Actor Ji-Soo, Who Was on Hiatus, Responds When Asked About Kim Soo-Hyun’s Friendship

Kim Ji-Soo has made it clear that she does not share any personal connection with Kim Soo-Hyun, who has recently been at the center of an underage dating scandal. On April 7, Kim Ji-Soo appeared on the Philippine reality show, ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collaboration Edition’. During the episode, she was asked a direct question regarding his relationship with Kim Soo-Hyun, which has been a topic of intense public interest due to recent controversies.

In response to the question, “Have you met Kim Soo-Hyun in person?” Kim Ji-Soo stated firmly,

"Actually, no. I’ve never met him personally."

This straightforward answer has drawn varied reactions from the public. While some Kim Soo-Hyun fans expressed their disappointment over Kim Ji-Soo’s response, others defended him, noting that his statement seemed like a natural and neutral reply given the situation. Kim Ji-Soo’s decision to clarify his lack of a personal connection with the actor comes as the ongoing controversy continues to make headlines in Korea.

The scandal surrounding Kim Soo-Hyun revolves around accusations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, actress Kim Sae-Ron, which has caused a significant backlash. This controversy has led to increased scrutiny not only on Kim Soo-Hyun but also on his close colleagues in the entertainment industry, including fellow actors who are perceived to have close ties with him.

Among those affected by the public's backlash are actors and celebrities like G-Dragon, Seo Yea-ji, Ahn Bo-Hyun, Im Si-Wan, and Jung Hae-In, who are known to have worked or interacted with Kim Soo-Hyun in the past. Netizens have called on them to sever ties with the actor, with many demanding that they unfollow Kim Soo-Hyun on social media platforms like Instagram. Some of the actors, like Ahn Bo-Hyun and Im Si-Wan, have already responded to public sentiment by removing Kim Soo-Hyun from their follow lists, signaling their awareness of the controversy and their attempt to distance themselves from the situation.

Kim Soo-Hyun, for his part, held a press conference on March 31 to address the allegations head-on. In his statement, he denied all accusations regarding the inappropriate relationship with a minor and claimed that the rumors were unfounded. He also denied any involvement in coercing debts from individuals, particularly from Kim Sae-Ron, the actress at the center of the scandal. Additionally, Kim Soo-Hyun announced that he had filed a 120 billion won lawsuit for damages against the family of Kim Sae-Ron, further escalating the ongoing drama.

Kim Ji-Soo, who previously faced significant public backlash for his involvement in a school bullying scandal in 2021, has also been under the spotlight in recent years. At that time, she publicly admitted to his involvement in the bullying allegations and decided to take a temporary break from his career to reflect on his actions. Following his break, Kim Ji-Soo made his return to the entertainment industry by moving his focus to Philippine-based broadcasting, where she signed a contract with GMA, a leading television network in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, Kim Ji-Soo has made a notable name for himself, starring in multiple local dramas and gaining recognition for his acting skills and charisma. Although she has since moved his career to a different market, his past controversies continue to follow him, and the latest developments involving his stance on Kim Soo-Hyun’s scandal have added fuel to the ongoing conversation.

Public Sentiment: A Divided Opinion

The latest reactions to Kim Ji-Soo’s statement reflect the complexity of the situation, with netizens expressing mixed views on his decision to distance himself from Kim Soo-Hyun. While some argue that she was simply offering an honest response to a direct question, others have criticized him for not being more empathetic or supportive towards a fellow actor in a time of crisis.

As Kim Soo-Hyun’s legal battle continues, and the scandal surrounding his alleged relationship with a minor remains unresolved, public figures in the entertainment industry will continue to be scrutinized for their responses and actions regarding their connections with him.