The tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron has ignited a complex web of controversy that intertwines her legacy with allegations surrounding her relationship with fellow actor Kim Soo-hyun. Reports from various media outlets revealed that Kim Sae-ron’s family is undertaking digital forensic efforts to recover photos that could substantiate claims of their relationship during her minor years.
According to Hankyung on March 18, 2025, Kim Sae-ron’s bereaved family decided to recover these images to prove that she and Kim Soo-hyun were involved romantically when she was only 15, a claim they feel is crucial amidst ongoing denials from Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist Entertainment.
The family expressed their disappointment, stating, “I was hoping for a word of apology, but I was disappointed,” after evaluating Gold Medalist’s official statement regarding the situation. The agency previously announced that Kim Soo-hyun had cleared the approximately 700 million won (over $7 million) penalty incurred from Kim Sae-ron’s DUI incident, acting on her behalf after she ceased to work with them.
In a bid to clear the air, Gold Medalist emphasized their efforts in reducing Kim Sae-ron’s debt and facilitating a resolution to her financial obligations, suggesting they had worked hard to assist her in her tumultuous circumstances. They stated, “Any formal request for repayment was simply a procedural matter, not an act of malice or dishonor.” However, this explanation was quickly overshadowed by further developments.
On March 19, 2025, the YouTube channel Karosero Research Institute released a video purportedly showing Kim Sae-ron and a male figure, claimed to be Kim Soo-hyun, engaging in casual conversation at her home. The video depicts Kim Sae-ron reacting to a device while joking about it, offering a glimpse into their relationship, or at the very least, the type of casual intimacy they shared.
The channel’s representatives argue this video substantiates their claims of an ongoing relationship during Kim Sae-ron’s underage years. They have since pointed out that Kim Soo-hyun has repeatedly denied these allegations, asserting that any interactions occurred only after Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood.
In the wake of the new video, public sentiment has swayed, with many netizens calling for Kim Soo-hyun to address the allegations personally. In this vein, Kim Se-ui, a representative from the Karosero Research Institute, stated, “We request that Kim Soo-hyun publicly clarify his position concerning the relationship and the allegations outlined in our video.” Possessing evidence they claim can further incriminate, they have shown readiness to disclose more recordings if he fails to provide satisfactory explanations.
Gold Medalist’s immediate response to these revelations remains firm. They challenge the authenticity of the video, insisting that Kim Soo-hyun has never been to the apartment in question. They stated that any claims made about their interactions before Kim Sae-ron’s coming of age are unfounded and attempt to damage Kim Soo-hyun’s reputation unjustly.
The facts surrounding Kim Sae-ron's communications with Kim Soo-hyun dating back to 2018 have also resurfaced. Messages revealed by sources claim that Kim Soo-hyun instructed Kim Sae-ron to delete their communications on KakaoTalk, a popular messaging platform in South Korea, and suggested they converse via Telegram instead. This correspondence, dated August 13, 2018, included topics of a routine nature but is becoming pivotal evidence in the ongoing dispute. The family interprets this as a sign of an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
“These messages showcase that their relationship was not just casual but heavily involved,” remarked a family spokesperson. “We expect Kim Soo-hyun’s agency to acknowledge these facts rather than deflect.”
As public intrigue deepens, Kim Sae-ron's family feels an increasing urgency to get closure not only on the financial obligations associated with her passing but also on the associated reputational damage that appears festering. They have begun circulating messages around social media calling for more extensive press coverage and open discourse regarding this sensitive matter, hoping to ensure their daughter’s legacy is honored appropriately.
In the days to come, the unfolding narrative will likely hinge on whether Kim Soo-hyun decides to publicly address these claims, thus impacting his standing among fans as well as his professional image. The relationship's allegedly dubious nature and its implications for both individuals remain an emotional and deeply nuanced topic for the public, fans, and parties involved alike.
Meanwhile, critics and commentators are being vocal about the broader implications of the controversy—questioning the dynamics of media coverage surrounding celebrity relationships and the responsibilities of those involved when allegations of impropriety surface. Commentators like cultural critic Kim Gap-soo have pondered if such instances of alleged underage relationships equate to criminal charges, thereby calling for a moral and legal reckoning in South Korea’s entertainment industry.
This situation, marked by grief and controversy, has opened up conversations that go beyond the lives of Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun, shedding light on broader societal issues and the intersection of fame, youth, and responsibility. As the digital forensic work continues, the revelations may lead to further tumultuous confrontations among fans, celebrities, and the industry at large.
