MANILA, Philippines — South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has returned to the public eye after more than a year, reuniting with Philippine fashion brand Bench for a new advertising campaign that marks his first confirmed official activity since stepping away from the spotlight in early 2025.
The campaign was filmed in South Korea on July 14, with Kim's agency, Gold Medalist, confirming the commercial shoot. It is the actor's first known professional engagement since March 2025.
Bench founder Ben Chan shared photos from the set on Instagram, giving fans their first official glimpse of Kim in months.
"Reunited with your @benchtm family, @soohyun_k216," Chan wrote in the caption of a photo showing him standing beside the actor during the shoot.
In a separate post, Chan shared another photo of Kim and wrote, "Always in our [heart emoji]."
The images showed the "Queen of Tears" star smiling as he posed with Chan while holding a bouquet of flowers. Dressed casually in a long-sleeve polo, Kim appeared relaxed throughout the private production.
Kim has been one of Bench's longtime international ambassadors, making the latest campaign a reunion between the actor and the Philippine clothing brand after an extended absence from public engagements.
The actor largely stepped away from the entertainment industry in early 2025 after allegations surfaced that he had dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Kim has consistently denied the accusations.
The controversy led him to suspend public appearances and delayed work on several projects, including the Disney+ series "Knock-Off," while his legal team pursued legal action against individuals they accused of spreading false and defamatory claims.
In recent months, South Korean media reported that Kim was preparing to resume his career, with a Bench campaign expected to serve as his first official schedule.
Kim remains among South Korea's most prominent actors, earning international recognition through hit dramas including "Dream High," "Moon Embracing the Sun," "My Love From the Star," "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," and the record-breaking romance series "Queen of Tears."
