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Despite facing intense scrutiny and public controversy over alleged past involvement with the late actress Kim Sae Ron, actor Kim Soo Hyun has made a surprising and significant climb in South Korea’s Star Ranking. He now holds the No. 3 position in the popular weekly fan-voting poll, showcasing his enduring star power amid personal and professional turbulence.
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From No. 7 to No. 3: A Sharp Leap
In the 109th round of the poll, Kim Soo Hyun was placed 7th, having received only 540 votes. However, in the 110th round, conducted from April 24 to May 1, he surged to third place by receiving 11,546 votes, overtaking actor-producer Kim Nam Gil, who previously held the position. This marks a dramatic four-place jump in just one week. The current Top 3 is now led by Lee Jun Ho (No. 1 with 40,302 votes) followed by Byeon Woo Seok (No. 2 with 24,208 votes).
Fan Mobilization and LED Truck Campaign
This rise comes at a time when Kim Soo Hyun’s fandom has mobilized in his support. His Chinese fan club, which boasts over one million members, recently launched a major show of solidarity in Seoul. Twenty-five LED trucks displaying messages like “Truth Will Prevail” were seen across major city spots and even parked outside Disney Korea’s office to protest the production halt of Kim’s upcoming drama, Knock Off.
Responding to Allegations and Legal Action
Kim Soo Hyun has been accused of dating Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor. During a recent press conference, the actor publicly denied the claim, stating, “I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. We dated five years ago for about a year, long before Queen of Tears aired.”
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Meanwhile, his legal team has filed a second stalking complaint against YouTuber Kim Se Eui, operator of the Garosero Research Institute channel, for repeatedly covering Soo Hyun’s private life despite a court warning. The situation continues to attract both criticism and support, with the actor now caught in a wave of mixed public sentiment.
