Kim Soo-hyun set to return to Korean public events

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to make his first major public appearance in South Korea in nearly

SEOUL: South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to make his first major public appearance in South Korea in nearly two years, marking a significant step in his return to the entertainment industry following the controversy surrounding late actress Kim Sae-ron.

Soo-hyun is scheduled to appear as a presenter at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards, which will take place at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19.

The event is expected to attract considerable attention because it will be the actor’s first official public appearance at a major domestic entertainment event since the controversy surrounding his relationship with Sae-ron intensified.

The actor largely stayed away from public activities after the controversy emerged in early 2025. His absence from the South Korean entertainment scene continued for more than a year, although he recently began making limited appearances outside the country.

Soo-hyun also returned to social media after an extended period away from public platforms. His latest moves have fueled speculation that the actor is gradually preparing to resume his professional activities.

The controversy began after Sae-ron’s death in February 2025. Members of her family subsequently made allegations concerning her past relationship with Soo-hyun, including claims that the relationship began when she was underage.

Soo-hyun has strongly denied allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with Sae-ron while she was a minor. The accusations generated intense debate online and triggered calls for the actor to face professional consequences.

Police investigation

The controversy also led to a police investigation into allegations concerning Soo-hyun.

Authorities ultimately decided not to indict the actor over alleged violations of the Child Welfare Act, citing insufficient evidence. Separately, the operator of the YouTube channel that publicised the allegations faced arrest on defamation-related charges.

The police decision became an important development in the case, although debate surrounding the actor has continued online.

News of Soo-hyun’s planned appearance at the awards ceremony immediately triggered mixed reactions on social media.

Some users questioned why he had been selected as a presenter despite the controversy, while others criticised the decision to bring him back to a major domestic entertainment event.

Several online comments expressed anger and concern about his interaction with younger performers expected to attend the ceremony. Some users also argued that his return could create an uncomfortable situation for idols and artists appearing at the event.

The reaction reflects the continuing divide among online audiences over the allegations and the actor’s future in the entertainment industry.

However, Soo-hyun has already taken steps toward returning to public activities.

Before the upcoming Busan event, he appeared as a special guest during “Mahakarya RCTI 37,” a live broadcast marking the 37th anniversary of Indonesian broadcaster RCTI. His appearance in Indonesia was viewed as an early indication that he was beginning to resume overseas engagements.

The upcoming awards ceremony will therefore represent a major test of his return to the South Korean entertainment scene.

The 2026 The Fact Music Awards are scheduled for September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium.

The ceremony will feature performances from a large lineup of established and emerging Korean acts. Among the artists announced for the event are RIIZE, RESCENE, xikers, IDID, ILLIT, ALD1, NOL FESTIVAL, ATEEZ, NMIXX, ALLDAY PROJECT, Lim Young-woong, YENA, CORTIS, CLOSE YOUR EYES, KiiiKiii, TREASURE and tripleS.

With Soo-hyun appearing as a presenter alongside a major lineup of performers, the ceremony is expected to attract significant attention from both fans and critics.

His participation also signals a possible new phase in his career after a prolonged period away from South Korean public events.