On March 17, 2025, cultural critic Kim Gapsu sparked outrage during his appearance on the YouTube show 'Mad Bull Show' by discussing the alleged relationship of actor Kim Soo-hyun with actress Kim Sae-ron, who was reportedly more than 12 years younger and was just 15 years old at the time they first met. His comments have ignited significant debate about the ethics surrounding adult relationships with minors.
Kim Gapsu, seemingly dismissive of the societal backlash, stated, "It’s outrageous to label this as a criminal act" when asked about the rumors connecting Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. Instead, he framed these concerns as overly aggressive media sensationalism, questioning why there was such intense scrutiny of Kim Soo-hyun for his alleged relationship.
During the show, Gapsu criticized media coverage of Kim Soo-hyun, calling it "an outrageous perspective". He argued, "Why is there such aggressive media coverage against Kim Soo-hyun?" His remarks suggested a shift in societal norms, as he pondered public reactions to adult-minor relationships, claiming there has been much change historically on what constitutes acceptable behavior.
Choi Wook, the show’s host, attempted to steer the conversation by warning Gapsu, expressing concern over the legal ramifications of his remarks, stating, "This issue could potentially become legal." Despite this, Gapsu doubled down, insisting, "This judgment on love is outdated,” and defended his perspective by discussing historical shifts in cultural norms around relationships.
Criticism quickly spread online once the episode aired. Many netizens condemned Gapsu’s comments, emphasizing the dangers and ethical issues of viewing minors as sexual objects. One social media post poignantly noted, "Viewing minors as sexual objects is problematic," echoing the overarching sentiment of anger directed toward Gapsu's defense of the alleged relationship.
The public outrage did not go unnoticed by the producers of 'Mad Bull Show.' Following the backlash, they removed the segment featuring Gapsu's controversial comments from the show's re-upload. Nevertheless, users on social media continued to express their discontent, with one user stating, "The idea of a 15-year-old being involved with an adult is not just about personal choice. It’s illegal, and we should not normalize it.”
Kim Sae-ron, born in 2000, is the subject of this controversy, with allegations surfaced by her family and online reports claiming she had been dating Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15. Kim Soo-hyun's agency initially denied these allegations but later acknowledged they had dated after Kim Sae-ron became of age, labeling the allegations of any relationship before this as "groundless rumors." This contradiction only heightened the public outcry and added to the prevailing tension surrounding the topic.
The aftermath of Gapsu's comments also raises questions about the moral responsibilities of media figures when discussing sensitive issues. The principle of consent versus age is at the heart of this debate, igniting discussions not only about individual rights but also the broader societal structures surrounding relationships between adults and minors.
Indeed, Kim Gapsu’s statements shed light on the persistent cultural divisions around these topics, highlighting how interpretations of relationships differ drastically across generational and ethical lines. This controversy serves as yet another reminder of the complex conversations society faces when it encounters situations involving consent and ethical boundaries, particularly where minors are involved.
Overall, the incident surrounding Kim Gapsu and his controversial remarks serves to reignite discussions about the ethics of adult relationships with minors. It has raised alarm about how such discussions might shape perceptions and indicate broader societal values surrounding significant issues like consent and the protection of youth.
Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged past relationship with Kim Sae-ron, whether it transpired after she turned 18 or during her teenage years, adds layers of complexity to this dialogue. While he and his agency attempt to navigate the fallout, society is left to grapple with the uncomfortable truths about the dynamics of youth and adulthood.
Moving forward, the discourse surrounding this topic is likely to evolve as society reassesses its norms about relationships and consent, emphasizing the need for care, dialogue, and responsibility when engaging with such pressing issues.
