Kim Soo-hyun Set to Resume Activities With Philippine Fashion Brand Ad Shoot After One-Year Hiatus

Actor Kim Soo-hyun is preparing to return to public activity after nearly a year away from scheduled work, beginning with an overseas advertising shoot.

According to reports on June 8, Kim Soo-hyun is scheduled to film a campaign for Bench, one of the Philippines’ leading fashion brands, on July 14.

The upcoming commercial shoot is drawing attention because it would mark the actor’s first official schedule after a long period of controversy, legal disputes, and halted entertainment activities.

Kim Soo-hyun’s First Schedule Is an Advertisement

The fact that Kim Soo-hyun’s return begins with an advertising project is notable.

Commercial campaigns depend heavily on a public figure’s image, trust, and marketability. Because of that, Bench’s decision to proceed with a campaign involving Kim Soo-hyun is being closely watched by both industry insiders and fans.

Kim has long maintained strong popularity across Asia through dramas, films, and brand endorsements. His upcoming shoot with the Philippine fashion brand may signal the first step toward restarting his entertainment career.

Legal Situation Reaches a Turning Point

Kim Soo-hyun’s return comes as the situation surrounding allegations involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron has taken a new legal turn.

Kim Se-ui, the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, was recently sent to prosecutors under arrest over allegations including the spread of false information.

He had previously claimed through online broadcasts and press events that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Kim Soo-hyun’s side denied the claims and later stated that the two had dated from 2019 to 2020, after Kim Sae-ron had become an adult.

According to the police findings cited by Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, some materials presented as evidence were allegedly manipulated, including KakaoTalk conversations and audio connected to the late actress. The court issued an arrest warrant, citing concerns over possible evidence destruction and flight risk. A request to review the legality of the detention was also reportedly rejected on June 2.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Responds to Police Findings

On June 5, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, released a statement addressing the police investigation results.

The agency said that allegations including defamation through false information, stalking-law violations, distribution-related offenses under sexual violence laws, attempted coercion, and threats had been recognized by investigators.

Gold Medalist also said police considered the matter serious and transferred Kim Se-ui to prosecutors while in custody.

Although the investigation result has shifted public attention, related legal matters remain ongoing.

Civil Lawsuits Still Remain

Kim Soo-hyun is also facing several civil lawsuits connected to the controversy.

One of the most closely watched cases involves health supplement company Frombio, which filed a damages lawsuit worth 3.96 billion won against Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist.

The third hearing in that case is scheduled to take place at the Suwon District Court on June 10. Because it will be held after Kim Se-ui’s arrest and transfer to prosecutors, attention is expected to focus on whether the recent investigation findings influence the direction of the civil case.

Kim Soo-hyun has also reportedly faced damages claims from several advertisers, including Cuckoo Electronics, Trendmaker, Classys, Eider, and Mido, with the total amount said to reach around 10 billion won.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Career Pause

After the allegations involving Kim Sae-ron surfaced, Kim Soo-hyun stopped public activities.

Production on the Disney+ series ‘Knock-Off’ was also halted, and the actor remained out of the spotlight while legal and public disputes continued.

The Bench advertising shoot in July is now being viewed as a possible first step toward resuming work. However, it is still unclear how quickly Kim Soo-hyun will return to broader acting and promotional activities, especially with civil lawsuits still underway.

What Comes Next

Kim Soo-hyun’s upcoming fashion brand campaign may mark the beginning of his public comeback, but his next phase remains tied to unresolved legal and industry questions.

The police findings appear to have changed the overall atmosphere surrounding the controversy, but civil disputes with advertisers and remaining legal processes are still ongoing.

For now, Kim Soo-hyun’s July 14 Bench ad shoot is expected to be watched closely as the actor’s first visible move after a difficult year.