Prada, Other Brands Cut Ties with Actor Amid Controversy

SEOUL, South Korea — Fashion giant Prada and other brands have severed collaborations with South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun following allegations of a controversial relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The decision comes on the heels of a YouTube exposé that claims Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron while she was underage.

The 37-year-old actor, who gained fame for his roles in acclaimed dramas such as ‘My Love from the Star’ and ‘Queen of Tears,’ found himself at the center of media scrutiny when the video emerged, featuring testimony from Kim Sae-ron’s relatives.

Prada confirmed on Monday that it had mutually agreed to end its partnership with Kim, though specifics of the decision were not disclosed. Dinto, a South Korean cosmetics company, followed suit, stating in a Saturday press release, “We have determined that there are substantial grounds rendering the fulfillment of the advertising contract unfeasible.”

In response to the allegations, Goldmedalist, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, released a statement denying any romantic involvement between him and Kim Sae-ron dating back to 2015, emphasizing that she was a minor at the time. Kim Sae-ron, 24, was found dead in February, with reports indicating that her financial issues and earlier incidents, including a drunk driving case, had taken a toll on her mental health.

Goldmedalist also noted that Kim Sae-ron owed approximately 0.7 billion won ($483,759) to the agency due to penalties related to her previous case, further complicating her situation.

Speculation surrounding the nature of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s relationship intensified earlier this year when she posted a photo of them together on social media, only to delete it shortly after. A lawyer representing her family disclosed that the photo was intended to elicit a response from Kim Soo-hyun.

The rapid fallout from these revelations marks a significant moment in the South Korea entertainment industry, highlighting how personal controversies can impact professional affiliations.