South Korean star Kim Soo Hyun has once again demonstrated his immense fan appeal by clinching the top position in the 71st Superstar Brand Power rankings for male actors. Despite ongoing public controversies surrounding his personal life, he amassed 1,179,810 votes out of nearly 2.9 million submitted between 7th and 14th May.
On the female side, actress Kim Hye Yoon continued her impressive streak, securing the highest number of votes with 1,025,520. This marks her 43rd week at the top, reaffirming her strong presence and growing popularity within the entertainment industry.
Kim Soo Hyun’s recent win comes amid serious allegations tied to his former girlfriend, actress Kim Sae Ron, who passed away earlier this year. The public has been gripped by stories of alleged underage dating and other sensitive claims. Nonetheless, his loyal supporters have rallied in his defense, propelling him to the top of the brand power rankings.
Professionally, Kim has remained inactive since the scandal surfaced. His involvement with the anticipated Disney+ series Knock-Off has been put on indefinite hold. Both seasons of the show were postponed, leading to massive financial setbacks for Disney+, which reportedly incurred billions in penalties.
In response to this disruption, Disney+ has shifted focus, launching a new series titled Nine Puzzle. Directed by the highly respected Yoon Jong-bin and featuring stars Son Seok-gu and Kim Da-mi, this new project aims to revive interest and restore viewer confidence in the streaming platform.
The platform’s pivot includes experimenting with different release strategies as it tries to regain its lost market share. These changes highlight how production companies are adapting quickly to controversies involving their stars and trying to minimize fallout from reputational risks.
Meanwhile, Kim Hye Yoon’s career trajectory continues upward. Best known for her standout performance in the 2024 hit drama Lovely Runner, she has cemented her status as a top-tier actress. Reports suggest she will soon headline a new Disney+ project titled Human from Today.
Despite the controversies surrounding Kim Soo Hyun, his continued dominance in public polls underscores the strength of his fanbase. At the same time, Kim Hye Yoon’s steady ascent reflects a growing appreciation for her talent and versatility, pointing to the evolving landscape of South Korea’s entertainment industry.