South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is set to hold his first major fan meeting since returning to the entertainment industry. The event, organized by Philippine fashion brand Bench, will take place on October 2, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. This marks the actor’s most significant public appearance after a 16-month break from the spotlight.
The announcement came through Bench’s social media channels on August 4, 2026, with a “Save the Date” poster that quickly caught the attention of fans worldwide. The fan meeting, titled “OUR FOREVER WITH YOU,” is expected to draw around 20,000 attendees to the venue.
Bench Announces Kim Soo-hyun’s Manila Fan Meeting
The Philippine clothing and lifestyle brand Bench officially confirmed the event through multiple social media platforms. The company shared a message saying: “The countdown begins! Kim Soo Hyun is coming to meet his Filipino fans very soon”. Bench also stated that they prepared this fan meeting to give Filipino fans an unforgettable experience.
Bench has been Kim Soo-hyun’s brand ambassador since 2024 and recently renewed their contract with him. The brand played a key role in his return to public activities, releasing a promotional video on August 2, 2026, where the actor greeted his fans.
The fan meeting will feature a talk session, stage performances, and interactive games, allowing fans to interact closely with the actor. This format is seen as a safe and effective way for the star to reconnect with his audience after a difficult period.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Comeback After Legal Troubles
Kim Soo-hyun stepped away from public life in early 2025 following serious allegations about his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The controversy involved claims that he had dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, which could have violated South Korea’s Child Welfare Act.
The actor consistently denied these allegations throughout the investigation. His legal team took action against those spreading defamatory rumors. In a press conference held in March 2025, Kim Soo-hyun acknowledged dating Kim Sae-ron but firmly rejected claims that their relationship started while she was underage.
The case reached a conclusion in July 2026 when the Seoul Seongdong Police Station dropped all charges against the actor. Authorities cited a lack of evidence to support the allegations. Police also determined that key evidence presented against Kim Soo-hyun, including KakaoTalk chats and audio files, had been fabricated using artificial intelligence.
The YouTuber who spread these allegations, Kim Se-ui, operator of the channel Hover Lab, was arrested and indicted on charges including defamation.
Fans React to Kim Soo-hyun’s Return
The announcement of Kim Soo-hyun’s fan meeting generated strong reactions from his supporters. In the promotional video released on August 2, the actor expressed his feelings directly to fans.
“I have really missed you all so much. I’m truly happy to be back with Bench and to see you,” Kim Soo-hyun said in the video message.
The video quickly gained attention, receiving around 3,000 likes within two days. Many fans expressed excitement about his return, while others voiced concern about his appearance, noting that he looked thinner.
Bench also shared updates on social media, posting: “The countdown begins! Kim Soo Hyun is coming to meet his Filipino fans very soon. Who’s excited?”. The brand’s post received significant engagement from fans counting down to the October event.
What to Expect at the “OUR FOREVER WITH YOU” Fan Meeting
The fan meeting will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, one of the largest indoor arenas in the Philippines with a capacity of approximately 20,000 seats. This venue choice reflects the actor’s strong popularity in the country.
The Philippines has long been one of Kim Soo-hyun’s strongest overseas markets. His last visit to Manila was in 2024 for a brand-sponsored fan meeting. He also visited the country in 2022 and 2023 for similar events.
Industry observers see the Manila event as a strategic move to test the waters for a full-scale return to the Korean entertainment industry. By choosing an overseas location for his comeback, Kim Soo-hyun can reconnect with fans while rebuilding his public image.
The event will include various segments designed to create meaningful connections between the actor and his audience. Fans can expect personal interactions, performances, and special moments throughout the gathering.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Career and Recent Projects
Kim Soo-hyun is one of South Korea’s most recognized actors, known for his roles in hit dramas including “My Love from the Star,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” and the 2024 hit “Queen of Tears”. He has built a strong international fanbase over his career.
Before his hiatus, Kim Soo-hyun was set to star in the Disney+ series “Knock-Off,” which was originally scheduled for a 2025 release. However, the streaming platform decided to delay the series following the controversy. The current status of the project remains unclear.
Despite the legal victory, some domestic advertisers have reportedly filed compensation claims against Kim Soo-hyun and his agency. The damages are estimated at around 10 billion won ($7 million) , related to cancelled promotional schedules and business losses during his hiatus.
The actor’s return to commercial activities with Bench appears to be progressing well. Several items from the brand’s campaign reportedly sold out on their online store following his reappearance.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Message to Filipino Fans
In the promotional video released before the fan meeting announcement, Kim Soo-hyun directly addressed his supporters in the Philippines. His message conveyed genuine emotion after months away from public view.
“I’ve missed you all so much. I’m truly happy to be back with Bench and to see you again. I hope you’re excited for what’s coming with Bench,” the actor said.
Bench shared this video on their official social media platforms with the caption: “Bench’s beloved global ambassador Kim Soo Hyun has prepared a special message for you”.
The actor’s return to public activities began with this advertising campaign, marking his first professional engagement since stepping away from the spotlight. The fan meeting represents the next step in his gradual comeback.
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What This Means for Kim Soo-hyun’s Future
The “OUR FOREVER WITH YOU” fan meeting in Manila serves as a significant milestone in Kim Soo-hyun’s career recovery. After months of legal proceedings and public scrutiny, this event allows him to directly connect with the fans who have supported him throughout the difficult period.
The choice of the Philippines for his first major event highlights the importance of international markets in his career strategy. By holding the fan meeting overseas, Kim Soo-hyun can demonstrate his continued global appeal to both fans and potential business partners.
The event is scheduled for October 2, 2026, giving fans approximately two months to prepare for the gathering. As the date approaches, more details about the fan meeting program, ticketing, and special segments are expected to be released.
Kim Soo-hyun’s return to public life through this fan meeting marks a new chapter in his career. The event represents both a thank you to loyal fans and a statement of his intention to continue his work in the entertainment industry.
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