YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' stirred significant controversy on March 12, 2025, by releasing details surrounding the late actress Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun, launching allegations about their relationship during her teenage years. These claims have surfaced amid growing media scrutiny and public interest, particularly focusing on allegations of inappropriate behavior, including messages and photos exchanged between the two.
During the release, Kim Se-ui, representing Kim Sae-ron's family, disclosed text messages purportedly sent by Kim Sae-ron. A heartfelt plea read, "Oppa, please save me. I received the settlement document, and I'm being told to pay 700 million won, which I cannot do. Can we avoid going to court?". This text highlighted the financial strain and desperation Kim Sae-ron faced, leading her to reach out to Kim Soo-hyun for help.
Critically, Kim Se-ui also brought forward other revelations, claiming to have evidence of Kim Soo-hyun allegedly promising to marry Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 years old. This has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about the nature of their relationship. "When proposing marriage, Kim Sae-ron was not a minor but was still young; we believed he would support her with his success," said A, Kim Sae-ron’s half-sister, emphasizing the family’s belief at the time.
Accompanying the video was reported evidence, including documents and photographs, some of which reportedly show Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron. These images were described by Kim Se-ui as not only affectionate but also alarmingly suggestive, particularly considering her age at the time. Kim Se-ui asserted, "This situation itself was akin to child pornography. It raises major concerns surrounding the welfare of minors," implying serious legal and moral ramifications.
Further complicative allegations stemmed from Kim Sae-ron's financial troubles, purportedly linked to her past driving incident involving drunk driving, which caused societal outrage and legal consequences. While facing public backlash, Kim Sae-ron’s situation worsened when her agency, Gold Medalist, offered to cover the damages from her drunk driving accident, causing external dependence on Kim Soo-hyun.
When the agency sent Kim Sae-ron documents demanding approximately 700 million won after her contract expired, she reportedly attempted to contact Kim Soo-hyun multiple times, seeking assistance. There was contrasting perspectives, as Gold Medalist firmly denied the relationship rumors, and even threatened legal action against the spread of allegedly baseless claims. A spokesperson for the agency stated, “We categorically deny these rumors; they are baseless and we are considering legal action," reiteratively distancing itself from the allegations surrounding Kim Soo-hyun.
While Kim Se-ui argued on behalf of Kim Sae-ron's character and wellbeing, the celebrity community remains divided over the merits of the claims and rebuttals being thrown back and forth. Mounting evidence has forced the public to question the appropriateness of the interactions between the two, fueling discussions over age differences, celebrity relationships, and even potential misconduct.
The severe reactions to the allegations have also drawn attention to the pressure young entertainers can face, particularly women, who can find themselves engulfed by complex and difficult situations. Kim Sae-ron's tragic fate raises numerous questions, primarily around the responsibilities of those involved and the safeguarding of young entertainers in the industry.
Kim Se-ui's final warnings echoed the need for urgency as she posited, "This isn't just about scandal; it’s about lives affected by these decisions. An apology to Kim Sae-ron’s family is warranted before things escalate beyond repair." The ripple effect of these events continues to affect public perception of both Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun, marking this incident as one steeped not only in drama but significant human tragedy.