South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is reportedly preparing to make his return to the entertainment industry through a new endorsement project in the Philippines, marking his first public activity following a year-long hiatus.
Reports from multiple media outlets revealed that the controversial K-drama star is scheduled to participate in an ad campaign for a popular Philippine brand.
Confirming the reports, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency GOLDMEDALIST announced that the actor will take part in a print advertisement shoot for the well-known local fashion brand, Bench, on July 14.
“Kim Soo Hyun will participate in a print advertisement shoot for the leading Philippine fashion brand Bench on July 14,” the agency said in a statement, as quoted by Soompi.
The endorsement project is expected to be Kim’s first official activity since stepping away from the spotlight following a series of allegations that surfaced in March last year.
The development comes months after Kim Soo Hyun found himself at the center of a highly publicized controversy involving allegations about his past relationship with late actress Kim Sae Ron.
The “Queen of Tears” star was accused of having an alleged six-year romantic relationship with Kim Sae Ron beginning in 2015, when she was 15. He has since denied the accusations, maintaining that they only began dating after she had reached adulthood.
Despite his denial, the controversy prompted several brands to end their endorsement agreements with the actor. He was previously set to topbill the Disney+ series “Knock-Off,” which was originally set for release last year, but was later postponed due to the lead actor’s ongoing legal issues.
Recent developments in the case, however, have shifted public attention, as Kim Se Eui, the operator of the YouTube channel HoverLab Inc., was recently arrested on charges that include the “dissemination of false information”.
According to police findings, Kim Se Eui allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) technology to manipulate the voice of Kim Sae Ron and fabricate online conversations that were presented as evidence of her alleged relationship with Kim Soo Hyun.
