South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is gradually rebuilding his global reputation amid a domestic controversy linked to the late actress Kim Sae Ron. While allegations continue to stir discussions in South Korea, his international appeal remains strong. Notably, his past drama My Love from the Star has recently premiered on Brazil’s SBT network and is being rebroadcast in Taiwan, sparking renewed global interest in his work over a decade since its original release.
The Brazilian TV network SBT has introduced My Love from the Star as part of its new “Asian Production Line” segment, which promotes popular Asian entertainment. This move has brought the 2013 K-drama to South American audiences for the first time. Additionally, the show is once again gaining traction across OTT platforms globally, indicating its enduring appeal and the international public’s growing appetite for Korean drama.
Originally starring Kim Soo Hyun alongside Jun Ji Hyun, Park Hae Jin, Yoo In-na, and Ahn Jae-hyun, the series tells the fantastical story of an alien who has lived on Earth for over 400 years and falls for a famous actress. Its blend of science fiction, romance, and humor has helped it become a beloved series around the world, especially as K-dramas continue to establish themselves as mainstream content internationally.
The success of the series overseas has been accompanied by significant fan support, including organized celebrations and promotional efforts in various countries. SBT commended the show’s rich storytelling and cross-genre appeal, calling it the perfect entry point for Brazilian viewers to experience Korean pop culture. The network emphasized how the global popularity of K-dramas reflects a broader cultural shift.
Meanwhile, back in South Korea, Kim Soo Hyun continues to face serious allegations. A YouTube channel called GaroSero, led by Kim Se-eui, accused the actor of dating Kim Sae Ron while she was underage. This claim has generated public outrage and prompted a wave of responses. In reaction, a petition aimed at regulating false and harmful content on digital platforms—now known as the Anti-GaroSero Act—was submitted to the National Assembly.
The Anti-GaroSero petition, signed by over 54,000 individuals as of early June, advocates for stricter laws against online defamation and privacy breaches. It calls for investigations into misleading content creators and sanctions against platforms that allow the spread of such material. These developments signal a broader call for accountability and reform in South Korea’s digital media landscape.
Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, have filed lawsuits against both Kim Se-eui and Kim Sae Ron’s family for defamation, privacy invasion, and distribution of false information. The actor admitted he had a relationship with Kim Sae Ron but clarified that it started only after she became a legal adult. He also stated that his previous denial was made to protect his reputation and a concurrent drama project, Queen of Tears.
Despite gaining international recognition, the domestic backlash has affected his career. Production of his upcoming Disney+ show Knock Off has been halted, and he has lost major endorsements, such as with Shabu All Day, which replaced him with Kim Woo Bin. Legal troubles may cost him nearly 5.8 billion KRW. As the situation unfolds, public opinion remains divided, yet Kim’s global reemergence may still redefine his legacy.
