Kim Soo-hyun faces public backlash as he begins return to entertainment industry after controversy

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has started making a gradual return to the entertainment industry after spending more than a year away from public attention due to the controversy surrounding the death of actress Kim Sae-ron. However, his comeback has triggered strong reactions among South Korean internet users, with many expressing criticism over his renewed public presence.

On Wednesday, July 15, Kim Soo-hyun appeared on social media for the first time in 16 months by sharing several posts connected to his latest promotional campaign with Philippine retail brand Bench. While the campaign marked a major step toward his return, it also attracted controversy after actor Jung Hae-in showed subtle support by engaging with one of the posts.

Kim Soo-hyun had withdrawn from public activities in March 2025 after becoming closely associated with allegations that emerged following the death of 24-year-old actress Kim Sae-ron. The actress died by suicide on February 16, 2025, which coincided with Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday. Following her death, her family made claims that she had allegedly been romantically involved with the actor when she was underage, leading to widespread public anger and debate.

Kim Soo-hyun and his agency Goldmedalist, strongly denied the allegations and maintained that the claims were false. Despite the actor’s denial, the controversy affected his career significantly. Several brand partnerships and professional projects were reportedly impacted, while some people in the entertainment industry distanced themselves from him. A number of industry figures also reportedly unfollowed him on social media during the height of the controversy.

The recent support shown by Jung Hae-in has become another major talking point among fans and online communities. According to YouTuber Eun Hyeon-jeong, Jung Hae-in remained connected with Kim Soo-hyun on Instagram throughout the controversy and did not remove his follow.

After Kim Soo-hyun’s return post was shared, Jung Hae-in reportedly expressed support by liking the publication. The interaction quickly gained attention online, with some fans criticizing the actor for publicly supporting Kim Soo-hyun.

The controversy intensified after Ben Chan, chairman of the Philippine retail company Bench, uploaded a photo with Kim Soo-hyun on social media. In the image, the actor appeared smiling beside Chan while holding a large bouquet of flowers and posing with a V-sign. The post included a message suggesting a renewed partnership between the actor and the brand.

Although the campaign was intended to highlight Kim Soo-hyun’s return, the online reaction focused heavily on Jung Hae-in’s engagement with the post. Some social media users criticized him, arguing that supporting Kim Soo-hyun during the controversy was inappropriate.

Despite the ongoing public debate, industry sources reportedly say that Kim Soo-hyun has received more than 40 offers for television dramas and films. The actor is currently reviewing potential projects as he prepares for what could become his official return to acting.

Kim Soo-hyun’s legal battle began after the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute published allegations involving the late Kim Sae-ron in March 2025. The actor and his agency rejected the accusations and initiated legal action against those responsible.

After months of legal proceedings, Garo Sero Institute founder Kim Se-ui was reportedly arrested on multiple charges, including allegations related to spreading false information, violations of stalking-related laws, sexual crime-related offenses, attempted coercion, and intimidation.

As Kim Soo-hyun moves forward with his career comeback, public opinion remains divided. While some fans continue to support the actor and await his return to the screen, others remain critical and believe the controversy surrounding him has not been fully resolved.