The ongoing dating scandal surrounding South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron took a dramatic turn on May 7, 2025, during a press conference held by the GaroSaero Research Institute in Seoul. This conference aimed to reveal shocking details about the alleged relationship between the two stars, which has ignited intense debate and speculation across social media and traditional news outlets.
At the center of the controversy was an audio recording shared by GaroSero's Kim Se-ui, in which Kim Sae-ron purportedly admitted to being intimate with Kim Soo-hyun when she was just in the eighth grade. According to reports from Koreaboo, the recording also included claims that Soo-hyun had sent her inappropriate photos and made sexually explicit comments. This revelation has led to a renewed wave of outrage and concern over the implications of such a relationship, particularly given that Kim Sae-ron was a minor at the time.
During the press conference, it was revealed that the audio recording was made in January 2025, just weeks before Kim Sae-ron tragically took her own life. Her family, represented by attorney Bu Ji-seok, has accused Kim Soo-hyun of violating the Child Welfare Act, claiming that he had been dating the actress since she was a minor. They have asserted that the relationship spanned several years, raising serious ethical and legal questions.
In response to these allegations, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims as false and asserting that the audio recording was fabricated. They stated, "Garo Sero's false claims are unacceptable and difficult to accept even with common sense." They further claimed that the audio files were created using AI technology, which has led to widespread speculation about the authenticity of the evidence presented.
The controversy escalated further when YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, who was mentioned in the leaked audio, dismissed the recording as fake and accused the GaroSero team of manipulating the narrative. He stated, "The tapes were fabricated using AI-generated voices," claiming that a third party had altered the recording before it was presented as genuine.
Adding to the turmoil, it was reported that the informant who provided the audio recording had been attacked in New Jersey, suffering nine stab wounds in what appeared to be a targeted assault. This attack has been linked to the ongoing scandal, with GaroSero alleging that the informant's wife expressed gratitude towards actor Won Bin for offering assistance after the incident. The informant's wife described their ordeal in a public voice message, detailing threats and fear for their safety.
Meanwhile, fans of Kim Soo-hyun have rallied around him, expressing their support through protest trucks that appeared outside the press conference venue. Messages on the trucks urged the public not to accept the evidence presented by GaroSero and called for a fair assessment of Kim Soo-hyun's character. The fans have accused the bereaved family of fabricating evidence and have demanded that the truth be revealed.
On May 8, 2025, the Kim Soo-hyun Fan Association took legal action against YouTuber Kwon Young-chan for defamation, claiming that his repeated allegations against the actor have caused significant reputational damage. The association has compiled evidence of 56 defamatory statements made by Kwon, asserting that these claims have had serious social and economic repercussions for Kim Soo-hyun.
The fan association's attorney, Yang Tae-young, stated that the allegations of an illicit relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor are entirely false. They emphasized that Kim Soo-hyun has never engaged in any inappropriate behavior and that the claims are baseless. The association's statement read, "The victim, Kim Soo-hyun, has never dated or had sexual relations with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and has never committed a crime against the deceased."
As the legal battles unfold, public opinion remains sharply divided. While some continue to support Kim Soo-hyun, others are calling for accountability and transparency regarding the allegations. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of celebrities in the media and the ethical implications of their relationships.
In the wake of these developments, Kim Soo-hyun has suspended all public activities and projects, leaving his future in the entertainment industry uncertain. The fallout from this scandal has been profound, not only affecting Kim Soo-hyun's career but also raising questions about the responsibilities of media figures and the impact of rumors on individuals' lives.
As the investigation into the informant's attack continues and the legal proceedings progress, many are left wondering how this scandal will ultimately resolve and what it means for the future of those involved. With the bereaved family vowing to pursue justice and Kim Soo-hyun's supporters rallying for his innocence, the story is far from over.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's alleged relationship has sparked a fierce debate over morality, legality, and the treatment of public figures, leaving fans and observers alike questioning the truth behind the claims.
