Jeju Air Reacts Swiftly to Allegations, Scrubs Kim Soo Hyun from Advertisements
In a rapid response to recent allegations surrounding actor Kim Soo Hyun's past relationships, Jeju Air has made the bold move to erase all traces of him from their advertising materials, even going as far as removing decade-old commercials.
Reports indicate that on March 12, Aekyung Group, the parent company of Jeju Air, made the decision to privatize their 2015 ads featuring Kim Soo Hyun. The actor, known for his Hallyu stardom, had been the face of the airline for a year, gracing print ads, online and offline videos, and adorning aircraft both inside and out as part of the brand's promotions in the Asian market.
While Jeju Air has not officially disclosed the reason behind this drastic action, industry insiders suspect that the move was prompted by the recent public outcry following the tragic passing of actress Kim Sae Ron.
Kim Soo Hyun, a well-known brand ambassador for multiple companies like Homeplus, Shinhan Bank, and Tous Les Jours, now finds himself at the center of controversy as many brands rush to distance themselves from him.
Following suit, companies like K2 and Shabu All Day have swiftly removed all traces of the actor from their websites and social media accounts. Homeplus has taken down his image from their app's loading screen, while Dinto has halted all planned activities involving him, stating that they will wait for further developments before making any definitive decisions.
The firestorm began after a video surfaced on March 10 on the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute,' alleging a long-standing relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron since her teenage years. Despite being met with a wave of criticism online, there are calls for a thorough investigation before passing judgment. Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has vehemently denied all accusations, emphasizing they will pursue legal recourse against defamation.
For more updates on this developing story, explore: Kim Sae Ron’s certified debt notice: Did legal pressure push her to the edge?