South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is at the center of a tumultuous controversy that has not only stirred up public sentiment but has also severely impacted his professional life. Allegations surrounding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron have surfaced, raising questions about their connection and drawing the ire of fans and brands alike.
The controversy intensified when claims emerged suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved romantically with Kim Sae-ron since 2015, when she was just 15 years old and he was 27. This relationship reportedly continued until 2021. As the news broke, many social media users expressed shock, speculating on the implications of such a relationship and the potential effects it may have had on Sae-ron's mental health leading up to her tragic death on February 16, 2025.
In the wake of these allegations, multiple prominent brands have severed ties with the 37-year-old actor. Notably, luxury fashion brand Prada confirmed through a spokesperson, "We have determined that there are substantial grounds rendering the fulfillment of the advertising contract unfeasible," reflecting the seriousness with which they viewed the situation. Similarly, Dinto, a leading Korean cosmetic brand, announced its decision to end its advertising contract with Kim, stating they believe their association had become untenable.
The fallout has reportedly led to a loss of more than 1 million followers from Kim Soo-hyun's Instagram account. This decline illustrates the sharp public backlash he is experiencing and signifies how differently the public is reacting to him amid these allegations.
Furthermore, the status of his ongoing show, "Knock-Off," remains uncertain. The show, which boasts a substantial production budget of approximately 60 billion KRW (about $41 million), has seen its release schedule potentially thrown into chaos amid the controversy. According to media reports, Kim Soo-hyun typically commands a per-episode fee of between 500 million to 800 million KRW, translating to earnings of over 5 billion KRW for the series' eight episodes. However, recent developments have raised doubts about whether filming will continue as planned, with insiders suggesting delays might be on the horizon.
In a twist of events, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Goldmedalist, has challenged the allegations head-on, firmly denying any claims of an inappropriate relationship and asserting that the two actors only began their relationship when Kim Sae-ron turned 19. They expressed significant concerns regarding the ongoing campaign of misinformation perpetuated by the YouTube channel Garosero Institute. The agency stated, "The claims made by the Garosero Research Institute regarding actor Kim Soo-hyun are clearly false." Moreover, they described the dissemination of a particularly controversial photo as an act of sexual harassment.
Following claims from the Garosero Research channel that showcased a nude photo of Kim Soo-hyun in a dishwashing incident at Kim Sae-ron's home, Goldmedalist announced that legal action had been initiated against the channel while also targeting the late Kim Sae-ron’s family. This reiterates the complexity of the situation, highlighting the surrounding media scrutiny and emotional distress faced by both parties.
Adding another layer to the conundrum, the agency acknowledged the emotional and reputational harm caused by publicly leaked materials, labeling such acts as illegal and a significant breach of privacy. "Posting such a photo on a YouTube channel is a criminal act, and Garosero has been threatening Kim Soo-hyun, stating their intention to continue releasing similar photos," conveyed a statement from Goldmedalist.
Kim Sae-ron, remembered for her role in the 2010 film "The Man from Nowhere," faced her share of hardships following a DUI incident that led to financial setbacks. She was reportedly in debt and engaged in part-time jobs before her untimely death. In light of her death, her family has expressed grievances against both Kim Soo-hyun and the YouTube channel, voicing their belief that the relationship's dynamics might have contributed to her mental anguish.
As the situation develops, Kim Soo-hyun's ongoing engagements appear to be in jeopardy. A recent decision by the producers of the variety show "Good Day" revealed that Kim's appearances in the show would be significantly reduced in response to the escalating controversy. The production team stated, "We apologize for causing concern to viewers of ‘Good Day' and have decided to edit out Kim Soo-hyun’s appearances as much as possible." This demonstrates the harsh reality of the entertainment industry and the potential fallout resulting from personal affairs.
The public awaits further details on these allegations and the legal outcomes that may follow. For now, both Kim Soo-hyun and the memory of Kim Sae-ron remain entwined in a narrative of loss, regret, and scrutiny as they navigate the complicated aftermath of their tumultuous connection.
