Once-Rising Actor, Whose Career Was Derailed By School Bully Past, Signals Comeback

Actor Kim Dong Hee appears to be preparing for a comeback, but not in Korea.

On June 1, 2026 (KST), Kim Dong Hee’s official Instagram announced the opening of his official Japanese fan club, D:EAR. Along with the announcement, the account wrote, “It has finally opened. Please show lots of support.”

His official Japanese X account also explained the meaning behind the fan club’s name.

[📬]

「D:EAR」は？

DONGHEEの「D」と、「大切な人」を意味する「DEAR」を組み合わせたファンクラブ名です。

キム・ドンヒにとって大切な存在であるファンの皆さま、
そして、キム・ドンヒを大切に思ってくださる皆さまの想いを表現しています。😌#キムドンヒ #김동희 #KIMDONGHEE pic.twitter.com/tcGP8BLxGi

— KIM DONG HEE JAPAN OFFICIAL (@kdh_jp_official) June 1, 2026

‘D:EAR’ is a fan club name that combines the ‘D’ from DONGHEE and ‘DEAR,’ meaning a precious person. It expresses the fans, who are precious to Kim Dong Hee, as well as the hearts of those who cherish Kim Dong Hee.

— Kim Dong Hee’s Agency

Recently, Kim Dong Hee has been sharing updates that appear to be related to his Japanese activities, including photos that resemble official profiles or promotional shoots. His social media comment sections have also been noticeably filled with support from Japanese and international fans rather than Korean fans.

The move comes after Kim Dong Hee signed an exclusive contract with Neos Entertainment this past January, signaling a possible return to activities. He has already held fan meetings in Japan and has continued sharing updates from the country.

[📸]

皆さんと日本語で話せる日を目標に、
毎日少しずつ頑張っています！✨

応援してくださいね！🫶🏻#キムドンヒ　#김동희 #KIMDONGHEE pic.twitter.com/dshx19IOi5

— KIM DONG HEE JAPAN OFFICIAL (@kdh_jp_official) April 29, 2026

Kim Dong Hee was once considered a rising actor after gaining attention through the web drama A-TEEN, JTBC’s SKY Castle, Itaewon Class, and Netflix’s Extracurricular. However, his career in Korea came to a halt in 2021 after he became embroiled in a school bullying controversy.

At the time, an online post alleged that Kim Dong Hee had committed school violence during his school years, including bullying a disabled classmate. Kim Dong Hee initially denied the allegations and sued the informants for defamation, but after they were cleared of charges, he later admitted to part of the allegations and issued an apology.

“Extracurricular” Actor Kim Dong Hee Reportedly Admits To Bullying Allegations Almost A Year After His Denial

Now, with the launch of his Japanese fan club, attention is on whether Kim Dong Hee will be able to restart his entertainment career outside Korea.