Kim Soo-hyun Faces 2.8 Billion Won Lawsuit Head-On

Actor Kim Soo-hyun is continuing his 2.8 billion won (approximately $2.1 million USD) lawsuit against cosmetics brand A, reiterating his denial of allegations of dating a minor. At the second hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court, the court decided to postpone the proceedings to confirm the case's progress.

The core issue of the lawsuit is whether Kim Soo-hyun dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, and the key question is whether this constitutes a 'breach of duty to maintain dignity' as an advertising model. In relation to this, the outcome of the defamation case filed against Kim Se-eui, the representative of the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute', is expected to influence the legal judgment.

Company A pointed out that Kim Soo-hyun had previously denied dating rumors with Kim Sae-ron, stating, "The claim that they met after she became an adult should be seen as an extension of their relationship that began when she was a minor."

On the other hand, Kim Soo-hyun's side countered, "The actual relationship began after the other party became an adult," and "​Unconfirmed rumors cannot be grounds for contract termination, and it is difficult to understand how a relationship between adults violates the duty to maintain dignity."

Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative emphasized, "Although Company A claims damages, our position is that contract termination is impossible," and "​The contract clearly states that rumors, gossip, or unconfirmed information cannot be grounds for contract termination." He also added that they consider the allegations raised by 'Garo Sero Institute' to be rumors.