Amid Legal Battles, Fans Celebrate Kim Soo Hyun's 18th Debut Anniversary

Kim Soo Hyun recently celebrated his 18th anniversary since debut, sparking a wave of nostalgia among fans as his name trended globally on Twitter. The actor, known for his iconic roles in dramas like My Love from the Star and It's Okay to Not Be Okay, has remained silent on the milestone, leaving fans wondering if he will acknowledge it at all.

Fans Celebrate Kim Soo Hyun's 18th Debut Anniversary with Heartfelt Tributes Despite Controversies

The hashtag #18YearsWithKimSooHyun exploded on X (formerly Twitter) as fans worldwide poured their love for the actor on his 18th debut anniversary. Within hours, the tag soared to the top of global trends alongside #김수현데뷔18주년 (Kim Soo Hyun’s 18th Debut Anniversary) and #WeStandWithKimSooHyun, showcasing unwavering support despite his recent controversies. Emotional fan edits, career compilations, and iconic drama clips flooded timelines, proving his enduring impact.

From re-enactment roles to legendary performances — he earned every bit of it, step by step. Congratulations on 18 incredible years of shining bright. KIMSOOHYUN 18TH ANNIVERSARY

Soon, a new beginning will unfold for you.
You’ve bravely completed a difficult chapter !!
Now, the universe is preparing to bless you with something beautiful…
A reward for every tear, every wound, and every pain!!

WOW 😍WOW😍WOW 😍..it looks soo good❣️🎉Happy 18th debut anniversary KSH❣️🥳🎉🎉

Happy 18th Debut Anniversary to The One and Only, Our Best Actor, Kim Soo Hyun.
18 years of hard works and earnest efforts in every role. Let's celebrate today 🎉

Happy 18th anniversary Kim Soohyun 🥳🥳🥳. For 18 years, you've blessed the world with your beauty and grace ☺️. You'll always continue to shine like a star 🌟 that you are and be celebrated for many more years 🤗🩷

Kim’s career began in 2007 with a minor role in the sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile, but his breakthrough came in 2008 with Jungle Fish, a youth drama that earned a Peabody Award for its bold storytelling. His early versatility was evident as he balanced acting with hosting the variety show Delicious Quiz and appearing in the short film Cherry Blossom. By 2011, he rose to stardom with Dream High, followed by the massive success of Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), which cemented his status as a leading man. His film career also flourished with The Thieves (2012) and Secretly, Greatly (2013), proving his range across genres.

However, it was My Love from the Star (2013-2014) that turned him into a global Hallyu icon, earning him Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year in 2014. After completing mandatory military service, he returned with the critically acclaimed It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020), followed by One Ordinary Day (2021) and this year’s hit Queen of Tears (2024).

Kim Soo Hyun’s Legal Battles and Controversies: The Kim Sae Ron Allegations

The legal dispute began when YouTube channel operator Kim Se Ui held a press conference in May, presenting an AI-generated audio clip allegedly proving Kim Soo Hyun had a past relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron.  The clip also accused him of offering ₩4 billion ($2.91 million USD) to suppress the evidence—a claim his legal team dismissed as “absurd and baseless lies.” The controversy escalated when Kim Sae Ron’s family filed a criminal complaint against him, alleging violations of the Child Welfare Act, which he vehemently denied.

In response, Kim Soo Hyun filed a ₩12 billion ($8.74 million USD) lawsuit for defamation and damages, arguing that the evidence was fabricated. His legal team stated, 

“The National Forensic Service must determine whether the recordings and KakaoTalk messages were manipulated.” 

Meanwhile, medical device company Classys terminated his endorsement contract and successfully petitioned the court to seize his ₩3 billion ($2.2 million USD) apartment in Seoul’s Galleria Foret complex. 

"It is true that one of Kim Soo-hyun's apartments in the Galleria Foret complex [in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul] has been seized by a court," Kim's legal representation at LKB & Partners

Kim Soo Hyun owns three luxury apartments in Seoul's Galleria Foret complex, having purchased one unit in 2013 and two additional units in 2014. The recent court order authorized the seizure of one property acquired in 2014 following Classys' legal petition.

LKB & Partners, representing Kim Soo Hyun, strongly criticized the court's ruling as unjust. The legal team emphasized, 

"Kim Soo-hyun is a victim of a crime by Hoverlab. The penalty should go to the perpetrators, but Kim's the one being blamed even though he's a victim, just because he's the one who's bound by the contract."

The legal battle has taken a toll on his public image, with some advertisers distancing themselves despite his denials. His agency, Gold Medalist, remains firm in defending him, vowing to pursue all legal avenues to clear his name. The case has also raised concerns about the misuse of deepfake technology in spreading false accusations, setting a troubling precedent in the entertainment industry.

As fans celebrate his 18th anniversary, the actor’s silence speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation. While he has not addressed the milestone, Kim Soo Hyun past resilience suggests he will eventually return to the spotlight. The outcome of the forensic investigation could determine whether the allegations against him are definitively disproven, potentially allowing him to rebuild his reputation.

Source: X, Koreajoongangdaily, Koreaboo