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Kim Soo-hyun is returning to the domestic stage after almost two years since the controversy involving late actress Kim Sae-ron broke out.
It has been reported that Soo-hyun will attend the 2026 The Fact Music Awards as a presenter at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19.
This will mark as his first official public appearance in South Korea in 17 months.
The shocking announcement also came more than a month after Soo-hyun made a social media return after he stepped away from the public eye in March 2025, following the death of the 24-year-old actress.
After Sae-ron committed suicide on February 16, 2025, on the birth date of Soo-hyun, her family alleged that she was in a relationship with the actor when she was a minor, igniting intense anger.
Netizens furious over Kim Soo-hyun's return
Reacting to the news of his return to the domestic stage, netizens were quick to express their fury, as one post on X read, "They way Koreans are dying to bring him back. no wonder Korea has Sky high crime rate."
"Wow duality of Knetz or maybe behind that, when idol dating, u guys even order death flower n throw tomato, while this pedo, already give ugly crying because he know how guilty he are n make young girl died still given a chance? A works???? Wow Ridiculous f--king sick," another post read.
A third user noted, "Why the fuck is he presenting at an award show???? he's dangerous, he shouldn’t be allowed near the young girl groups ohmygod ew bro ew ew ew."
"I just pity the idols who'd have no choice but to clap and bow to him when he presents the award. gifs are gonna be made and will be used for hate. why did they invite him," another netizen said.
"Yall need to start booing him and throwing rotten vegetables onto the stage when he comes on."
Another post added, "After his scandal, is he still relevant ? Why even invite him to the award show?! So sick of seeing him in the news."
However, the September 19 appearance will not be his first ever appearance following the scandal, as Soo-hyun recently appeared as a special guest on the 37th-anniversary special live broadcast "Mahakarya RCTI 37" by Indonesia's largest private broadcaster, RCTI, signalling the start of his return to activities.
How did the police concluded allegations against Kim Soo-hyun?
Amid allegations linked to the late actress, which Soo-hyun vehemently denied, the police decided not to indict him for alleged violations of the Child Welfare Act due to insufficient evidence, and the operator of the YouTube channel that raised the allegations was arrested on charges including defamation.
Meanwhile, the 2026 The Fact Music Awards will be held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium.
A total of 17 acts will take the stage, including RIIZE, RESCENE, xikers, IDID, ILLIT, ALD1, NOL FESTIVAL, Ateez, NMIXX, ALLDAY PROJECT, Lim Young-woong, Yena, CORTIS, Close Your Eyes, KiiiKiii, TREASURE, and tripleS.
