South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has sold one of his luxury apartments in Seoul's upscale Galleria Foret complex for approximately 8 billion KRW (about $6.15 million USD), but his agency has denied speculation that the transaction was prompted by financial hardship linked to his ongoing legal disputes.
According to a report published by Woman Sense, the apartment—purchased in October 2014 for 3.02 billion KRW—was sold on July 3, earning the "Queen of Tears" actor a profit of nearly 5 billion KRW. The unit, located in Seongsu-dong, boasts an exclusive area of 170.98㎡ and a total area of 232.59㎡.
News of the sale immediately sparked speculation that Kim was offloading assets to fund mounting legal costs from multiple lawsuits.
However, sources close to the actor say the sale had been in the works for months, with a buyer secured since 2024.
"This sale was not made under financial duress," a source told local media. "The contract was finalized recently, but the process had started long before the lawsuits became public."
Kim, 36, is currently embroiled in several legal battles, including a 12 billion KRW (approx. $8.7 million USD) defamation and damages suit against the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute and the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
The actor has accused them of spreading false rumors—including allegations of an inappropriate relationship—and distributing AI-manipulated content.
The situation escalated when a cosmetics device firm, Classys, filed a 3 billion KRW claim for damages, leading to the provisional seizure of another of Kim's Galleria Foret properties.
The Malaysian branch of home appliance company Cuckoo has also filed a 100 million KRW claim.
"The advertising fees were already paid," Kim's legal representative said in a previous statement, "but due to recent controversies, the use of the commercials became difficult, leading to the advertisers' claims for damages.If Kim Soo Hyun's reputation is restored, these lawsuits are likely to be resolved naturally."
Despite the legal turmoil, Kim continues to receive strong public support.
Fans have organized grassroots campaigns defending his reputation online and on social media platforms.
Kim still retains ownership of two more residences in the Galleria Foret complex. One, purchased in 2024, remains untouched by legal claims. The other, acquired in 2013, is currently under provisional seizure.
The Gangnam Police Station recently reassigned the investigation team handling the case, raising hopes for more transparent and efficient progress.
While Kim Soo Hyun has mainly stayed silent on the matter, his team insists the actor is fully cooperating with authorities and will take "all necessary legal measures" to safeguard his reputation.
The story of Kim's real estate deal, far from being just a celebrity property transaction, has now become a focal point in a broader battle over image, truth, and justice in the age of digital speculation.
