Actor Kim Soo Hyun is preparing to return to artistic activities and commercial promotion when confirming to participate in an advertising photoshoot in July.
This is considered his first official schedule after nearly 1 year of interruption due to prolonged controversies and legal battles.
According to News1's report on June 8, Kim Soo Hyun will conduct an advertising campaign for Bench - the leading fashion brand in the Philippines - on July 14.
The fact that a large brand continues to choose Kim Soo Hyun as its representative face right in a sensitive time has quickly attracted public attention.
In the advertising field, the image and reputation of the model play a key role in brand recognition. Therefore, Bench's decision to keep the actor is considered a positive sign, showing that the partner's trust in the Korean star is still maintained.
This turning point takes place in the context of the legal situation related to Kim Soo Hyun having many notable changes. Previously, Kim Se Ui - the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute - was arrested on charges of slander through spreading false information.
Kim Se Ui was arrested by authorities on May 26 after a series of statements on YouTube and at press conferences over the past year, in which he accused Kim Soo Hyun of having a romantic relationship with late actress Kim Sae Ron since she was not yet adults.
Investigation results show that many documents used as evidence have been forged. Police determined that Kim Se Ui used artificial intelligence (AI) technology to edit the voice of late actress Kim Sae Ron, and also fabricated KakaoTalk conversations to reinforce allegations aimed at Kim Soo Hyun.
The court then approved the arrest warrant on the grounds of the risk of destroying evidence and fleeing. By June 2, the request to reconsider the legality of the detention filed by Kim Se Ui's side was also rejected.
On June 5, Kim Soo Hyun's management company Goldmedalist issued an official statement after receiving the investigation results from functional agencies.
A company representative said that the alleged acts against Kim Se Ui, including defaming false information, harassment, violating the Law on Sexual Violence, as well as threatening and coercive acts, have been confirmed during the investigation.
However, legal disputes related to Kim Soo Hyun have not completely closed. Currently, public attention is focused on ongoing civil lawsuits.
It is expected that on June 10, the Suwon District Court (Korea), Civil Division No. 14, will conduct the 3rd trial in the lawsuit demanding compensation for damages worth 3.96 billion won (about 2.9 million USD) filed by functional food company FromBio against Kim Soo Hyun and management company Goldmedalist.
This is the first civil hearing since Kim Se Ui's arrest. Observers believe that the latest criminal investigation results are likely to become one of the important bases used by the parties in the litigation process.
Amidst complex legal developments, Kim Soo Hyun's official return to promotional activities is seen as a sign that the actor is gradually restoring his image and restarting his career after a period of turmoil.
