Kim Soo-hyun Wins Legal Battle Over Ad Contract
Actor Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, have officially won a major legal victory after a Swiss watch brand, Mido, filed a lawsuit seeking the return of approximately $430,000 (around 577 million KRW) in advertising contract fees. According to South Korea’s legal circles, the Seoul Eastern District Court dismissed all of Mido’s claims in the first trial on November 27. Because the brand failed to file an appeal by the deadline, the ruling was finalized.
Background of the Dispute and Contract Termination
Mido originally signed an endorsement contract with Kim Soo-hyun in 2020 and regularly renewed it. In November 2024, the brand extended the contract by another year after paying a model fee of roughly $680,000 (9 billion KRW). However, following allegations surrounding the actor’s past private life raised in March of last year, Mido unilaterally terminated the agreement in May and filed a lawsuit to recover the remaining balance, arguing that the controversies had damaged his commercial value.
Court Ruling and Police Investigation
Gold Medalist maintained that there were no justifiable grounds for termination attributable to Kim Soo-hyun, meaning no obligation to return the fees. The court ultimately sided with the agency, dismissing the brand’s lawsuit entirely. Meanwhile, regarding the related allegations, the Seoul Seongdong Police Station decided not to forward the child welfare act violation and false accusation charges against Kim Soo-hyun last July due to insufficient evidence, as reported by JoongAng Daily.
