Recent Fan-Funded Ad Featuring Kim Soo-hyun at Seoul's Hongdae Station Has Sparked Backlash

While fans aimed to show support for the actor, the timing of the ad has caused controversy due to ongoing allegations involving the K-drama star.

A recent fan-funded advertisement featuring Kim Soo-hyun at Seoul’s Hongdae Station has sparked major online backlash.

The advertisement for the actor was organized through the CHOEAEDOL Celeb platform, where fans crowdfund ads to support their favorite celebrities.

Located at Exit 3 of Hongdae Station, the ad quickly drew attention due to its placement in a well-known area that's densely populated by both locals and international tourists.

However, many were shocked to see the ad despite the actor currently being heavily criticized for serious allegations.

The timing of the ad raised eyebrows as Kim Soo-hyun is still publicly facing serious allegations, which his agency vehemently denies.

Many questioned how a fan celebration could proceed while the actor is caught in a legal and social storm, especially with major brands like Prada already cutting ties with him.

The actor's upcoming Disney+ drama “Knock-Off” is reportedly delayed, and a fan meeting in Taiwan was recently canceled amid the controversy.

The issue began with a post on the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, where someone claiming to be Kim Sae-ron's aunt shared personal details about the late actress's alleged relationship with Kim Soo-hyun.

The post claimed that the actresses were close friends and that Kim Sae-ron, who passed away at the age of 26, used to talk about her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun.

The poster also mentioned that they had seen the actors together at a hotel in Yeongjongdo, and that Kim Soo-hyun appeared to be in a good mood despite the news of Kim Sae-ron's passing.

The poster added that they felt sorry for Kim Sae-ron, who had to endure rumors and gossip from a young age due to her father's actions.

The poster's post sparked widespread discussion online, with many expressing sadness over Kim Sae-ron's passing and hope that she is now resting peacefully.

Some commenters also shared their thoughts on the allegations against Kim Soo-hyun, with some expressing disbelief and others sharing their own experiences of being lied to by family members.

The poster's claims about Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's relationship could not be independently verified.

However, the issue has continued to be hotly debated on social media, with some users criticizing the fans for organizing the ad at an inopportune time.

“What are you doing? This isn't the right time to show support like this,” one user wrote.

Another user expressed concern that foreign tourists might be left with a negative impression of Korea's values after seeing the ad.

Several commenters also questioned why CHOEAEDOL Celeb allowed the ad to go live despite the ongoing controversy.

However, some of Kim Soo-hyun's fans defended the move, highlighting his global popularity and the fact that he still has strong support worldwide.