On May 7, 2025, a press conference held at the Space 220 Samsung Station Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, unveiled serious allegations surrounding the late actress Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun. The event, organized by the legal representatives of Kim Sae-ron's family, included attorney Boo Ji-seok from the law firm Buyou and Kim Se-eui from Garosero Research Institute, who outlined their claims against Kim Soo-hyun.
During the press conference, attorney Boo announced that Kim Sae-ron's family has filed charges against Kim Soo-hyun for violating the Child Welfare Act and defamation. The allegations stem from a recording that reportedly captures Kim Sae-ron discussing her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, revealing that they dated during her second year of middle school. In the recording, she stated, "I dated Kim Soo-hyun since middle school and broke up with him in college. I feel like I was used from a young age," highlighting her distress over the relationship.
Furthermore, attorney Boo claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had shown Kim Sae-ron explicit photos of his encounters with other idols, which they argue constitutes emotional abuse. Boo emphasized that these actions are not just inappropriate but also violate laws designed to protect minors.
Adding to the controversy, Kim Se-eui alleged that a whistleblower involved in the case was offered substantial bribes totaling hundreds of millions of won to suppress evidence. When the whistleblower refused, they faced threats, including a reported life-threatening attack.
In response to these claims, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho held a separate press conference shortly after the initial event, where he vehemently denied the allegations made against Kim Soo-hyun. He asserted that the recordings presented by the Garosero Research Institute were fabricated, claiming they originated from a source known as the "Ninja Turtle Fraud". Lee Jin-ho stated, "The recordings are manipulated data, and I possess the original recordings to prove my case. If you believe the claims, I urge you to take them to the authorities for verification."
Lee Jin-ho also mentioned that Kim Sae-ron had reached out to him asking for a loan of $4,500, indicating a complex relationship that extended beyond mere romantic involvement. He further argued that the claims of coercion and threats were unfounded, asserting that there was no substantial evidence to support the allegations made by Kim Sae-ron's family.
The late Kim Sae-ron tragically passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 25, which has intensified scrutiny over her past relationships and the circumstances surrounding her death. Her family has claimed that Kim Soo-hyun's actions contributed to her mental distress, which they allege led to her tragic decision.
In a previous press conference held on March 31, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun vehemently denied ever having a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her minor years. He stated, "The deceased was not my girlfriend when she was a minor, and any claims suggesting otherwise are completely false." His agency, Gold Medalist, supported this assertion, claiming that their relationship only began after Kim Sae-ron turned 18 in the summer of 2019.
Despite these denials, the Kim Sae-ron family has presented what they describe as evidence of their relationship, including messages and letters purportedly written by Kim Sae-ron during her teenage years. They argue that these documents prove the existence of a relationship that began when she was still a minor.
As the situation unfolds, both sides are preparing for potential legal battles. Kim Soo-hyun's representatives have indicated their intention to file defamation charges against Kim Sae-ron's family and the Garosero Research Institute, asserting that the allegations have severely damaged his reputation and career.
With emotions running high and the public divided, this case highlights the complexities of relationships in the entertainment industry, especially when they involve minors. The tragic loss of Kim Sae-ron adds a layer of sorrow to the ongoing dispute, leaving many to wonder about the true nature of their relationship and the implications it holds for both parties.
As more details emerge, the entertainment community and fans alike are left grappling with the ramifications of these allegations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by young actors and the importance of safeguarding their well-being.
