Actor Kim Ji Soo recently found himself in a position to address his connection, or rather lack thereof, to fellow South Korean star Kim Soo Hyun, who is currently facing allegations involving an underage relationship Kim Sae Ron.
The moment unfolded on the April 7th episode of the Filipino reality show ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition‘. Amidst the usual reality TV banter, Kim Ji Soo, who is currently active in the Philippines, was directly asked about his relationship with the highly publicized Kim Soo Hyun. His response was stark and unambiguous:
“Not really. I’ve never met him personally.”
This seemingly simple statement ignited immediate chatter online. While some fans of Kim Soo Hyun interpreted the comment as a deliberate attempt by Kim Ji Soo to distance himself from the ongoing scandal, others defended it as a truthful and straightforward answer to a direct question.
The context surrounding Kim Soo Hyun’s controversy undoubtedly adds weight to Kim Ji Soo’s words. The allegations, which Kim Soo Hyun vehemently denies and is actively fighting with a hefty lawsuit, have cast a shadow over his public image. This scrutiny has extended to his known acquaintances within the entertainment industry. Actors like Ahn Bo Hyun, Im Si Wan (Siwan), and Jung Hae In, all reported to have personal ties with Kim Soo Hyun, have faced pressure from netizens to unfollow him on social media.
It’s important to remember that Kim Ji Soo himself has navigated the treacherous waters of public controversy. In 2021, he faced and acknowledged allegations of school bullying, leading to a temporary hiatus from his career in South Korea. His current activity in the Philippines, under contract with GMA. This past experience might make him particularly sensitive to the potential fallout of being associated with another actor facing serious accusations.
Whether Kim Ji Soo’s statement was a calculated move to protect his current standing or simply an honest reflection of their professional distance remains open to interpretation.