After a long absence due to scandals affecting their careers, Kim Soo Hyun and Yoo Ah In have returned one after another. However, one started from advertising, the other chose cinema and both are receiving different reactions from the public.
Recently, Yoo Ah In participated in the script reading session "Vampire", a new movie by director Jang Jae Hyun, who is behind "Exhuma". This is the actor's first project after about 3 years of career interruption.
Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun chose advertising as the starting point. He appeared in the new campaign of the Philippine brand BENCH in early August, after about 1 year and 4 months of limited activities. The actor also confirmed his participation in the program "Mahakarya RCTI 37" in Indonesia on August 23.
The two stars returned after upheavals but received mixed reactions. Kim Soo Hyun quickly had a new commercial activity and continued to receive support from fans. Yoo Ah In faced many opinions that he reappeared too early.
Kim Soo Hyun temporarily suspended most of his activities from March 2025, after controversy related to late actress Kim Sae Ron. The actor denied allegations of having a romantic relationship with her when he was not yet adults. The noise affected Kim Soo Hyun's image, and the movie "Knock-Off" was postponed.
After a long period of silence, he did not return immediately to movies but chose advertising. BENCH's continued cooperation with Kim Soo Hyun shows that the male actor's commercial appeal is still maintained. After that, he continued to expand his activities in Indonesia.
Although still having disputes with some brands, Kim Soo Hyun is showing positive signs in his comeback process. Support from fans also helps the male actor maintain his appeal after a long absence.
Yoo Ah In chose "Vampire" as a project to reappear after a case related to drug use. The Korean Supreme Court upheld the sentence of 1 year in prison but granted a 2-year suspended sentence and a fine of 2 million won.
Yoo Ah In's return when the probation period has not ended has attracted special public attention. Some people believe that he has taken responsibility before the law and has the right to continue working, while many opinions believe that the time to reappear is not appropriate.
After the scandal, many brands that had cooperated with Yoo Ah In removed his image from advertising campaigns. Therefore, "Vampire" is just the first step in the process of rebuilding the actor's career.
Kim Soo Hyun and Yoo Ah In were both former top stars, but are choosing different ways to return.
Kim Soo Hyun started from advertising and then expanded to international activities, while Yoo Ah In returned to cinema after 3 years of absence. If Kim Soo Hyun is showing positive signs from fans and the commercial market, Yoo Ah In still faces many mixed opinions.
Both need time to restore their image after the upheavals. However, how the public receives new activities will be an important factor determining whether Kim Soo Hyun and Yoo Ah In can regain their former positions in the entertainment industry or not.
