Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is at the center of controversy following the death of actress Kim Sae Ron, with allegations surrounding their past relationship sparking intense media scrutiny. Kim Sae Ron, known as one of the 'Three Kims' of the Korean entertainment industry, was found dead at home on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24, coincidentally on Kim Soo Hyun's birthday. Her family is now accusing Kim Soo Hyun of dating her since she was 15 years old, asserting the relationship lasted six years and contributed to her tragic end.
The allegations intensified recently when the YouTube channel 'Garosero Institute' released multiple pieces of information claiming to expose the nature of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron's relationship. Photos have emerged showing Kim Soo Hyun kissing Kim Sae Ron, alongside evidence of love letters exchanged during his military service. One love letter dated June 9, 2018, read: 'I love you Sae Ron. Kim Il-bing in the distance.' This fueled online discussions and debates, especially as the couple's history has been re-evaluated under this new light.
On March 12, 2025, Korean media outlet Dispatch confirmed the authenticity of their relationship. The report indicated, 'Through various channels, it has been confirmed the relationship between the two is closer to fact than falsehood.' This lends credibility to rumors and allegations previously dismissed by Kim Soo Hyun's camp.
Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has responded vehemently against the allegations, stating the claims made by 'Garosero Institute' are false and dangerous. They have emphasized their intention to take legal action against anyone spreading these rumors, particularly focused on protecting Kim Sae Ron's reputation. Following these statements, Kim Soo Hyun's Instagram has been inundated with negative comments from fans outraged by the revelations.
The situation worsened as more details emerged about Kim Sae Ron’s struggles. Following her death, it became known Kim Sae Ron had accumulated debts, reportedly totaling 7 billion Korean won (approximately NT$15.89 million), which Kim Soo Hyun had reportedly helped shoulder. After her drunk driving incident in May 2022, Sae Ron faced substantial financial penalties, and it seems this burden only grew.
Insiders claim it was Kim Soo Hyun's demand for repayment of this money, coupled with other pressures, which led to her feeling overwhelmed. Allegations surfaced indicating she might have sought help from Kim Soo Hyun leading up to her death, adding to the weight of blame placed on him. Kim Sae Ron's aunt publicly revealed her distress during the live stream on 'Garosero Institute,' underscoring how deeply those pressures affected her.
The repercussions of these accusations have already begun to affect Kim Soo Hyun's career. Following the release of undisputed evidence, brands associated with him have swiftly cut ties. Advertisers including Homeplus, Shinhan Bank, and Dinto have stopped their activities with him, removing all traces from websites and promotional materials. Reports indicate Dinto announced on March 11, 2025, it had ceased all activities with the star over the growing controversy.
Alongside this, discussions have reignited concerning the ethics of their relationship, particularly due to the substantial age gap. Kim Sae Ron was just 15 years old when their alleged relationship began, raising serious questions about the legality and morality of Kim Soo Hyun's actions during their time together. With allegations asserting he might have taken advantage of her youth, many K-netizens have called for him to withdraw from the entertainment industry entirely.
Online chatter has devolved to deeply personal attacks against Kim Soo Hyun, with many fans expressing disbelief over his ability to deny involvement. Comments range from critiques of his character to commentary on past behavior, including social media backlash featuring resurrected images highlighting his previous indiscretions.
Gold Medalist's legal rulings remain unclear, as they continue to publicly support Kim Soo Hyun and his past conduct, regardless of the accumulating evidence against him. They stand firm on their assertion, stressing the relationships and all circumstances should be viewed through the lens of legal and ethical reasoning rather than public opinion swayed by social media outcries.
Adding complexity to the narrative is the emotional response from fans and supporters of both parties involved. Social media platforms are filled with discussions about Kim Sae Ron's tragic death, seeming to overshadow mere buzz around the relationship itself. Posts urging for attention to mental health issues and the importance of conversation surrounding such topics have gained traction, which may serve to mitigate some of the harsher reactions directed toward Kim Soo Hyun.
This shocking story continues to develop, with questions remaining about the extent of legal accountability, public perception, and the consequences faced by Kim Soo Hyun and those close to him. It serves as yet another stark reminder of the pressures faced by celebrities and the complex interplay between public personas and personal lives.