[Yonhap]
[Yonhap]

Actor Kim Soo-hyun has addressed fans publicly for the first time through an official video since police cleared him of allegations involving a romantic relationship with and sexual abuse of a minor — his first public message in about a year and four months after suspending activities amid the controversy.

On Sunday, Philippine fashion brand Bench shared a video on its official social media accounts with the message: "Kim Soo-hyun has a special message prepared just for you."

In the video, Kim said, "Hello. I'm Kim Soo-hyun, a Bench model. I've missed you all so much. I'm happy to be greeting you through Bench after such a long time."

He delivered the message with a consistently bright expression, bowing his head lightly and waving with his right hand while flashing a wide smile. Observers also noted he appeared somewhat thinner than before.

The message marks his first official public statement since allegations about his private life involving the late Kim Sae-ron surfaced.

Earlier last year, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron filed a complaint against Kim Soo-hyun under the Child Welfare Act, alleging he had dated her since she was a minor. The family claimed, based on a press conference held by Kim Se-eui, head of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, and attorney Boo Ji-seok, that Kim Soo-hyun had sexually abused the late actress — including engaging in sexual relations with her when she was in the eighth grade.

At that press conference, Kim Se-eui and Boo presented an audio recording they described as "an actual conversation between the deceased and an acquaintance in New Jersey (identity unknown)," claiming the first sexual encounter occurred when she was 14 years old.

Kim Soo-hyun's side flatly denied the allegations, saying the audio file had been manipulated using AI, and took legal action against those involved.

The Seoul Seongdong Police Station, which investigated the case, recently decided not to refer the case to prosecutors, clearing Kim Soo-hyun due to insufficient evidence.

Ko Sang-rok, Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, said, "Following the earlier indictment of Kim Se-eui, he has now also been freed from the central allegation of grooming — the one that had weighed on him most heavily." Ko added, "Above all, we hope this decision will allow misunderstandings surrounding Kim Soo-hyun to be cleared away one by one, and that more people will come to see him based on objectively verified facts rather than a distorted image."

Meanwhile, Kim Se-eui was indicted in June after being taken into custody on charges including spreading false information about Kim Soo-hyun, and is currently held at Seoul Detention Center. Prosecutors also charged him with fabricating false claims by using AI to manipulate the late actress's voice in order to damage Kim Soo-hyun's reputation.

The industry is watching closely to see whether this official greeting signals the start of Kim Soo-hyun's return to work. He has reportedly received more than 40 project offers spanning drama series and films, with attention focused on which roles he will choose and how his full comeback will unfold.


rainbow@heraldcorp.com