Kim Soo-hyun Faces Backlash Amid 'Queen of Tears' Baeksang Snub and Kim Sae-ron Scandal

Actor Kim Soo-hyun is under intense scrutiny following the omission of his drama "Queen of Tears" from major categories at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards and his alleged involvement in the controversy surrounding the late actress Kim Sae-ron.

At the recent Baeksang Arts Awards, "Queen of Tears" fans were disappointed when Kim Soo-hyun received only the PRIZM Popularity Award, while the Best Actor award went to Namkoong Min for "My Dearest." Fans had anticipated greater recognition for Kim's performance, especially given the drama's peak rating of 24.9%. However, the show's timing may have affected its eligibility, as it concluded in April, limiting its evaluation period. 

Compounding the situation are allegations regarding Kim's past relationship with Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away in February 2025. Reports suggest that Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, demanded repayment of approximately ₩700 million from Kim Sae-ron for damages related to her 2022 DUI incident. The agency allegedly warned her against posting certain photos or contacting their actors, threatening further compensation claims related to "Queen of Tears." 

Gold Medalist has refuted these claims, stating that they never demanded compensation from Kim Sae-ron for "Queen of Tears" and denying any attempts to defame other artists. 

The controversy has led to significant repercussions for Kim Soo-hyun. Several brands, including Prada and Dinto, have terminated their collaborations with him. Prada confirmed the mutual end of their partnership, while Dinto cited substantial grounds making the continuation unfeasible. 

Internationally, fans have expressed their discontent by removing Kim Soo-hyun's promotional materials. Videos have surfaced showing his standees being taken down, with captions like "Collecting trash from the hospital," reflecting the growing backlash

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