Kim Soo-hyun to return to South Korean public events at Busan music awards
Actor Kim Soo-hyun will present at The Fact Music Awards in Busan on September 19, marking his first South Korean public event since controversy over his relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron.
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to make his first public appearance in his home country in more than a year. Organisers of The Fact Music Awards confirmed that the K-drama star will serve as an award presenter at the ceremony, scheduled for September 19 in Busan.
The appearance marks a significant step in the actor's return to domestic engagements, following a period of reduced local activity after allegations surfaced regarding his relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron. The 24-year-old actress passed away in February 2025.
Initial allegations were raised in March 2025 by YouTuber Kim Se-ui on his channel Hover Lab. Kim Soo-hyun subsequently held a press conference in which he acknowledged a past relationship with Kim Sae-ron but firmly denied claims that the relationship began while she was a minor.
In response to the allegations, the actor filed defamation complaints against both the YouTuber and the late actress's family. Police have since dropped an underage dating charge against Kim Soo-hyun, citing insufficient evidence.
While his South Korean public schedule had been quiet, Kim Soo-hyun has continued professional activities abroad. He recently appeared on a live television broadcast in Indonesia and is scheduled to meet fans in the Philippines in October.
His upcoming appearance at The Fact Music Awards will be his first public event in South Korea since the controversy broke, signalling a potential gradual return to the domestic entertainment circuit.