The reaction wasn’t what most expected.
Koreaboo
11 minutes ago
Kim Soo Hyun‘s first Korean public appearance in more than 500 days has triggered a heated debate among netizens.
| The Fact
The actor appeared as a presenter at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) held today at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, marking his first major Korean event since March 2025. In the wake of his press conference last year, Kim has been the subject of major scrutiny and condemnation surrounding his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor.
| The Fact
The event had fans divided from the moment the TMA organizing committee confirmed Kim Soo Hyun’s attendance in late August. Numerous K-Pop fans announced plans to boycott the ceremony, including those whose own idols were up for Daesang awards.
We want to make our stance absolutely clear: we do not, in any way, support or condone the actor attending this event. As we stated previously, his presence on that stage is deeply unsettling.
Our decision to post about the event is strictly because this is an NMIXX archive and…
— nmixx pics (@nmixxpics_) September 19, 2026
Kindly refrain from sharing clips and pictures from The Fact Music Awards. As a fandom we shouldn’t be supporting a platform who openly invites Kim Soo Hyun and I’m sure the boys would want us to do the same. Let’s keep the day positive and focus on Hongjoong’s solo instead.
— ATEEZ BASE (@atzbase) September 19, 2026
Despite the backlash, however, Kim Soo Hyun was met with notable applause the moment he walked out on stage at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards.
꺄~~~~~#김수현 #Kimsoohyun #金秀贤 #キムスヒョン #คิมซูฮยอน #金秀賢 pic.twitter.com/9mQMwLxWjn
— kimshlove_ (@kimshlove_) September 19, 2026
He went on to present an award to soloist Lim Young Woong, but did not interact with any idol groups during the ceremony.
Here Are All The Winners Of “The Fact Music Awards (TMA) 2026”
Given how loudly fans pushed back against his invitation, the warm reception Kim Soo Hyun received left many K-Pop fans appalled.
the loud cheer for kim soo hyun?? y’all disgusting asff🤢🤢
— kiaa 🪽 death of m:e (@evninterlude) September 19, 2026
The amount of cheers when Kim Soohyun came on stage ????😭😭
What exactly are they cheering for??
I had to google where The Fact Awards is taking place and it’s in Korea ??
I feel so sick pic.twitter.com/9NWdJoi71x https://t.co/uQSdmQXEQ4
— kdramahotgists (@kdramahotgists) September 19, 2026
Not everyone reacted the same way, with several of Kim Soo Hyun’s own longtime fans pushing back against the criticism in his defense. Earlier this month, the case in which Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garosero Research Institute CEO Kim Se Ui filed charges against Kim for violating the Child Welfare Act effectively came to an end.
HE is INVITED. The FACT/TMA are celebrating his comeback in his own country. 🇰🇷 it only means that time is working on his favor.
So these unhinged comments and meaningless noise on socmed is INVALID, IRRELEVANT BACKGROUND NOISE. 😂
We will be watching HIM, not YOU!! 😜…
— Graffitea (@graffychi) September 19, 2026
With the loudest cheers for the 👑 😭😭😍😍😍😍🎉🎉👏👏👏
THE EVER KIM SOO HYUN! 🤴#KimSoohyun pic.twitter.com/7T7tRvtb9O
— Graffitea (@graffychi) September 19, 2026
A number of fans were also spotted at the venue with support banners and cheering materials.
Kim Soohyun’s fans from Hong Kong welcoming his return at The Fact Music Awards in Busan 😍https://t.co/j0bwLWpCmr#KimSooHyun #김수현#金秀賢 #キムスヒョン pic.twitter.com/moUoy0jTPQ
— SooWon PH (@soowonph) September 19, 2026
The reaction comes just a week after Kim Soo Hyun’s noticeably changed appearance sparked a heated debate of its own.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Drastically Changed Visuals After Kim Sae Ron Scandal Spark Heated Debate