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team clarified that all fees were paid, and the delay was due to an address correction.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Legal Response
In response to the allegations by Kim Sae Ron’s family and HoverLab, Kim Soo Hyun filed a 12 billion KRW (approximately $8.16 million USD) defamation lawsuit against them on March 31, 2025, at the Seoul Central District Court. The lawsuit targets the bereaved family, an unidentified individual claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt, and the operators of HoverLab. The court accepted the case, and it is expected to be heard by a three-judge civil panel due to the high claim amount. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team, led by Kim Jong-bok of LKB & Partners, also filed criminal charges for defamation.
“We paid all the necessary court fees and delivery charges. The request to extend the correction deadline was to fix the defendant’s address,” LKB & Partners stated on April 17, 2025, denying rumors of unpaid fees.
The lawsuit faced a procedural issue when the court noted a discrepancy in the claimed amount, initially recorded as 11 billion KRW instead of 12 billion KRW. The 14th Civil Agreement Division ordered Kim Soo Hyun’s team to correct the amount and pay 38 million KRW (approximately $26,700 USD) in fees. After requesting an extension on April 16, 2025, the team confirmed full payment, and the case remains active.
Public and Industry Reactions
Public opinion on Kim Soo Hyun remains divided. Some netizens expressed shock at the lawsuits and speculated about his financial stability, while others supported him, believing he is being unfairly targeted.
“Kim Soo Hyun has to prove his innocence in court, and he will be absolved from these penalties,” a netizen posted on X. “Truth always finds its way. #AlwaysSupportKimSooHyun,” another user wrote.
However, the negative sentiment has taken a toll. Posts on X reflect frustration among some fans, with one user calling the situation a “domino effect” of lawsuits. Industry insiders note that the controversy has damaged Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation as a top Hallyu star, affecting not only his endorsements but also South Korea’s cultural export industry, which generated $12 billion USD in 2024.
Current Status of Legal Battles
As of May 2, 2025, Kim Soo Hyun is facing three confirmed lawsuits from advertisers (Company A, Company B, and Company C), totaling approximately 5.8 billion KRW (around $4.03 million USD). His defamation lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron’s family and HoverLab is ongoing, with no hearing date announced. GOLDMEDALIST has not yet confirmed whether the lawsuits from Company B and Company C have been officially filed, stating only that they are “checking on the matter.” The potential for additional lawsuits looms, with industry observers closely watching how the situation unfolds.
The most recent update is the filing of Company A’s lawsuit on April 25, 2025, as reported by YTN Star. The outcome of these legal battles could significantly impact Kim Soo Hyun’s career and financial standing.
