Kim Soo-hyun Wins Mido Legal Battle as Watch Brand Drops Appeal Over $430,000 Advertising Dispute

Kim Soo-hyun has secured a significant legal victory as he gradually returns to the public eye following a turbulent period. The actor has prevailed in a dispute with Swiss watch brand Mido over an advertising contract worth approximately 577 million KRW, or about $430,228.

The legal battle has now effectively come to an end after Mido chose not to appeal the court’s decision. The deadline to challenge the ruling passed on September 10, without the company filing an appeal, making the judgment in Kim Soo-hyun’s favor final.

According to AllKpop, the Seoul Eastern District Court’s 13th Civil Division rejected Mido’s request for the return of advertising fees that had been paid to Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medallist. Chief Judge Choi Soo-jin delivered the ruling on August 27.

The dispute centered on the actor’s advertising agreement with Mido and whether the company was entitled to recover part of the fee after the partnership ended earlier than expected.

Why Did Mido Sue Kim Soo-hyun?

Kim Soo-hyun became a model for Mido in December 2020, establishing a commercial partnership that continued for several years. However, the relationship ended in May 2025 after controversies surrounding the actor’s personal life emerged, including allegations connected to the late actress Kim Sae-ron.

Following the termination of the agreement, Mido filed a lawsuit seeking the return of the portion of the advertising fee associated with the remaining period of the contract.

The company argued that the controversy had damaged Kim Soo-hyun’s value as a commercial model and contributed to its decision to end the partnership. Based on that position, Mido sought to recover money connected to the unused portion of the advertising agreement.

Gold Medallist rejected the company’s argument. The agency maintained that the allegations had been raised by a third party and that Kim Soo-hyun himself had not violated the terms of his contract.

After reviewing the dispute, the court sided with Gold Medallist and dismissed Mido’s demand for the advertising fee to be returned.

With Mido deciding not to pursue an appeal, the ruling now stands as a final decision in the case.

First Major Advertising Dispute Resolved

The judgment is particularly significant because it is the first among several legal disputes connected to Kim Soo-hyun’s commercial endorsements to reach a final resolution.

Other companies, including Cuckoo Electronics, Classys, Eider and FromBio, remain involved in separate legal proceedings involving advertising fees and damages. Those cases have yet to reach the same conclusion as the Mido dispute.

The outcome could therefore become an important development as Kim Soo-hyun continues to deal with the broader legal fallout surrounding his advertising relationships.

For the actor, the Mido decision also provides some relief at a time when his professional activities are gradually picking up again.

Kim Soo-hyun Begins Return to Public Activities

The legal victory comes after months of intense scrutiny surrounding Kim Soo-hyun. Earlier in 2026, authorities concluded an investigation into allegations that the actor had been involved in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.

In May, Kim Soo-hyun was cleared of wrongdoing following the investigation.

Meanwhile, YouTuber Kim Se-ui was taken into custody over allegations involving defamation of the actor. His case reportedly includes accusations related to attempted coercion, intimidation and the distribution of illegally produced content.

Amid the ongoing legal developments, Kim Soo-hyun has been gradually rebuilding his professional schedule. The actor has participated in shoots for overseas brands and has resumed international public appearances, including an event in Indonesia.

His return to the spotlight is expected to continue, with Kim Soo-hyun also scheduled to attend the 2026 The Fact Music Awards in Busan later this month as a presenter.

For now, the final ruling in the Mido case gives the actor and his agency one less legal battle to contend with. While several disputes remain unresolved, the decision marks a notable step forward for Kim Soo-hyun as he works toward a broader return to professional activities.