According to the Korea Times, legal sources expect the total amount of money that advertisers are demanding from Kim Soo Hyun to be around 10 billion won. According to the source, three of the 15 brands that signed advertising contracts with the actor have filed or are preparing to sue both the actor and his agency, Gold Medalist. These companies range from domestic listed companies to overseas financial subsidiaries and multinational corporations.

Advertisers are terminating their contracts for “breach of contract” or “breach of trust” and are seeking the return of endorsement fees, along with penalties or damages based on the terms of the contract.

(Photo: Korea Times)

“Some companies were initially hesitant to file lawsuits out of concern that the disputes might become public, but with the lawsuits already underway, it is expected that more advertisers will join in,” said entertainment law expert Park Sung Woo of law firm Wooree, who represents the advertisers.

“Kim’s endorsement fees are known to be around 1 billion to 1.2 billion won per brand for domestic contracts. If more advertisers join the lawsuits, the total compensation claim could exceed 10 billion won,” he added.

In response, Kim Soo Hyun’s management agency, Gold Medalist, said they have yet to confirm whether any lawsuit has been officially filed.

The Kim Soo Hyun scandal broke out on March 10 when YouTube channel Hoverlab, also known as Garo Sero Research Institute, alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had dated Kim Sae Ron for six years since she was a minor. The accusation was cited by the late actress’s family. Kim Soo Hyun’s side admitted to the relationship but denied dating her while she was still a minor.

Kim Soo Hyun’s team also filed a lawsuit for 12 billion won in damages against Kim Sae Ron’s family and the operators of Hoverlab.