After more than a year away from domestic activities, top actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to make his first official appearance in Korea next month.
According to sources close to the event, the actor will take the stage as an award presenter at “The Fact Music Awards” on September 19, 2026, in Busan. It will mark his first public event in Korea since controversy surrounding late actress Kim Sae-ron led him to step back from local promotions.
The Fact Music Awards organizing committee confirmed that Kim will be among the presenters at the ceremony, which will be held in the southeastern city of Busan.
For fans, the appearance is significant. It is the first time Kim will be seen at a Korean public event since March 2025, when allegations about his past relationship with Kim Sae-ron surfaced online and led to intense public scrutiny.
Since then, Kim has largely stayed out of the Korean spotlight. He has focused on overseas engagements instead. In recent weeks he appeared in a live television broadcast in Indonesia, and he is also scheduled to hold a fan meeting in the Philippines in October. But a return to a Korean stage signals a new chapte
The controversy began in March 2025, one month after actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home at the age of 24 at the time, conservative YouTuber Kim Se-ui, who runs the channel “Hover Lab,” raised allegations claiming that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.
The claims spread quickly online and sparked heated debate. Because Kim Soo-hyun is one of Korea’s most recognized actors, known for hits like My Love from the Star The Producers, and Queen of Tears, the allegations drew massive media attention.
Later that same month, Kim held a press conference to address the matter directly. He acknowledged that he had dated Kim Sae-ron, but he strongly denied that the relationship began while she was underage. He said any dating occurred after she became an adult.
Alongside his statement, Kim filed defamation complaints against YouTuber Kim Se-ui and against members of the late actress’ family, arguing that false information had been spread about him.
Police recently announced that they had dropped the underage dating allegation that was filed against Kim by the late actress’ family. The decision was made due to lack of evidence supporting the claim.
With that part of the case closed, the defamation lawsuits Kim filed remain separate and are still part of ongoing legal proceedings.
The arrest of YouTuber Kim Se-ui also became part of the story. Authorities took him into custody over allegations that he spread false and fabricated information about the actor in connection with the case.
For Kim Soo-hyun’s team, the police decision and the arrest were key developments that allowed discussions about a return to domestic activities to resume.industry insiders say Kim’s appearance at The Fact Music Awards was planned carefully. Presenting an award is a lower-profile role than starring in a drama or film, and it allows him to reconnect with the Korean public in a controlled setting.
The choice of Busan for his return is also notable. Holding the event outside of Seoul gives some distance from the center of Korean media, while still marking an official re-entry into domestic activities.
Those close to Kim say he has spent the past year focusing on personal reflection and on overseas projects. The Indonesia TV appearance and upcoming Philippines fan meet were part of that strategy — staying active with international fans while waiting for the situation in Korea to settle.
Now, with the police dropping the most serious allegation and with legal action taken against those accused of spreading false information, his team appears ready for him to resume work in Korea kim Soo-hyun has been one of the most in-demand actors in Korea for over a decade. His dramas consistently pull high ratings, and his endorsements have made him a leading advertising figure across Asia.
The past year away from Korean activities was a major pause in that career. While he remained popular abroad, the lack of domestic projects and appearances created uncertainty about his next steps.
His return as an awards presenter suggests a gradual approach. It allows him to be seen, speak to fans, and test public reaction without immediately jumping into a new drama or film promotion.
The entertainment industry will be watching closely. Audience reaction at the September 19 event, as well as media coverage afterward, will likely influence what projects are announced next
Because the case involved a late actress and sensitive allegations, public opinion remains divided. Some fans have continued to support Kim throughout the past year, pointing to the police decision and his denial of underage dating. Others remain cautious and say more time is needed.
That is why the Busan appearance matters. It is not just an awards show moment. It is the first time in more than a year that Kim will stand before a Korean audience in person.for now his agency has not announced new drama or film projects. But with international schedules already in place and a Korean event on the calendar, activity is clearly picking up again.
After a long and difficult year, Kim Soo-hyun is stepping back onto a Korean stage. September 19 in Busan will be the first test of what that next chapter looks like
