Despite being embroiled in a serious controversy involving leaked content, underage dating allegations with actress Kim Sae-Ron, and multiple brand endorsements being dropped, Kim Soo-Hyun has maintained his position as the top male actor on the Star Ranking for the sixth consecutive week. While public scrutiny intensifies and major companies sever ties, the actor continues to enjoy overwhelming fan support, securing over 182,000 votes in the latest poll.
His agency has denied all allegations, but the fallout—including his replacement in campaigns and concerns surrounding his upcoming Disney+ drama—continues to unfold.
Kim Soo-Hyun Tops Star Ranking Amid Scandal
Despite the ongoing scandal, Kim Soo-Hyun remains the top male actor on the Star Ranking, having secured the top place for the sixth week in a row. This comes as the actor faces significant backlash amid claims of an improper connection with Kim Sae-Ron.
The controversy first emerged when the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute (Hoverlab) alleged that Soo-Hyun had dated Sae-Ron while she was a minor. Leaked private photos and videos were also shared, sparking intense scrutiny of the Queen of Tears star.
Fan Support and Brand Fallout
Still, the 37-year-old remains a fan favorite. Between May 29 and June 5, Soo-Hyun secured 182,051 votes, keeping him firmly at No. 1 in the 115th round of the Star Ranking. He defeated Lee Jun-Ho, who came in second with 63,618 votes, and Byeon Woo-Seok, who took third with 17,117 votes. The wave of support continues even as he loses brand deals one after another.
Following the scandal, Prada was the first major label to cut ties with him. Other companies that ended their partnerships include Cuckoo China, Dinto, Tous les Jours, K2 Korea, Shinhan Bank, Eider, and Aekyung Group. Most recently, Kim Woo-Bin replaced Soo-Hyun as the ambassador for Korean food brand Shabu All Day, taking over his image across all promotional platforms.
Ongoing Allegations and Impact
Garo Sero further complicated matters by alleging that Soo-Hyun emotionally and financially pressured Kim Sae-Ron after authorities charged her with DUI, pushing her into a dark place. His upcoming Disney+ drama “Knock Off” now faces public backlash as well. Although his agency, Gold Medalist, has denied the allegations, public trust has not fully returned.
