Actor Kim Soo-hyun has recently been removed from an advertising role due to allegations linking him to a controversial relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. In light of this, the restaurant chain Shabu All Day, which previously featured Kim Soo-hyun as its brand ambassador, has officially announced actor Kim Woo-bin as his replacement.
On June 2nd, Shabu All Day took to its social media platforms to share the news, posting a promotional image and message that introduced Kim Woo-bin as the new face of their franchise. The post conveyed a warm welcome, highlighting their excitement about a new beginning filled with “All Day love” and freshness, now associated with Kim Woo-bin.
In the promotional image, Kim Woo-bin is seen smiling brightly while holding a basket full of shabu-shabu ingredients. His charismatic appearance, tall figure, and commanding presence drew attention, signaling a refreshing and appealing new chapter for the brand.
Previously, the restaurant had promoted Kim Soo-hyun as its model, but his involvement in a growing controversy prompted the company to swiftly remove him. The issues arose from allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, reportedly tied to the late Kim Sae-ron, as well as accusations regarding coercion over debts. Negative reactions from the public compelled the franchise to take down all advertisements featuring him.
The controversy intensified when Kim Sae-ron’s family publicly claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been romantically involved with her since she was only 15 years old, starting in 2015. They presented alleged messages exchanged between the two in 2016 and 2018, suggesting inappropriate conduct and accusing Kim Soo-hyun of grooming behavior.
In response to the accusations, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference where he denied the claims, asserting that he did not date Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. He also stated that the messaging evidence being circulated was not authentic, and emphasized that their relationship only began in mid-2019, when she was legally an adult.
Amid the swirling controversy, legal action has been taken on both sides. Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team has filed lawsuits against Kim Sae-ron’s family and certain YouTubers for defamation and damage to his reputation. In retaliation, the late actress’s family has launched legal proceedings against the actor for violating child protection laws and for making false claims, deepening the legal dispute.
This situation continues to unfold as the public watches closely. In the meantime, Shabu All Day is working to recover its brand image by aligning with Kim Woo-bin, who brings a clean reputation and wide appeal. The company hopes this new partnership will help restore public trust and attract consumers back to the brand.
