OSEN DB.Kim Soo-hyun Returns to the Public Eye
Kim Soo-hyun has finally made his return to domestic activities in South Korea after a hiatus of one year and six months, catching the attention of the public with a noticeably thinner appearance. On September 22, his agency, Gold Medalist, released behind-the-scenes photos of the actor at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (2026 TMA) stage. In the photos, Kim Soo-hyun is seen looking at the stage with a serious expression and smiling warmly at his fans, though his visibly slimmer face sparked concerns among supporters. Previously, he appeared as a popular vote award presenter at the event held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19, marking his first official domestic schedule since past controversies.
Clearing Controversies and Legal Vindication
This public appearance marks Kim Soo-hyun’s official return to the South Korean entertainment industry after stepping back due to allegations regarding a past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron. Following an emotional press conference in March of the previous year to appeal his innocence, the YouTuber who initially raised the allegations was arrested in May for defamation. Investigations revealed that the exposed chat logs were fabricated using unrelated conversations, and the voice notes were generated using AI technology. Child welfare law violation charges were also dismissed due to insufficient evidence, and Swiss brand Mido lost its lawsuit seeking to claw back approximately $415,000 USD in endorsement fees following the controversy, clearing the path for his return.
Overseas Activities and Fan Support
Starting with a fashion brand photoshoot in the Philippines last July, followed by an event in Jakarta, Indonesia, and an upcoming fan meeting in the Philippines in October, Kim Soo-hyun has steadily resumed his global schedule. International fans sent support trucks and floral wreaths to the 2026 The Fact Music Awards venue to celebrate his domestic return. His agency released the backstage photos to reciprocate the overwhelming love and support from fans worldwide.
