Kim Soo-hyun Tops Star Ranking Despite Controversies

Actor Kim Soo-hyun has demonstrated his enduring popularity by securing the number one position in the 'Star Ranking' for male actors for five consecutive weeks, despite facing ongoing personal controversies. From May 29 to June 5, Kim garnered a remarkable 182,051 votes in the 115th round of the Star Ranking voting, showcasing a significant lead over his competitors. Following him were Lee Junho in second place with 63,618 votes and Byun Woo-seok in third with 17,117 votes.

Interestingly, while recent controversies surrounding Kim have negatively impacted his image in the advertising industry, the loyalty of his fanbase remains unwavering. Previously, Kim was embroiled in various personal issues, including allegations of a past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, which raised questions about the timing of their relationship and claims of debt coercion. This led to a notable setback in his advertising career, with the shabu-shabu buffet franchise 'Shabu All Day' replacing him as their brand model with actor Kim Woo-bin.

However, the support from his fans has not wavered. Following an official press conference where Kim addressed the allegations, many fans rallied to show their support by participating in the voting process. In March, Kim held a press conference where he firmly denied the allegations, stating, "I never dated the deceased when she was a minor," and tearfully refuted claims of pressuring her regarding debts.

Currently, Kim Soo-hyun's team is pursuing legal action against Kim Se-hee, the representative of the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute,' and the family of the late Kim Sae-ron, seeking 12 billion won in damages. Despite the controversies, the affection from his fans remains strong, with one supporter stating, "Even if the ads go down, our support will not diminish," and expressing a commitment to stand by him.

As Kim Soo-hyun rises back into the spotlight through the pure strength of his fandom, many are curious about how he will work to regain public trust in the future.