Kim Soo-hyun Makes First Domestic Public Appearance in 1.5 Years at 2026 TMA

Actor Kim Soo-hyun made his first domestic public appearance in approximately one year and six months when he attended the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) as a presenter.

The ceremony was held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, with Jun Hyun-moo and Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun serving as hosts. Kim appeared onstage to present the Popularity Award.

Dressed in an all-black suit, Kim greeted the audience by saying, “Hello, I’m Kim Soo-hyun. It’s nice to meet you.” He thanked the organizers for inviting him and spoke about K-pop’s growth into a culture enjoyed by fans across national and language barriers. Kim later announced Lim Young-woong as the winner of the Popularity Award and personally handed him the trophy.

The appearance comes after Kim largely stepped away from domestic public activities amid controversy surrounding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Kim acknowledged that the two had dated but strongly denied allegations that their relationship began while she was a minor.

In May, Kim’s side said that KakaoTalk messages and an audio recording that had been circulated as evidence against him had been manipulated or fabricated, and announced legal action against the YouTuber who initially raised the allegations. The article also reports that child-welfare-related allegations against Kim were not forwarded due to insufficient evidence, while the YouTuber was detained on charges including defamation.

Separately, a lawsuit filed by Swiss watch brand Mido seeking approximately 570 million won in returned contract payments from Kim and his agency was dismissed. The ruling became final after neither side appealed.

Kim had gradually resumed overseas activities earlier this year, including advertising work and appearances in the Philippines and Indonesia. International fans also sent rice wreaths, a welcome truck, and flower arrangements to the TMA venue in support of his return.

Netizen Reactions

The sampled Nate News comments were sharply divided, with supporters welcoming Kim Soo-hyun’s return while other commenters said their view of the actor had changed following the controversy.

1. The victim here is Kim Soo-hyun, so what are people even talking about... Why can’t they admit they were manipulated and stop mocking him?

2. You’ve been through so much all this time, Kim Soo-hyun. Fighting!

3. Kim Soo-hyun is so freaking handsome. A real actor really is different. Anyone still leaving malicious comments after all the baseless hate he went through is just a mindless hater. There were articles saying his agency is taking action against malicious commenters, so I hope people realize what can happen if they keep posting ridiculous hate comments.

4. I was at the venue and the cheers were insane. Gaseyeon dogs lost ㅋㅋ

5. There are so many other people they could have chosen, and they deliberately use a bastard like this? Get yourselves together.

6. I normally don’t leave comments because celebrities feel like my own sons and daughters, but his image just isn’t what it used to be anymore ㅠㅠ I’m an ajumma who logged in for the first time in decades.

7. Lies can’t defeat the truth. Can the “How Do You Do” thing or the allegations involving a minor really just be swept under the rug? What is wrong with Kim Soo-hyun fans’ sense of morality... Is it an intelligence problem? I’m genuinely curious. Or are they paid commenters?

8. He’s already finished.

9. I accept that he was legally cleared. Let’s say he slept with Kim Sae-ron and that it wasn’t while she was a minor. I just dislike him as a person. I simply don’t like him anymore. I don’t want to see him on TV, in movies, or in commercials. He makes me uncomfortable.

10. Stop harassing Kim Soo-hyun. Even though Kim Se-ui of Gaseyeon was jailed, there are still so many people who believe the fake news. Someday you’ll be held accountable for the malicious comments you sit there barking out with your fingers.

Source: Nate News