Kim Soo-hyun’s Overseas Comeback Begins as “My Love from the Star” Airs in South America Amid Controversy

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is making a strategic overseas comeback as his hit drama My Love from the Star prepares to air in South America for the first time. Brazil’s largest private broadcaster, SBT, will premiere the show on June 2, marking its debut in the region 11 years after its original 2013 release. The drama’s global resurgence comes as Kim Soo-hyun faces intense scrutiny in South Korea over allegations involving his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.

SBT announced the broadcast as part of a new “Asian Production Line” time slot, responding to Brazil’s growing demand for Korean pop culture. My Love from the Star was selected as the slot’s inaugural show, sparking excitement among fans. Supporters of Kim Soo-hyun have flooded SBT’s platforms with welcoming messages and fan-made promotions. The drama will also re-air in Taiwan on Korea Entertainment TV, further extending its reach.

Kim Soo-hyun’s overseas push follows a career crisis in South Korea. Earlier this year, he was accused of dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, which he denied before admitting they had a relationship after she turned 19. At a tearful press conference, he defended his initial denial, stating, “I made a choice as the star Kim Soo-hyun.” The scandal led to lawsuits, including a 5.8 billion KRW ($4.3 million) demand for returned modeling fees and damages.

My Love from the Star remains one of Kim Soo-hyun’s most iconic works. The fantasy romance, co-starring Jun Ji-hyun, tells the story of an alien who lands in Joseon-era Korea and falls for a modern-day actress. It achieved a 28.1% peak rating in South Korea and boosted Kim Soo-hyun’s fame across Asia. Its South American release could help rehabilitate his image internationally while domestic audiences remain divided.

The controversy stems from claims by Kim Sae-ron’s family that the actor dated her when she was 15, which he denies. They also alleged his agency pressured her over debts linked to her 2022 drunk-driving incident. Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team has filed defamation suits, calling the evidence “fabricated.” Meanwhile, brands like Prada and Dinto Cosmetics dropped him, and Disney+ postponed his upcoming series Knock-Off.

Despite the backlash, Kim Soo-hyun’s overseas fanbase remains strong. The Brazil broadcast signals a shift toward international markets where the scandal has had less impact. Industry observers note that My Love from the Star’s enduring popularity could pave the way for his return to global projects.

Kim Sae-ron, a former child star known for The Man from Nowhere, died by suicide in February 2025 at age 24. Her death intensified scrutiny of Kim Soo-hyun’s past with her, though he insists their relationship was “ordinary” and adult. Legal battles continue, with his team seeking 12 billion KRW ($8.1 million) in damages from accusers.

As My Love from the Star expands to new audiences, Kim Soo-hyun’s career hangs in balance. The drama’s success in South America may determine whether he can rebuild his reputation abroad while weathering ongoing controversies at home.

Credits: News reports from Daum, SBT, Korea Entertainment TV, and other entertainment industry sources.

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