Actor Kim Soo Hyun is making a strong return to the public eye. After staying away from domestic events for about 18 months, he has now confirmed his attendance at two major award shows. The news of his participation in the 2026 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) has created a massive wave of reactions online, with many people sharing strong opinions.
The announcement comes just days after organizers confirmed he would appear at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) in Busan. His return to the Korean stage marks a significant moment, as he has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since the controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
Kim Soo Hyun Confirmed for Asia Artist Awards 2026
On September 1, 2026, the organizing committee for the Asia Artist Awards announced that Kim Soo Hyun will attend AAA 2026. The event will take place over two days, December 5 and 6, at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan.
This appearance is notable because Kim Soo Hyun won the Grand Prize (Actor of the Year) at AAA 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. At that time, he gave a memorable acceptance speech for his role in the drama Queen of Tears and shared the honor with his co-star Kim Ji Won. Two years later, he is returning to the same ceremony, but this time as a presenter.
The actor lineup for AAA 2026 also includes many other well-known names. Park Ji Hwan, Um Mun Suk, and Heo Sung Tae will also attend. The hosting team features Jang Won Young, who has been the MC for six years in a row, along with actors Ji Chang Wook and Seong Han Bin.
First Korean Event in 18 Months at The Fact Music Awards
Before the AAA appearance, Kim Soo Hyun will first appear at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA). The organizing committee confirmed on August 28, 2026 that he will attend the ceremony as an award presenter. The event is scheduled for September 19 at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium.
This will be his first official public event in South Korea in about one and a half years. His last major domestic appearance was a press conference in March 2025, where he addressed the allegations surrounding his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
“Kim Soo Hyun will attend the 2026 The Fact Music Awards, which will be held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19, as a presenter.” – TMA Organizing Committee
Legal Developments and Return to Activities
Kim Soo Hyun has seen several positive legal developments in recent months. The Seoul police decided not to transfer the case related to allegations that he violated the Child Welfare Act, citing a lack of evidence. Investigators also determined that some recordings and KakaoTalk conversations used to support the allegations had been manipulated or created using generative AI.
Kim Se Ui, who ran the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute and made many of the allegations against the actor, was arrested and indicted on charges including defamation. The court also dismissed a lawsuit from Swiss watch brand Mido, which sought about ₩570 million KRW (approximately $413,000 USD) in returned advertising fees.
With these legal issues clearing up, Kim Soo Hyun has slowly started returning to public activities. He recently appeared as a special guest on Indonesian broadcaster RCTI’s 37th-anniversary live special, where he performed Dreaming from the drama Dream High. He is also scheduled to hold a large-scale fan meeting in Manila, Philippines, in October at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, which can hold about 20,000 people.
Public Reaction Divided Over His Return
Despite the legal victories, the announcement of his award show appearances has not been met with universal approval. Comments on Korean community sites like TheQoo show that many people are strongly against seeing him return to major entertainment events.
Some netizens expressed anger and disappointment. One comment read:
“I couldn’t believe my eyes…why is Kim Soo Hyun on the list?”
Others questioned why K-pop artists should have to receive awards from him. Another person commented:
“This is a mess…so disgusting..”
Some even said they would not watch the show because of his presence. One netizen wrote:
“Why are they adding him to the lineup…why? Why is he trying so hard to crawl back out?”
The negetive reactions highlight a clear gap between the legal outcomes and public sentiment. While the courts and police have cleared him of charges, many members of the public remain unwilling to accept his return to the entertainment industry.
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What His Attendance Means for the Award Shows
Kim Soo Hyun’s presence at both TMA and AAA will likely draw significant attention to the events. His appearance at the TMA on September 19 will serve as a major test of public reaction in Korea. Following that, his attendance at AAA 2026 in December will mark his return to an international awards stage.
The actor, born in 1988, is known for hit dramas like Moon Embracing the Sun, My Love from the Star, and Queen of Tears. Before the controversy, he maintained many activities in film, advertising, and fashion. His return to these events suggests he is working to rebuild his career after a long period of limited activity.
The TMA ceremony will be his first step back onto a Korean stage. His performance at that event and the public reaction to it could shape how his future activities unfold.
Also Read: Arrest Warrant Issued for YouTuber in Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun Defamation Case
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Source: theqoo
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