South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun may face a penalty of approximately 1.3 billion KRW (about 887,093 USD) following the cancellation of his scheduled fan meeting in Taiwan. The event, organized by 7-Eleven Taiwan, was called off amid a controversy involving allegations of a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The official reason provided for the cancellation was scheduling conflicts.
Official Announcement and Cancellation Details
On March 25, 2025, 7-Eleven Taiwan announced the cancellation of Kim Soo Hyun’s fan meeting, originally set for March 30, 2025, during the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival. The company shared the news via social media, stating:
“We regret to inform you that Kim Soo Hyun will not be able to attend the fan meeting scheduled for March 30 due to scheduling conflicts. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our members.”
The event was planned as a 40-minute fan interaction on the festival’s final day. Ticket refunds are now being processed for those who had purchased them.
Controversy Involving Kim Sae Ron
The cancellation follows a controversy that emerged in early March 2025. Allegations surfaced claiming that Kim Soo Hyun had a six-year relationship with Kim Sae Ron, beginning when she was a minor, raising accusations of grooming. These claims were made public by Kim Sae Ron’s family through the YouTube channel HOVERLAB (also known as Garo Sero Research Institute). Kim Soo Hyun has admitted to a past relationship with Kim Sae Ron but insists it began after she reached adulthood, specifically between the summer of 2019 and the fall of 2020.
Why the Fan Meeting Was Likely Canceled
The timing of the allegations suggests that the controversy heavily influenced the decision to cancel the fan meeting. It was meant to be Kim Soo Hyun’s first public appearance since the issue arose, drawing significant attention from fans and media in Taiwan and beyond.
Financial Consequences of the Cancellation
Local industry insiders estimate that the cancellation could lead to a penalty of around 1.3 billion KRW (approximately 887,093 USD) for Kim Soo Hyun or his agency. This stems from 7-Eleven Taiwan’s investment in the event, including plans to launch products featuring the actor’s image, which may now result in financial losses.
Beyond the fan meeting, Kim Soo Hyun is engaged in a legal dispute with HOVERLAB, which could add to his financial burdens. The controversy has also impacted his other projects. His upcoming Disney+ drama, Knock-off, with a production budget of several hundred billion KRW, has been postponed indefinitely. Additionally, his segments on the MBC variety show Good Day have been removed. If he withdraws from Knock-off, the financial fallout for the production could be significant.
What Happens Next?
With his Taiwan fan meeting canceled and overseas engagements at risk, Kim Soo Hyun faces potential further penalties and career challenges. The situation remains fluid as his legal battle and project commitments unfold.
