Kim Soo Hyun returns to spotlight in Indonesia after Kim Sae Ron controversy, but internet isn't convinced by comeback

Kim Soo Hyun returned after over a year away from the spotlight amid controversy over his alleged relationship with late actor Kim Sae Ron.

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun, who was among the highest-paid stars in the industry until last year, made his return to the public stage after more than a year. The Queen of Tears star performed at the Mahakarya RCTI 37 live show in Indonesia, marking one of his most prominent public appearances since the controversy surrounding his personal life and late Kim Sae Ron erupted.

Kim Soo Hyun returns to stage

Kim Soo Hyun returns to public stage in Indonesia amid Kim Sae Ron controversy.

Kim Soo Hyun performed Dreaming, the popular track from the soundtrack of the 2011 K-drama Dream High, which also featured him in one of the lead roles. He looked visibly nervous as he started the performance and missed a note briefly before settling in. Once he found his flow, he appeared more comfortable and finished the song with a smile. He also seemingly was trying to hold back his emotions.

About his controversy

His agency initially rejected the claims. The actor later confirmed that he and Sae Ron had dated, but maintained that their relationship began only after she had become an adult. She, who began her acting career as a child and was known for films such as The Man from Nowhere, was found dead at her home in February 2025. Her death brought renewed attention to her personal life and the claims surrounding her relationship with Soo Hyun.

A month later, he addressed the controversy at an emotional press conference, firmly denying that he had dated her while she was underage. He said, “I can't admit to something I didn't do. I never dated her when she was a minor. Except for the fact that both of us were actors, our relationship was just like that of any other ordinary couple.”

Legal developments surrounding the controversy

The controversy soon moved beyond public statements and into the courts. Kim Se Ui, who runs the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, also known as HoverLab, was arrested and later indicted on several charges, including defamation. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office alleged that Se U had circulated false information using manipulated material, including KakaoTalk messages and audio recordings. Investigators also claimed that artificial intelligence had been used to create some of the content.

Soo Hyun's agency welcomed the development and recalled the actor's statement from his 2025 press conference. According to The Korea Herald, the agency said, “Kim Soo Hyun said at a press conference a year ago, 'I will not ask you to believe me. I will prove it.' The past year has been a time spent solely to keep that promise.”

Separately, Soo Hyun also faced allegations of violating the Child Welfare Act. However, on July 29, 2026, Seoul's Seongdong Police Station decided not to refer the case to prosecutors, saying there was not enough evidence to proceed. The case began with a criminal complaint filed by Sae Ron’s family in May 2025. They alleged that he had been in a relationship with the late actor when she was still a minor, claiming the relationship dated back to her second year of middle school.

Internet is baffled

Kim Soo Hyun's return has drawn sharply different reactions online. Many criticised the moment as to why Kim Soo Hyun has able to comeback to the industry so easily. One Indonesia social media user described the moment, writing, “HOW COULD RCTI POSSIBLY INVITE SOOHYUN????? so embarrassing wtf, even Koreans are shocked that Soohyun is being featured on TV like this.”

Another user sharply reacted on X, “Another case where a real Korean man still gets to hold his head high in society. If it were a woman, she'd be cursed and damned until she sinks and disappears completely. Even if some stories are just rumours or baseless fake news. How depressing can this world get?” One user added, “Aren't you embarrassed, SEA countries become a refuge for problematic Korean actors and the stupidity is they're welcomed here too.”

Kim Soo Hyun's next steps

Kim Soo Hyun had already made a quiet return to the public eye in July with a campaign for Philippine fashion brand Bench. His appearance in Indonesia, however, marked a bigger step as he took the stage in front of a live audience for the first time in more than a year. He is set to meet fans next at Manila’s SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 2 with the venue holding nearly 20,000 people.