'Hi, I'm Kim Soo-hyun': Actor returns to public stage after 18 months

Actor Kim Soo-hyun made his first official public appearance in South Korea in about 18 months on Saturday.

Kim took the stage at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA), held at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, as a presenter for the popularity award.

He appeared in an all-black suit, drawing cheers from the audience the moment he walked out.

"Hello, I'm Kim Soo-hyun. Nice to meet you," he said, greeting the crowd with a bright smile.

"I'm truly grateful for the invitation today," he said. "Although I'm here as a presenter, I'm also a listener who loves K-pop. The award I'm presenting was decided by fans around the world through a vote."

The popularity award went to singer Lim Young-woong. Kim handed him the trophy, and Lim told fans, "I'm grateful and I love you, Yeongung Sidae, for letting me receive this honorable award at such a meaningful event."

After Lim finished his acceptance speech, MC Jeon Hyun-moo thanked Kim for presenting the award.

Kim had suspended his activities earlier after allegations emerged that he had dated the late actor Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor.

Kim Se-eui, head of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, which raised the allegations, was subsequently indicted in custody on charges including defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. Police decided not to refer Kim Soo-hyun to prosecutors on charges including violations of the Child Welfare Act.