[Exclusive]'Cleared of False Accusations,' Kim Soo-hyun Also Wins Lawsuit Against Advertisers.. Claim for Return of 500 Million Won Contract Fee Rejected [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

While Kim Se-won, CEO of the horizontal and vertical research institute, is on trial after being arrested and prosecuted for spreading false information about actor Kim Soo-hyun, Kim's agency Gold Medalist has won a lawsuit regarding a claim for the return of contract fees totaling over 570 million won. As this is the first court ruling in legal disputes between Kim Soo-hyun and advertisers, it is expected to provide momentum for his future comeback activities.

According to StarNews' investigation on the 27th, the 13th Civil Division of Seoul Eastern District Court rejected the plaintiff's claim in a lawsuit filed by Swiss watch brand Mido against Gold Medalist seeking the return of contract fees exceeding 570 million won.

Previously, Mido signed an advertising model contract with Kim Soo-hyun in 2020 and renewed it annually. In November 2024, Mido paid a contract fee of 900 million won and extended the contract for one year. However, after scandals surrounding Kim Soo-hyun emerged, Mido terminated the contract and filed a lawsuit demanding the return of the contract fee corresponding to the remaining contract period.

Mido argued, "Since the model's commercial value was damaged leading to contract termination, a proportional return of the contract fee is required." In contrast, Gold Medalist countered, "The controversy stems from fabricated false disclosures by third parties, not any fault attributable to the model himself."

The court did not accept Mido's arguments. It was reported that the court rejected Mido's claim after determining that the grounds for contract termination were not established.

Aside from this lawsuit against Mido, Kim Soo-hyun is reportedly involved in legal disputes over damages and contract fee returns totaling over 10 billion won with other advertisers including Eider, Prombio, Classis, Kukoo Electronics, and Trend Maker. Attention is focused on whether this ruling will influence disputes with other advertisers as well.

Previously, after Kim Se-ui (CEO)'s arrest, Eider withdrew its claim for damages based on existing social controversy and reduced the claimed amount from approximately 2.5 billion won to about 400 million won. The company stated it would only seek the return of remaining model fees under the advertising model contract.

However, the court indicated that it appears Eider changed its claim because it found it difficult to recognize the original damage compensation claim, stating, "In that case, there is doubt as to whether the modified claim can be legally recognized."

It remains to be seen whether Kim Soo-hyun will establish a foundation for restoring his reputation through future trials and reach a turning point in resolving disputes with other advertisers.

Kim Soo-hyun was previously engulfed in controversy over allegations that he dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron during their minor years. Kim Se-won, CEO of the horizontal and vertical research institute, has continued to claim since March last year via YouTube broadcasts and other platforms that Kim Soo-hyun dated the late Kim Sae-ron and bears responsibility for her death.

As a result, the release of Disney+ series 'Knock Off,' starring Kim Soo-hyun, was temporarily suspended. Kim Se-won held a press conference on behalf of the bereaved family and released materials including an alleged voice recording of the late Kim Sae-ron and KakaoTalk conversations with Kim Soo-hyun.

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

Consequently, on June 23, the Prosecution Service arrested and prosecuted Kim Se-ui (CEO) on charges including violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (defamation by posting false facts), violation of the Special Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes, violation of the Special Act on Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (distribution of filmed materials using cameras, etc.), threats, and attempted coercion.

After Kim Se-ui (CEO) was arrested, Gold Medalist issued an official statement saying, "Although not a direct party to the case, we deeply thank those who spoke out for Mr. Kim Soo-hyun over a long period while waiting for the procedures prescribed by law." The agency added, "We also express our gratitude to all those who conducted direct investigations to reveal the truth of the case and everyone who joined efforts to ensure the reality of the case becomes widely known."

Kim Soo-hyun is also proceeding with steps toward his return. He participated in a photoshoot for Philippine clothing brand Bench on the 14th of last month and recently continued overseas activities by attending 'Mahakarya RCTI 37,' an event celebrating the 37th anniversary of RCTI's launch held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Separately, on the 29th of last month, he received a decision not to prosecute regarding allegations including violation of the Child Welfare Act (child abuse).

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*This content was translated by AI.