On July 15, actor Kim Soo Hyun directly posted photos on his personal account, marking the first public post after about 17 months, since he got involved in a controversy leading to a temporary suspension of his artistic activities.
In the post, Kim Soo Hyun shared an article by Ben Chan, founder and chairman of the Philippine fashion brand BENCH - the brand the actor is currently modeling for.
In the newly shared images, Kim Soo Hyun shows a radiant smile, which many people in the industry see as a signal for his official return.
According to a source in the entertainment industry, after Kim Se Ui - who runs the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute - was arrested and prosecuted recently, Kim Soo Hyun's comeback process has been significantly accelerated.
Sources said that immediately after the information about Kim Soo Hyun's return, the actor received about 40 movie and TV drama scripts for consideration.
Not only acting projects, many businesses inside and outside the entertainment industry are also closely monitoring Kim Soo Hyun's return and discussing other cooperation opportunities.
In particular, public opinion is also interested in the release date of the original Disney+ series "Knock-Off", a work that Kim Soo Hyun has completed filming.
Currently, the film has not yet had an official release schedule, and it is likely that the platform will decide the release date after considering the situation in the near future.
Previously, after the late actress Kim Sae Ron passed away last year, Kim Soo Hyun was entangled in many controversies and temporarily suspended all artistic activities to focus on legal measures.
Kim Soo Hyun has temporarily suspended his activities since March 2025, after allegations related to his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron appeared.
YouTuber Kim Se Ui has continuously broadcast videos accusing Kim Soo Hyun of dating Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, and also claiming that Kim Soo Hyun must be held responsible for the death of the late actress.
However, the investigating agency later concluded that the voice recording file announced by Kim Se Ui was a fake product created by artificial intelligence (AI), and also determined that the KakaoTalk conversations between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had also been edited and forged.
On the 23rd of last month, Kim Se Ui was prosecuted in custody with many charges, including slander by disclosing false information.
After that, Kim Soo Hyun's management company issued an official press release, expressing: "We sincerely thank everyone who has always trusted and waited for Kim Soo Hyun throughout the past time.
At the same time, the management company also confirmed that Kim Soo Hyun will return to artistic activities.
