South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing intense scrutiny after recent allegations surfaced regarding his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. At the center of the storm, the actor has vehemently denied the claims that he dated Sae-ron when she was underage, offering a tearful defense during a press conference in Seoul.
The controversy, which has rocked the Korean entertainment industry, involves accusations that Kim Soo-hyun engaged in a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15. In addition to these claims, there have been allegations suggesting the actor’s involvement in pressuring Sae-ron to repay a debt before her tragic death. Kim Soo-hyun addressed these allegations head-on, offering a personal account of their relationship and vehemently denying the claims against him.
Kim Soo-hyun Breaks Silence: Denying Relationship with Minor
In a highly emotional press conference, Kim Soo-hyun made it clear that he did not have any romantic involvement with Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. The actor, who is widely recognized for his roles in popular K-dramas such as My Love from the Star, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, and Queen of Tears, stated that the accusations were utterly false.
“I accept responsibility for what I have done and will take any criticism for it. But I cannot take responsibility for something I did not do,” Kim said, visibly upset. “For the people who still believe in me, I want to set the record straight,” he added, conveying the emotional toll the allegations have taken on him.
Timeline of Their Relationship: Clarifying the Facts
Kim Soo-hyun confirmed that he and Kim Sae-ron did have a relationship but clarified that it occurred only after she reached adulthood. He acknowledged that they dated for approximately a year between 2019 and 2020, once Sae-ron had turned 18. This clarification stands in stark contrast to the allegations suggesting they were involved when she was still underage.
“Outside of being actors, we were just like any other couple,” Kim stated, emphasizing that their relationship was not different from any other adult relationship.
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The Allegations of Grooming and Debt Repayment
The controversy first gained momentum when a YouTube channel published videos and photos that purportedly documented a six-year relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, starting when she was 15. Alongside these claims, there were reports alleging that the actor had financially pressured Kim Sae-ron following her drunk driving incident in 2022, leading her to incur significant debt.
Kim Soo-hyun strongly rejected these claims, calling them “false testimony” and “fabricated evidence”. He stressed that he had no involvement in the financial matters surrounding Kim Sae-ron, adding, “As far as I know, she was dating someone else at the time. Given the circumstances, I was very cautious about contacting her.”
Regarding the claims about the debt, Kim Soo-hyun vehemently denied any financial pressure, asserting that he had no role in any of Sae-ron’s financial dealings and that any claims suggesting otherwise were completely untrue.
The Fallout: Brands Sever Ties with Kim Soo-hyun
The allegations have had a profound impact on Kim Soo-hyun’s career, with several high-profile brands cutting ties with the actor. Prada, a global luxury fashion house, confirmed that they had mutually agreed to terminate their partnership with the actor. Similarly, South Korean cosmetics company Dinto announced the end of their collaboration with Kim.
These developments underscore the immense pressure that Kim Soo-hyun is under, as his career faces uncertainty amid the ongoing scandal. According to reports from Korean media, Disney+ has also decided to pause production on an upcoming project involving the actor. The loss of such high-profile endorsements has significantly tarnished the actor’s reputation and professional standing.
Legal Action: Kim Soo-hyun Takes a Stand
In response to the allegations and their damaging impact, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team has filed criminal complaints against those involved in the dissemination of false information. The legal team has also pursued a civil lawsuit seeking 12 billion won (approximately $8.1 million) in damages for defamation, claiming that the false accusations are causing severe harm to Kim’s personal and professional life.
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, GoldMedalist, has stated that they will continue to take legal action to protect the actor’s rights and reputation. The agency maintains that the claims made by Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel are completely unfounded.
Kim Sae-ron’s Death: The Tragic Backdrop
Kim Sae-ron, once a promising actress in the Korean film industry, was involved in a tragic drunk driving incident in 2022 that caused significant damage to property and led to financial difficulties. Reports suggest that she faced pressure from her agency to repay the resulting debt. However, her family maintains that Kim Soo-hyun’s involvement in this financial situation contributed to her death.
The claims have been fueled by the publication of a photo posted by Kim Sae-ron on social media during the airing of Queen of Tears in 2024. The photo, which was later deleted, allegedly showed Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron together. According to Sae-ron’s family, this was an indication that she had been trying to reconnect with him in the period leading up to her death.
Kim Soo-hyun, however, explained that he had distanced himself from her following the drunk driving incident and was unaware of her struggles.
The Public’s Reaction: Divided Opinions
The unfolding scandal has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some fans have expressed support for Kim Soo-hyun, others remain skeptical about his statements. Public figures in South Korea often face extreme scrutiny, particularly in matters relating to personal relationships.
For many, the ongoing Kim Soo-hyun scandal is a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with celebrity life, especially when it involves personal affairs being brought into the public eye.
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The Future: Will Kim Soo-hyun Recover from This?
As the legal proceedings continue, Kim Soo-hyun’s future in the entertainment industry remains uncertain. The actor’s once-immaculate reputation is now at stake, and his ability to continue landing major roles and endorsements may be severely impacted by the fallout from this scandal.
The Korean entertainment industry remains captivated by the drama, as fans and media alike wait for the next steps in this legal battle. Whether Kim Soo-hyun will recover from this controversy and rebuild his career remains to be seen.
