Kim Soo Hyun’s Luxury Apartment Sale: Truth Behind the Legal Battles
Kim Soo Hyun, the renowned K-drama star, has been making headlines for more than just his acting skills. On July 8, he reportedly closed a deal for one of his three luxury Galleria Forêt apartments in Seoul’s Seongsu Dong. Speculation has been rife that this sale was a desperate move to fund the lawsuits filed by former advertisers who dropped him following the Kim Sae Ron controversy. These advertisers are now seeking millions in damages. However, the truth behind this sale is not as straightforward as it seems.
According to Newsen, the recent sale of the apartment was made for 8 billion KRW (around $6.1 million USD). Kim Soo Hyun had originally purchased the property in October 2014 for 3.02 billion KRW, making a significant profit of 4.98 billion KRW over 11 years. The sale occurred just days after a court ruling allowed one of the advertisers to seize one of the actor’s luxury Galleria Forêt apartments. This timing led many to believe that he was cashing out to cover legal fees.
One of Soo Hyun’s lawyers at the time stated, “The advertising fees were already paid, but due to recent controversies, the use of the advertisements became difficult, leading to the advertisers’ claims for damages.” The lawyer added, “If Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation is restored, these lawsuits are likely to be resolved naturally.”
However, Allkpop reported that an insider familiar with the situation claimed the deal had been pre-planned. The buyer had been lined up last year, and Kim’s team confirmed that the sale was not a rushed decision. Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, had previously dismissed all claims about him going broke over lawsuits. Despite the recent sale, Kim still owns two more apartments in the same building, both large units. One was bought in 2013, and the other in 2024. One of these is currently under provisional seizure following a 3 billion KRW claim from a medical firm and another 100 million KRW claim from a Malaysian client, according to Newsen.
Kim Soo Hyun is now embroiled in a legal war following the controversy surrounding the tragic death of Korean actor Kim Sae Ron. The controversy erupted when the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute and Sae Ron’s family accused him of being in a long-term relationship with her while she was still underage. Rumors linked Soo Hyun to her financial troubles. He later addressed the buzz in a press conference, confirming that they did date but clarifying that it was not when she was a minor. Since then, both sides have filed lawsuits and defamation complaints, and several brands have pulled away, even demanding compensation.
The legal battles have not only affected Kim Soo Hyun’s personal life but also his professional career. His agency and legal team are working tirelessly to clear his name and resolve the ongoing disputes. The truth behind the luxury apartment sale and the lawsuits remains a topic of intense public interest and speculation.
