Attention is focused on whether Homeplus will comment on the future usage of actor Kim Soo-hyun in light of his recent scandals.
Homeplus will hold a press conference on the 14th. Amidst financial issues due to a credit rating downgrade, it is reported that Kim Kwang-il, Vice Chairman of MBK Partners and co-CEO of Homeplus, will personally address the situation.
The press conference, organized to convey the management's stance on the company's normalization, has unexpectedly encountered an issue. Compounding the situation, Kim Soo-hyun, who was reappointed as the advertising model for the company's 28th anniversary last month, has become embroiled in a negative scandal involving allegations of 'dating a minor.'
According to the YouTube channel Garoseoro Research Institute (Gaseyeon), Kim Soo-hyun has been in an inappropriate romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron since her minor years. Gaseyeon has been raising related allegations daily based on statements, photos, and letters from the bereaved family, leading to a rapid decline in the image of top star Kim Soo-hyun and causing alarm in the advertising industry where he is active.
As a result, Homeplus is also keeping the possibility of excluding Kim Soo-hyun from advertisements open. According to reports from Maeil Business Newspaper's Star Today, Homeplus is considering contract termination if the issue continues and escalates.
Kim Soo-hyun's image has already disappeared from Homeplus's official website and portal site advertisements. With the start of Homeplus's 'Encore Home Run' event on the 13th, Kim Soo-hyun's advertisements were naturally taken down. It is known that Kim Soo-hyun only contracted for the 'Home Run' promotion, excluding 'Encore Home Run.'
On the same day, CJ Foodville, which operates Tous Les Jours, stated, "The contract with Kim Soo-hyun expires this month," and "We will not be renewing the contract." This marks the beginning of the severance.
In addition to Homeplus, there is a growing atmosphere among several companies where Kim Soo-hyun is active as a model to remove promotional photos featuring his face. There are many concerns about how far this unfortunate incident involving Kim Soo-hyun will impact beyond the entertainment industry.
