Legal tide turns for Kim Soo-hyun as advertiser cuts damages claim as court urges settlement

Actor Kim Soo-hyun's legal battle with one of his advertisers has taken an unexpected turn, raising questions about whether the shift could influence other similar lawsuits.

A Korean court has recommended that outdoor brand Eider and Kim reach a settlement after the company significantly reduced the amount it is seeking in damages.

The development comes after the criminal case surrounding allegations involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron also took a dramatic turn.

According to Star News on Wednesday, the 45th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court recommended that Eider and Kim, along with his agency Gold Medalist, resolve their dispute through a settlement during the second hearing of the company's damages lawsuit.

Eider initially filed the lawsuit seeking about 2.5 billion won (about $1.8 million) in damages, arguing that the brand's image had been harmed after allegations surfaced that Kim had dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor.

Kim has consistently denied wrongdoing.

At the latest hearing, however, Eider sharply reduced its claim to about 400 millio ...