Kim Dong Hee has officially signaled a new beginning in his career after a long hiatus caused by a school violence controversy. The actor recently signed an exclusive management contract with Neos Entertainment, marking his first concrete step toward returning to the entertainment industry.

Neos Entertainment confirmed the signing and stated that the company will be fully responsible for managing all of Kim Dong Hee’s future artistic activities. The announcement has drawn attention as it comes several years after the actor largely disappeared from public view following serious personal controversies.

Kim Dong Hee made his debut in 2018 through the web drama A-Teen, quickly gaining recognition for his youthful image and solid acting skills. He rose to wider fame through hit dramas such as SKY Castle and Itaewon Class, where his performances helped establish him as one of the most promising young actors of his generation. His career reached a peak with Netflix’s Extracurricular, in which he impressed viewers and critics alike with his portrayal of a psychologically complex character.

In addition to television, Kim Dong Hee expanded into film, appearing in Ghost, further diversifying his acting portfolio and demonstrating his willingness to take on different genres.

However, in 2021, his upward trajectory came to an abrupt halt when he became embroiled in allegations of school violence. Among the accusations was a claim that he had bullied a classmate with a disability. As a result, Kim Dong Hee suspended all entertainment activities, and the film You and My Season, despite having completed filming, has yet to be released.

At the time, Kim Dong Hee acknowledged part of the accusations and issued a public handwritten apology. He explained that he had hesitated to speak out earlier, fearing that an apology might unintentionally validate claims that were not entirely true, leading to further misunderstandings.

His recent contract with Neos Entertainment is widely seen as a turning point, suggesting that the actor is cautiously preparing for a return after years of silence. While public opinion remains divided, the move indicates Kim Dong Hee’s intention to rebuild his career step by step and face the industry once again following one of the most challenging periods of his life.