South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is currently embroiled in controversy following serious allegations made by the Garosero Research Institute, claiming he was involved with the late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was just 15 years old. The YouTube channel's claims have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, especially after Kim Sae Ron's tragic passing, which authorities ruled as suicide last month.
On March 10, 2025, Garosero Research Institute released a video alleging Kim Soo Hyun had been romantically involved with Kim Sae Ron for six years, starting when he was 27 and she was still underage. According to the channel, these claims were purportedly supported by Kim Sae Ron's family, including snippets from interviews with relatives, contributing to the allegations’ gravity.
Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, quickly responded, vehemently denying the allegations and announcing their intention to take legal action against the YouTube channel. "The claims made by HoverLab Inc. in their YouTube broadcast about Kim Soo Hyun are clearly false and baseless," the agency said. They described the accusations as malicious and harmful, stating, "We are currently reviewing the strongest possible legal actions against HoverLab Inc. for spreading these falsehoods. We will respond to this matter with the utmost seriousness." This press statement reflects the agency's commitment to protecting the actor's reputation and addressing the harmful impact of such allegations.
Despite the agency's firm stance, Garosero Research Institute has not backed down. They responded with scorn, dragging BTS—another hugely popular K-pop group—into the mix. The channel reminded viewers of their past controversies with BTS, noting how the group’s agency, HYBE, had previously threatened legal action against them but to little effect. "Legal action? Even the so-called world star BTS once said they would take 'legal action' against Garosero... How did it turn out? Our Garosero didn’t broadcast from just anywhere... We got materials and interviews directly from Kim Sae Ron’s family!" the channel's spokesperson mocked.
K-pop fans and critics were quick to react online, as the allegations raise questions about the ethics of relationships within the entertainment industry, especially concerning minors. The public outcry intensified with Garosero Institute's assertion of Kim Soo Hyun's prior knowledge of Kim Sae Ron’s struggles and subsequent neglect following her DUI incident back in 2022.
During her DUI incident, which resulted from crashing her car, Kim Sae Ron was reportedly told to pay KRW 700 million for damages. Kim Soo Hyun allegedly helped her pay off some of the accident's victims only to later demand repayment, according to insiders. Kim Sae Ron’s situation became increasingly grave as she was ostracized by the public and struggled to find work, eventually leading her to work under different names.
Her aunt has weighed in on the controversy, confirming through Garosero Research Institute’s videos claims of Kim Soo Hyun’s coldness after Kim Sae Ron’s tragic experiences compounded by her struggles with her career and personal issues. Echoing the claims of harassment by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, the aunt pointed fingers at various figures and called for accountability and introspection within the industry.
Beyond the personal allegations against Kim Soo Hyun, this situation has exposed how celebrity culture can lead to devastating consequences. Many are now questioning the role of online influencers, such as Lee Jin Ho, whose actions are believed to have exacerbated the pressures faced by young stars like Kim Sae Ron. With Garosero Research Institute launching petitions to ban him from YouTube and labeling him as partly responsible for her demise, the debate over online accountability has intensified.
Kim Soo Hyun has remained silent publicly since the allegations resurfaced and his agency's legal action announcement, focusing on his professional integrity. Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron’s father has been vocal about taking them to court, emphasizing his daughter's struggles and declaring intentions against those he believes have contributed to her emotional distress.
The development of this case remains dynamic, with fans and community members watching closely to see if the legal actions will lead to any accountability or justice for Kim Sae Ron. This incident serves as both a cautionary tale of unchecked tabloid sensationalism and the severe impacts of rumors and allegations surrounding young public figures.
With Kim Soo Hyun's personal and professional reputation on the line, the entertainment industry—along with its fans—awaits the next chapter of this harrowing narrative.