Actor Kim Soo Hyun’s Lawsuit Overturned as Brand Eider Cuts Claim

South Korea’s Seoul Central District Court heard a second hearing in the damages lawsuit filed by clothing brand Eider against actor Kim Soo Hyun and his agency. Eider had originally sought ₩2.5 billion (about $1.65 million) for reputational damage linked to rumors that the actor dated the late actress Kim Sae‑Ron when she was a minor. At the July 8 hearing, the brand withdrew that claim and reduced its demand to roughly ₩400 million, now asking only for the return of remaining modeling fees under the original contract. Judges questioned the revised strategy and suggested that Eider consider withdrawing the suit altogether.

The hearing follows the recent arrest of YouTuber Kim Se‑Ui, who had spread the allegations through YouTube broadcasts, and the clearing of Kim Soo Hyun of all accusations. While Eider’s claim was scaled back, the actor still faces other lawsuits totaling around ₩10 billion. The court indicated that each party may bear its own legal costs.

The outcome marks a significant relief for the high‑profile actor, who had been embroiled in a legal battle that attracted extensive media attention in South Korea.