South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is at risk of losing over $13 million

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun faces $13M loss amid allegations of underage relationship with Kim Sae Ron

career faces uncertainty following allegations of an underage relationship and financial coercion involving actress Kim Sae Ron.

As reported by Money Today, Kim Soo Hyun risks facing significant financial penalties if his endorsement contracts are canceled. He is said to earn approximately 500 million won ($343,000) per annual advertisement deal.

Should any agreements be breached, he could be liable for two to three times the contract amount, potentially leading to losses surpassing $13 million across 16 endorsement deals, according to Dan Tri, citing South Korean media.

Following claims by Kim Sae Ron’s family that actor Kim Soo Hyun dated her when she was 15 and contributed to her financial distress and alleged death, South Korean audiences have called on companies to cut ties with him or face consumer boycotts.

Kim Soo Hyun was filming the drama “Knock Off”, set to premiere in April. If the show faces delays or editing changes, he may also be required to compensate producers. Reports indicate he earns up to 800 million won per episode.

On March 12, Aekyung Group made advertisements featuring Kim Soo Hyun for Jeju Air private, including a 2015 campaign that targeted the Asian market. Although Jeju Air has not officially commented on the reason, sources suggest it is in response to public backlash following Kim Sae Ron’s passing.

Many other brands, including Homeplus, Shinhan Bank, Tous Les Jours, Dinto, Eider, Cuckoo, Prada, Jo Malone, and Shabu All Day, have begun removing Kim Soo Hyun’s images from social media or reconsidering their endorsements.

Dinto, a vegan beauty brand partnered with Kim Soo Hyun for several years, has halted all activities involving the actor, according to Pink Villa.

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun. Photo from Facebook

Kim Sae Ron was founddeceased at herhome in Seoul on Feb. 16 by a friend, with no signs of foul play. Her funeral was held on Feb. 19.

The actress was known for making history as the youngest South Korean artist to attend the Cannes Film Festival for her debut role in the 2009 movie “A Brand New Life.” She was also the youngest actress to be nominated for Best Actress at the prestigious Baeksang Awards in South Korea.

Kim Soo Hyun, 37, one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, has an estimated net worth of $117 million as of 2024, according to Tatler Asia.

He made his television debut in 2007 and became a major figure in South Korea with successful series such as “Dream High,” “The Moon Embracing the Sun,” “My Love from the Star,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” and “Queen of Tears.”

Comments (4)Popular
I don’t even know how to say this, but will be direct. There are too many people swaying the truth. Let the legal system handle this without crazy fans saying things that need not be said. I am doubting Mr. Kim is DIRECTLY responsible for Sae Ron’s death, but we shall see as the investigation unfolds. His agency is behind him regardless of the accusations. I pray that a positive resolution will come about. Taking one’s life is serious, but reaching out for …

The Korean people should stop ruining the lives of actors and actresses because of gossip and hyperbole. The woman claiming to be the aunt isn’t even a family member and the website is known for its ridiculous sensationalism, blowing up even the smallest of bit of news into afull blown scandal. Stop ruining peoples’ lives! We would welcome KSH here in the States with open arms!

Kim Sae Ron did what she did on her own. The media always makes things worse than they really are.. I really dont think Kim Soo Hyun is guilty of anything & its ridiculous that hes being condemned without any proof! I hope he can recover after all of these baseless accusations! Hes a good actor & it would be a shame if this ended his career over this!

The K-Dramaverse is doing to Kim Soo-hyun exactly the same thing it did to Kim Sae-ron. She was gang bullied until she couldn’t take it anymore. They have Kim Soo-hyun tried, convicted, and on death row before all the evidence has been examined. Don’t be surprised if he’s the next talented young actor to decide it’s too painful to live.