South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, a household name across Asia for his roles in dramas like My Love from the Star and Queen of Tears, finds himself at the centre of renewed scrutiny. A decade-old incident from his first fan meeting in Thailand has resurfaced, coinciding with separate allegations about a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. These controversies have cast a shadow over the star’s otherwise stellar reputation in the region, particularly in Thailand, where he has enjoyed a massive following.
The latest wave of attention stems from a viral social media post by a Thai individual claiming to have been a staff member at Kim’s 2014 fan meeting in Bangkok. The event, titled “2014 Kim Soo Hyun Asia Tour 1st Memories in Thailand,” took place at the upscale Siam Paragon shopping centre on 30 March 2014. According to the now-deleted post on X, staff were allegedly forced to set up a badminton court inside the venue late at night to accommodate Kim’s request. The user described gruelling conditions, claiming staff had to clear an entire hall, reinstall seating afterwards, and even tighten the badminton net to Kim’s specifications while exhausted.
While the post gained traction online—fuelled further by an old YouTube video showing four men, including Kim, playing badminton in what appears to be Siam Paragon—officials have pushed back against the narrative. A former representative of Korean Culture Alliance Thailand, the now-defunct promoter of the event, confirmed to The Korea Herald that Kim did play badminton at the venue. However, they denied any coercive demands, stating, “There was no forceful request by Kim to install a badminton court.” They also dismissed other circulating rumours about the incident as untrue. 
The badminton controversy, though seemingly trivial, has struck a chord in Thailand, where Kim’s fanbase remains significant. For many, it raises questions about celebrity privilege and the pressures placed on local staff during high-profile events. Siam Paragon, a symbol of luxury and modernity in Bangkok, is not typically associated with impromptu sports setups, making the alleged request stand out as unusual. Some Thai netizens on X have expressed disappointment, with one user writing, “I admired him, but hearing how staff struggled for something so unnecessary is upsetting.” Others, however, defend Kim, arguing that the claims are unverified and may be exaggerated.
This incident is only part of the storm surrounding Kim. Simultaneously, the actor has been embroiled in speculation about a past relationship with Kim Sae-ron, a late South Korean actress who was found dead in her home on 16 February 2025. Rumours suggest their relationship began in 2015 when Sae-ron was just 15 years old—a claim that has sparked significant public backlash. Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, has categorically denied this timeline, asserting that any relationship started in 2019 after Sae-ron reached adulthood. The controversy has intensified with leaked private photos and unconfirmed speculation following Sae-ron’s tragic passing, though no evidence has substantiated the earlier dating claims.
For Thai fans, the dual controversies are a bitter pill to swallow. Kim’s popularity in the kingdom soared with dramas like My Love from the Star, which captured hearts across South East Asia. His 2014 visit to Bangkok was seen as a milestone, cementing his status as a regional icon. Yet, the resurfacing of these stories—whether rooted in truth or speculation—highlights the fragility of celebrity image in the digital age, where old incidents can be reignited with a single viral post.
The badminton incident, in particular, offers a glimpse into the cultural dynamics at play during international celebrity events in Thailand. Organising such gatherings often involves navigating complex logistics, from venue constraints to fan expectations, all while ensuring the star’s privacy and comfort. If the allegations of late-night demands are true, they could reflect a broader tension between global celebrities and local teams tasked with meeting their needs. However, without concrete evidence beyond a deleted social media post, the narrative remains speculative.
Kim Soo-hyun’s team has yet to issue a direct response to the Thai incident, though their denial of the dating rumours suggests a strategy of addressing only the most damaging claims. In Thailand, where respect for hierarchy and authority often shapes public interactions, the badminton story may fade unless further evidence emerges. For now, it serves as a curious footnote in a larger saga of fame, scrutiny, and the unrelenting gaze of the internet.
As Kim continues to navigate these turbulent waters, his Thai fanbase watches closely. Will this be a fleeting controversy, or will it leave a lasting mark on his legacy in the region? Only time—and perhaps a carefully crafted public statement—will tell.
