Kim Soo-hyun privacy bill moves to committee after his personal life was exposed

Back on August 26, during the second plenary session of the 428th National Assembly (the temporary session), a petition demanding better prevention of repeated lies and privacy violations on digital platforms got routed to the science, technology, broadcasting, and communications committee (commonly called 과방위). That came after over 70,000 people—specifically, 70,526—signed it.

The petition strongly criticized a channel called “Gase-yeon” and its head, accusing them of spreading falsehoods, violating privacy, defaming individuals and families, and even triggering extreme outcomes—including tragedy—for some of those targeted. It called on the police and prosecution to investigate responsibly.

Within just three weeks of the channel’s revelations, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference. He confirmed he had dated late actress Kim Sae-ron—but made it clear the relationship started in 2020, when she was already an adult—not when she was a minor, as some had implied.

Since then, his career has taken a hit. The release of his next project, Knock-off, was put on indefinite hold, and several advertisers distanced themselves. Kim’s agency, LKBN Partners, filed lawsuits against Gase-yeon and its representative, Kim Se-ui. They also pursued legal action citing stalking, defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, and false accusations.

Meanwhile, brands that had contracted Kim have also responded legally. Cuckoo Holdings filed a lawsuit seeking around 2.8 billion KRW in damages; Frombio filed for about 3.96 billion KRW; and Deinto filed for damages in the 500 million KRW range.

Kim Soo-hyun is currently kept out of the public eye, and last month marked his 18th anniversary since debut.