[Exclusive]Will Kim Soo-hyun's name be restored? Advertiser's lawsuit claim reduced from 2.5 billion won to 400 million won [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Court advises advertiser iider: "Withdraw claims; each party bears its own litigation costs"

Following the arrest and indictment of Kim Se-won, CEO of the horizontal-vertical research institute, for spreading false information about actor Kim Soo-hyun, signs of change are emerging in the legal dispute surrounding him. The advertiser who filed a massive damages lawsuit against Kim Soo-hyun has altered its claim, significantly reducing the amount sought, while the court has also recommended that the advertiser withdraw its claims and that each party bear its own litigation costs to conclude the case.

On the 8th, the second round of arguments in the damages lawsuit filed by outdoor brand iider against Kim Soo-hyun and his agency Gold Medalist was held before the 45th Civil Division of Seoul Central District Court. Last August, iider filed a damages lawsuit worth approximately 2.5 billion won, claiming that its brand image had been damaged after allegations surfaced regarding Kim Soo-hyun's alleged romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time when he was hired as an advertising model last year.

However, on this day, iider withdrew its claim for damages based on the previous social controversy and reduced the claimed amount from approximately 2.5 billion won to about 400 million won. The advertiser now seeks only the return of the remaining modeling fees under the contract. The court appears to have recognized that iider's original damages claim would be difficult to uphold, prompting the change in claims. The court expressed its view that "if so, it is questionable whether the modified claim can also be legally recognized."

Furthermore, the court determined that in this case, both iider and the defendants Kim Soo-hyun and his agency suffered harm due to the allegations raised by Kim Se-ui (CEO). Considering that Kim Soo-hyun's side is also negotiating with other advertisers, the court recommended that iider consider withdrawing its claims and concluding the dispute by having each party bear its own litigation costs, in a manner that maintains the advertising model contract.

This argument session is significant as it marks the first instance where an advertiser has effectively withdrawn its massive damages claim against Kim Soo-hyun and his agency following Kim Se-ui (CEO)'s arrest, demanding only the return of remaining modeling fees under the contract. If Kim Soo-hyun, his agency, and iider reach a smooth settlement in accordance with the court's recommendation, it is expected to influence future legal disputes with other advertisers.

It is reported that Kim Soo-hyun is currently facing damages lawsuits totaling around 10 billion won from multiple advertisers including Prombio, Classis, Kukoo Electronics, and Trend Maker, in addition to iider. With this iider trial as a turning point, attention is focused on whether Kim Soo-hyun can establish a foundation for restoring his reputation and resolve disputes with other advertisers.

Kim Soo-hyun has been plagued by allegations of dating the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Previously, Kim Se-ui (CEO) has consistently claimed via YouTube broadcasts and other platforms since March last year that Kim Soo-hyun was in a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron and bore responsibility for her death. As a result, the release of Disney+ series "Knock Off," starring Kim Soo-hyun, was temporarily suspended. Kim Se-won also held a press conference on behalf of the bereaved family and released audio recordings of the late Kim Sae-ron's voice and materials claimed to be KakaoTalk conversations with Kim Soo-hyun.

However, investigative authorities determined that the voice recording files released by Kim Se-won were fabricated using generative artificial intelligence (AI), and that the KakaoTalk conversation content between Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron was also manipulated.

Accordingly, police applied charges including violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. (defamation by spreading false information), violation of the Special Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes, violation of the Special Act on Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (distribution of recordings made with cameras, etc.), threats, and attempted coercion. On May 14, police applied for an arrest warrant against Kim Se-won. The court subsequently issued the arrest warrant, citing concerns over evidence destruction and flight risk. Ultimately, Kim Se-won was arrested and indicted on the 23rd of last month.

Following __NAME_0__'s arrest, Kim Soo-hyun's agency released an official statement saying, "We deeply thank those who spoke out for a long time on behalf of Mr. Kim Soo-hyun, who waited for the procedures prescribed by law despite not being a direct party to the case." The agency added, "We also express our gratitude to all those who worked hard through direct investigations to reveal the truth of the case and to everyone who joined efforts to ensure the reality of the case becomes widely known."

Meanwhile, the third round of arguments in the damages lawsuit filed by iider against Kim Soo-hyun and his agency is scheduled for August 26.

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*This content was translated by AI.