Last year, Kim Soo-hyun was embroiled in a scandal involving his relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, which left his reputation in ruins and all his endorsements lost. One cosmetics company is demanding 2.8 billion won (about RM7.36 million) in compensation from Kim Soo-hyun. However, Kim Soo-hyun's side strongly denies dating a minor, and it appears this legal battle will continue.
Regarding the damages lawsuit brought by the cosmetics company against Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, the Seoul Central District Court held a second hearing yesterday (13th). The main point of contention is whether Kim Soo-hyun was in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. The cosmetics company believes that even though Kim Soo-hyun claims the relationship began only after they were both adults, it should be seen as an “extension of feelings from her minor years,” and thus equally damaging to the company’s image.
However, Kim Soo-hyun’s lawyer stated that the cosmetics company insists the allegations by “Institute of Cross Research” are facts, but in reality, the two only began dating after Kim Sae-ron became an adult. Furthermore, the lawyer stressed that the contract explicitly says “rumors or unverified information cannot be used as grounds for contract termination,” and questioned, “How does a normal relationship between adults damage the image?” Therefore, Kim Soo-hyun’s lawyer argued that the contract termination is not valid, refused to pay the cosmetics company's claimed 2.8 billion won (about RM7.36 million), and pointed out that charges have already been filed against Kim Se-yi of the ‘Institute of Cross Research,’ with the result of the criminal proceedings pending.
Source: Liberty Times