Kim Soo-hyun to Make First Public Appearance at Taiwan Fan Meeting Amid Controversy

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to make his first public appearance since a personal controversy at a fan meeting in Taiwan. Reports indicate that 50 police officers will be on standby in Kaohsiung for the event.

According to a Taiwanese media outlet on the 21st, Kim Soo-hyun will participate in the 'Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival' on the 30th, hosted by a convenience store brand. The event will see the deployment of 50 police officers to manage any illegal activities or disorderly conduct.

Kim Soo-hyun had previously halted his activities and lost several advertising contracts due to the controversy. The Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival fan meeting marks his first official appearance since the incident, drawing significant attention. The organizers have stated that the event will proceed as per the contract.

The Chenzen branch overseeing the festival announced that the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival will run from the 28th to the 30th. Additional police forces will be pre-deployed for security and emergency response during the festival, with 50 officers present on the day of the fan meeting. Police clarified that the deployment is not a special measure for Kim Soo-hyun, nor was there a specific request from the organizers.

According to event regulations, tickets for Kim Soo-hyun's fan meeting are distributed through a pre-draw, and only those aged 18 and over can participate. The fan meeting will last approximately 40 minutes, with 200 attendees selected. The event is free of charge, excluding the festival participation fee. However, the organizers have noted that as the tickets are free, no discounts, transfers, resales, exchanges, or refunds will be available if the schedule changes or is canceled.

Criticism towards Kim Soo-hyun and the organizers has been mounting both domestically and in Taiwan, with a surge in ticket refund requests. However, the Taiwan Consumer Protection Commission stated that refunds are difficult as the Cherry Blossom Festival is not a personal concert.

Kim Soo-hyun recently faced allegations of 'grooming' following revelations of a past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron. The YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' (Gaseyeon) cited claims from Kim Sae-ron's family, demanding an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency.

Kim Soo-hyun's side confirmed the relationship but stated it occurred from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after Kim Sae-ron became an adult, denying any connection to her minor years. Despite this, public criticism remains strong, and his agency has announced plans for legal action against Gaseyeon.

On the 20th, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, announced they had filed charges against Gaseyeon operator Kim Se-eui, the late Kim Sae-ron's family, and an unidentified individual claiming to be Kim Sae-ron's aunt for violations related to the distribution of unauthorized images. The agency alleged that a photo of Kim Soo-hyun in a compromising position was shared during a Gaseyeon live broadcast, reportedly provided by someone from Kim Sae-ron's side.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr