Despite the controversy surrounding his alleged past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron, South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has managed to climb to the third spot in the country’s prestigious Star Ranking. This jump highlights his resilience and the continued admiration he enjoys from his supporters, even amidst ongoing public scrutiny.
Previously ranked seventh in the 109th edition of the fan-based poll, Kim Soo Hyun had only accumulated 540 votes. However, in the following week, during the 110th round held between April 24 and May 1, he surged to third place with a significant leap, amassing 11,546 votes. This rapid ascent saw him surpass Kim Nam Gil and is a testament to his enduring popularity.
The ranking’s current frontrunners are Lee Jun Ho, who maintains the top spot with over 40,000 votes, followed by Byeon Woo Seok in second place with more than 24,000. Kim Soo Hyun’s rise in such a short period speaks volumes about the loyalty and commitment of his fanbase, especially in a time of adversity.
A major driving force behind this surge is the mobilization of his fandom. His Chinese fan club, which boasts more than a million members, organized an elaborate show of support by deploying 25 LED trucks across major locations in Seoul. These trucks displayed messages like “Truth Will Prevail” and were even positioned outside Disney Korea’s office, signaling protest over the suspension of Kim’s upcoming drama Knock Off.
The actor has been under fire due to allegations that he dated Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. Addressing the speculation head-on, Kim Soo Hyun clarified during a press conference that they dated for a year five years ago, well before the release of Queen of Tears, and that their relationship did not begin when she was a minor.
Meanwhile, his legal team has taken action against YouTuber Kim Se Eui, who runs the Garosero Research Institute channel. The content creator has been accused of repeatedly delving into Kim’s personal life, despite an earlier court warning. The actor’s team has now filed a second legal complaint, indicating a firm stance against what they view as persistent harassment.
Public reaction to the controversy has been polarized. While some question the timing and nature of the allegations, others continue to show unwavering support. The flood of votes in Kim’s favor shows that a significant portion of the public is willing to separate his professional accomplishments from the surrounding personal drama.
- In the midst of these challenges, Kim Soo Hyun’s rise in the rankings suggests a powerful narrative of fan loyalty and image resilience. Whether this upward momentum continues remains to be seen, but for now, his No. 3 position stands as a bold statement against the storm of criticism he’s currently weathering.