Kim Soo-hyun appears on the September 2026 cover of HIGHEND magazine under the theme “The Next Chapter.” (Photo / HighEnd)
Actor Kim Soo-hyun is preparing for his first official public appearance in South Korea in about 18 months, but his return is facing renewed opposition from some K-pop fan communities and social media users.
Kim is scheduled to appear as a presenter at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on Sept. 19.
The appearance will mark his first official event in South Korea since his March 2025 press conference, which came amid controversy over his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
His return to major entertainment events will continue later this year. Kim has also been announced for the 2026 Asia Artist Awards (AAA), scheduled for Dec. 5 and 6 at Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan.
Some K-pop Fandoms Call for Removal
Kim’s inclusion in the AAA lineup has triggered criticism across social media.
Some fan accounts associated with multiple K-pop fandoms have urged AAA and TMA organizers to remove him from their events. Posts using hashtags including #KimSooHyunOutAAA have circulated on X.
Part of the backlash has focused on the presence of younger performers, including underage members of several K-pop groups scheduled to participate in AAA 2026.
The online campaign, however, should not be interpreted as representing all K-pop fans or the broader Korean public. Supporters of Kim have also argued that he should be allowed to resume his career following recent developments in the police investigation.
What Changed in the Kim Soo-hyun Case?
The controversy began after allegations that Kim had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor.
Kim acknowledged that the two had dated but denied the allegation that the relationship began when she was underage. His position has been that they began dating in 2019, after she had reached adulthood.
Kim largely withdrew from public activities as the controversy intensified.
More recently, however, South Korean police decided not to refer Kim for prosecution over an alleged violation of the Child Welfare Act.
Kim Se-ui, the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, which publicized allegations involving the actor, was meanwhile indicted in custody on charges including alleged defamation.
Those developments paved the way for Kim’s gradual return to entertainment activities.
Overseas Activities Came First
Kim began rebuilding his public schedule outside South Korea.
On Aug. 23, he appeared at Indonesian broadcaster RCTI’s 37th anniversary event, marking one of his first major public appearances after the prolonged hiatus.
He is also scheduled to hold a large fan event in Manila in October as a model for Philippine fashion brand Bench.
TMA 2026 will therefore represent a more significant test: his return to a major entertainment event inside South Korea.
Debate Shifts From Investigation to Comeback
The latest backlash highlights a distinction between a legal outcome and public acceptance.
Police declining to send Kim to prosecutors is a significant development in the case. It does not, however, automatically settle every dispute surrounding the allegations or determine how audiences should respond to his return.
Some critics argue that a return to high-profile awards shows is premature.
Supporters counter that continuing to treat disputed allegations as established facts despite the investigative outcome is unfair.
That leaves Kim’s comeback at an unusual crossroads.
The question surrounding him is increasingly moving beyond what happened during the investigation to whether the entertainment industry and audiences are prepared to welcome him back.
All eyes will now be on Busan on Sept. 19, when Kim is expected to make his first official domestic appearance in roughly a year and a half.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Soo-hyun will attend TMA 2026 in Busan on Sept. 19.
- It will be his first official South Korean appearance in about 18 months.
- He is also scheduled to attend AAA 2026 in Taiwan in December.
- Some K-pop fan communities are campaigning against his participation.
- Police previously declined to refer Kim for prosecution over the Child Welfare Act allegation.
David Kim is a senior author at Kpopbreaking.com, focusing on major K-pop events, industry trends, and global entertainment news.
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