Several brands, including luxury fashion brand Prada, have officially cut ties with South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun as their brand ambassador amid his ongoing controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
Citing Esports News, Korean media outlet Soompi reported that the Italian fashion house decided to terminate its contract with Soo Hyun due to the “gravity” of the issue.
“In consideration of the gravity of the issue, we have mutually agreed to terminate our contract with actor Kim Soo Hyun. This decision was made at the headquarters level, and as of now, we can confirm that the contract has been terminated,” a representative from Prada Korea was quoted as saying.
The termination comes nearly three months after Soo Hyun was launched as Prada’s South Korean ambassor. The actor last attended the brand’s fashion show event last January.
Korean JoongAng Daily also reported that other brands such as Bakery chain Tous les Jours and athleisure group K2Korea have started pulling ads featuring Soo Hyun from social media. Cosmetic brand Dinto also announced its termination of contract with the actor.
The actor is facing controversy over allegations of a past romantic relationship with the late Sae Ron, and claims that he pressured her to repay a 700 million won penalty, potentially linked to her tragic death.
Soo Hyun’s agency, GOLD MEDALLIST initially denied allegations over his past romance with Sae Ron but eventually confirmed that the two indeed dated.
GOLD MEDALLIST, however, emphasized that Soo Hyun dated the late actress when she reached her legal age, despite allegations that their relationship began when she was a minor.
