Kim Soo Hyun returns to spotlight in Indonesia after Kim Sae Ron

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun, who was among the highest-paid stars in the industry until last year, made his return to the public stage after more than a year. The Queen of Tears star performed at the Mahakarya RCTI 37 live show in Indonesia, marking one of his most prominent public appearances since the controversy surrounding his personal life and late Kim Sae Ron erupted.Kim Soo Hyun returns to stageKim Soo Hyun performed Dreaming, the popular track from the soundtrack of the 2011 K-drama Dream High, which also featured him in one of the lead roles.

He looked visibly nervous as he started the performance and missed a note briefly before settling in. Once he found his flow, he appeared more comfortable and finished the song with a smile. He also seemingly was trying to hold back his emotions.

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About his controversySoo Hyun's return to the spotlight comes after more than a year of staying largely away from public appearances amid the controversy surrounding his alleged relationship with late actor Kim Sae Ron. The issue gained widespread attention in March 2025, when allegations surfaced claiming that the two had been romantically involved while Sae Ron was still a minor.His agency initially rejected the alleges.

The actor later confirmed that he and Sae Ron had dated, but maintained that their relationship began only after she had become an adult. She, who began her acting career as a child and was known for films such as The Man from Nowhere, was found dead at her home in February 2025.

Her death brought renewed attention to her personal life and the alleges surrounding her relationship with Soo Hyun.A month later, he addressed the controversy at an emotional press conference, firmly denying that he had dated her while she was underage.

He said, “I can't admit to something I didn't do. I never dated her when she was a minor. Except for the fact that both of us were actors, our relationship was just like that of any other ordinary couple.”Legal developments surrounding the controversyThe controversy soon moved beyond public statements and into the courts.

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Kim Se Ui, who runs the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, also known as HoverLab, was arrested and later indicted on several charges, including defamation. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office alleged that Se U had circulated false information using manipulated material, including KakaoTalk messages and audio recordings.

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Investigators also asserted that artificial intelligence had been used to create some of the content.Soo Hyun's agency welcomed the development and recalled the actor's statement from his 2025 press conference.

According to The Korea Herald, the agency said, “Kim Soo Hyun said at a press conference a year ago, 'I will not ask you to believe me. I will prove it.' The past year has been a time spent solely to keep that promise.”Separately, Soo Hyun also faced allegations of violating the Child Welfare Act.

However, on July 29, 2026, Seoul's Seongdong Law enforcement personnel Station resolved not to refer the case to prosecutors, saying there was not enough evidence to proceed. The case began with a criminal complaint filed They alleged that he had been in a relationship with the late actor when she was still a minor, claiming the relationship dated back to her second year of middle school.

Internet is baffledKim Soo Hyun's return has drawn sharply different reactions online. Many criticised the moment as to why Kim Soo Hyun has able to comeback to the industry so easily. One Indonesia social media user described the moment, writing, “HOW COULD RCTI POSSIBLY INVITE SOOHYUN?????

so embarrassing wtf, even Koreans are shocked that Soohyun is being featured on TV like this.”Another user sharply reacted on X, “Another case where a real Korean man still gets to hold his head high in society. If it were a woman, she'd be cursed and damned until she sinks and disappears completely.

Even if some stories are just rumours or baseless fake news.

How depressing can this world get?” One user added, “Aren't you embarrassed, SEA countries become a refuge for problematic Korean actors and the stupidity is they're welcomed here too.”Kim Soo Hyun's next stepsKim Soo Hyun had already made a quiet return to the public eye in July with a campaign for Philippine fashion brand Bench.

His appearance in Indonesia, however, marked a bigger step as he took the stage in front of a live audience for the first time in more than a year. He is set to meet fans next at Manila’s SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 2 with the venue holding nearly 20,000 people.