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South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun will meet fans in the Philippines in October, according to a fashion brand, signaling his return to public activities after police dropped an underage dating charge against him. The event, scheduled at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on Oct. 2, is expected to draw about 20,000 fans, as reported by the Philippines lifestyle and fashion brand Bench. Bench also shared a promotional video on its social media in which Kim said, "I've missed you all so much. I'm truly happy to be back."

Coverage Comparison

Two reports from Yonhap News — English cover the story from different angles. One focuses on the upcoming fan event and the actor's return, citing the brand's announcement and Kim's own statement. The other emphasizes the police decision to drop the underage dating charge against Kim, citing informed sources.

Both reports reference the allegations made by the family of late actress Kim Sae-ron and the role of YouTube channel Hover Lab. One report provides additional detail on the timeline, noting that the allegations were raised in March 2025 after Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home the previous month, following an apparent suicide at age 24. The other report adds that Hover Lab claimed Kim dated the actress for six years starting when she was 15, citing voice recordings that were later found to be fabricated.

The reports also note that Kim Se-ui, the operator of Hover Lab, was arrested in May on suspicion of defaming the actor despite knowing the recordings were fabricated. One report describes Kim Se-ui as a conservative YouTuber; the other notes his arrest warrant was issued by a court.

Key Claims

  • Police have dropped an underage dating charge against Kim Soo-hyun, who was accused by Kim Sae-ron's family of dating her while she was a minor. Reports cite a lack of evidence as the reason, as reported by Yonhap News — English.
  • YouTube channel Hover Lab raised allegations of underage dating against Kim, citing voice recordings that were later found to be fabricated, as reported by Yonhap News — English.
  • Kim Se-ui, the operator of Hover Lab, was arrested for defamation and spreading false information about Kim, as reported in both Yonhap News — English articles.
  • Kim Soo-hyun will meet fans in the Philippines in October, with about 20,000 fans expected at the event, as reported by Yonhap News — English citing Bench.
  • In a promotional video, Kim Soo-hyun said, "I've missed you all so much. I'm truly happy to be back," as reported by Yonhap News — English.