SEOUL, March 27 (Yonhap) -- The family of late actress Kim Sae-ron has publicly accused actor Kim Soo-hyun of having a relationship with her while she was a minor, as they presented what they claim to be evidence supporting their allegations during a press conference held in southern Seoul. The actress, who tragically died by suicide on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24, is said to have dated Kim Soo-hyun starting in November 2015, when she was just 15 years old.
Bu Ji-seok, the family's legal representative from the law firm Buyou, revealed reconstructed messages exchanged between the two stars during the press conference, which included affectionate phrases like "Miss you" and "Wanna hug," along with heart emojis. The messages date back to June 2016, a time when Kim Sae-ron was still underage. In one of the messages, Kim Sae-ron expressed her feelings by saying, "I hope you don't avoid me as you are my first and last love." Additionally, the family shared an unsent letter from Kim Sae-ron that further illustrated her emotional state and the depth of their relationship.
Since the allegations were first raised on March 10, 2025, by a YouTube channel and the actress' family, Kim Soo-hyun has been embroiled in controversy. Initially, he denied the relationship but later admitted to dating Kim Sae-ron, claiming it only began after she turned 18. This shift in narrative has prompted the actress's family to take legal action against both Kim Soo-hyun and the YouTube channel, Hoverlab, which they accuse of blackmailing the actor.
During the press conference, Bu Ji-seok criticized Kim Soo-hyun for "lying" about the relationship and failing to apologize despite the evidence presented. "What the family received in return was Kim Soo-hyun lying that he had never been in a relationship with her. Even after evidence proving their relationship was revealed, he did not offer a single word of apology," he stated.
In addition to the KakaoTalk messages, the family revealed photographs of Kim Sae-ron’s self-harm and a letter she had intended to send to Kim Soo-hyun. In the letter, she expressed feelings of hopelessness, stating, "This is like asking me to commit suicide," referring to a debt she incurred due to a drink-driving incident that was initially covered by Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist. However, the agency later demanded repayment of HK$3.7 million, causing her significant stress.
The emotional weight of the situation was palpable as Bu Ji-seok urged for understanding and compassion for the bereaved family, who are currently experiencing severe anxiety and distress. He emphasized that the family does not wish to engage in further disputes over the truth and seeks to restore Kim Sae-ron's reputation.
At the press conference, the lawyer also warned of potential legal action against another YouTuber, Lee Jin-ho, who has uploaded a series of videos discussing Kim Sae-ron’s private life. "YouTuber Lee Jin-ho has continued to expose Kim Sae-ron's private life. We will file a complaint against him for stalking the bereaved family later today," Bu stated.
The family’s move to disclose these messages and details comes amid a backdrop of intense public scrutiny and media speculation surrounding Kim Sae-ron's life and death. The pressures of fame and the relentless nature of online discourse have highlighted the darker side of celebrity culture in South Korea.
Kim Sae-ron was known for her roles in films such as "A Brand New Life" and "The Man From Nowhere," and she also starred in popular television series like "Hi! School Love On" and "Can You Hear My Heart." Her untimely death has sparked conversations about mental health, the impact of public scrutiny, and the responsibilities of those in the entertainment industry.
As the family seeks justice and clarity regarding Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with Kim Sae-ron, they hope that the release of these messages will put an end to the speculation and restore dignity to the actress's memory. "We no longer want meaningless disputes over the truth after this conference," Bu Ji-seok concluded, calling for a halt to the criticism directed at the family.
The unfolding events surrounding Kim Sae-ron’s death and the allegations against Kim Soo-hyun continue to resonate deeply within the public consciousness, prompting discussions about the treatment of celebrities and the need for greater accountability in the media.
