Kim Soo Hyun makes stage comeback in Indonesia after year-long Kim Sae Ron controversy and legal clearances
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File image of Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Soo Hyun recently made a comeback on stage, a year after the controversy around his relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron dominated headlines and forced him to stay away from the public eye.
A year after controversy erupted over his alleged relationship with an underage Kim Sae Ron, South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun returned to the stage. Once considered one of the highest-paid stars of the Korean industry until controversy around his personal life forced him to step out of the limelight, Kim Soo Hyun recently performed at the Mahakarya RCTI 37 live show in Indonesia.
Kim Soo Hyun returns to stage
The actor-singer performed Dreaming, a popular track from the 2011 K-drama Dram High, which also featured him as one of the leads. He looked visibly nervous on his stage comeback and missed a beat initially before eventually settling in. Once he found his flow, he appeared more comfortable and finished the song with a smile. The actor looked a tad emotional and tried to hold back his tears throughout his performance.
All about the controversy around Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun’s relationship
Kim Soo Hyun’s return to the stage came after a year of staying out of the public eye amid all the controversy around his alleged relationship with late actress Kim Sae Ron. Controversy erupted in March 2025 when a YouTuber alleged that the two had been romantically involved while Sae Ron was still a minor.
The claims were backed by Sae Ron’s family back at that time.
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Soo Hyun’s agency had rejected the relationship initially, but later the actor confirmed that he and Sae Ron had dated, but maintained that their relationship began only after she had become an adult.
Sae Ron was a child actor initially and then transitioned to play lead roles as an adult. She was known for films such as The Man from Nowhere. She was found dead at her home in February 2025. Her death brought renewed attention to her personal life and the claims surrounding her relationship with Soo Hyun.
A month later, he addressed the controversy at an emotional press conference, firmly denying that he had dated her while she was underage. He said, “I can't admit to something I didn't do. I never dated her when she was a minor. Except for the fact that both of us were actors, our relationship was just like that of any other ordinary couple.”
The controversy cost Kim Soo Hyun major endorsement deals and the cancellation of acting projects as public pressure mounted on makers and luxury brands to disassociate themselves from the actor.
False charges on Kim Soo Hyun and legal implications later
The dispute quickly escalated beyond public statements and moved into legal territory. Kim Se Ui, operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute (HoverLab), was arrested and later indicted on charges including defamation. According to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Se Ui circulated false information using manipulated materials, such as KakaoTalk messages and audio clips, with investigators alleging that artificial intelligence was used to generate part of the content.
Kim Soo Hyun's agency welcomed the legal action and referenced the actor's statement from his 2025 press conference. As reported by The Korea Herald, the agency noted, “Kim Soo Hyun said at a press conference a year ago, 'I will not ask you to believe me. I will prove it.' The past year has been a time spent solely to keep that promise.”
In a separate matter, Soo Hyun had been accused of violating the Child Welfare Act following a criminal complaint filed by Sae Ron’s family in May 2025, which alleged he dated the late actor while she was a minor in middle school. However, on July 29, 2026, the Seongdong Police Station in Seoul cleared the actor, deciding not to refer the case to prosecutors due to insufficient evidence.
Kim Soo Hyun’s latest public appearance leaves the Internet baffled
Kim Soo Hyun's return has drawn different reactions online. Many criticised the moment, as to why Kim Soo Hyun has been able to come back to the industry so easily. One Indonesian social media user described the moment, writing, “HOW COULD RCTI POSSIBLY INVITE SOOHYUN????? so embarrassing, even Koreans are shocked that Soohyun is being featured on TV like this.”
Another user reacted on X, “Another case where a real Korean man still gets to hold his head high in society. If it were a woman, she'd be cursed and damned until she sinks and disappears completely. Even if some stories are just rumours or baseless fake news. How depressing can this world get?” One user added, “Aren't you embarrassed, SEA countries become a refuge for problematic Korean actors and the stupidity is they're welcomed here too.”
Kim Soo Hyun's new work
Earlier in July Kim Soo Hyun made a quiet return to the public eye with a campaign for Philippine fashion brand Bench. His appearance in Indonesia, however, marked a bigger step as he took the stage in front of a live audience for the first time in more than a year. The actor is set to meet fans next at Manila’s SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 2.
