The recent scandal involving South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron has sparked intense public scrutiny and media backlash following allegations of their romantic relationship, which allegedly began when Kim Sae Ron was just 15 years old. The accusations arose after the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute released photos and claims centered around their past interactions, igniting widespread debate and concern.
On March 11, 2025, Garo Sero Institute published evidence, calling for investigations—revealing imagery of Kim Soo Hyun kissing Kim Sae Ron on the cheek. The report alleged the couple dated for six years, beginning from 2015, the year Kim Sae Ron became involved with Kim Soo Hyun, who at the time was 27. This shocking claim led to calls for accountability, as the public demanded investigations for alleged misconduct involving the late actress, who tragically passed away by suicide on February 16, 2025, coincidentally on Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday.
Earlier, the distress stemming from the scrutiny surrounding Kim Sae Ron fueled her struggles following her DUI incident which severely impacted her career. The situation escalated when her family made public their grievances and details surrounding her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. “We are only trying to restore our lost daughter’s image,” stated Sae Ron’s mother during her recent remarks on March 13, 2025. The family aims to set the record straight amid rumors and to shield Sae Ron’s legacy from becoming fodder for gossip.
Kim Sae Ron’s mother expressed her anguish over the circumstances and desire for justice: “The reason I am speaking about a child who has already left me is because I want to restore her honour, which was destroyed... after articles full of lies surfaced.” The impact of the allegations on Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation has been immediate and significant, as fans expressed outrage through social media platforms, demanding “justice for Kim Sae Ron.” Thousands have condemned the alleged misconduct, leading to mass criticism directed at the actor.
Following the public uproar, several brands have severed their ties with Kim Soo Hyun. Companies like Homeplus, Shinhan Bank, and Dinto have begun removing promotional images of him from social media, reflecting the serious repercussions stemming from the allegations. Dinto, which had partnered with Kim Soo Hyun for several years, reportedly halted all activity involving the actor entirely as the media circus intensified.
To address the scandal, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, pledged on March 13, 2025, to clarify the facts surrounding the controversy. They asserted, “We will present our stance next week, supported by clear evidence,” attempting to navigate through the rapidly deteriorative public image of their star. So far, they have denied claims of the alleged inappropriate relationship, framing the assertions as baseless and malicious. This response from Gold Medalist follows increasing demands from both the public and media for accountability.
Adding another layer to the controversy, personal messages surfaced, including text messages allegedly sent by Kim Sae Ron pleading with Kim Soo Hyun for help with her financial issues. Sources indicated she was grappling with debt from her past agency, prompting her to reach out to him for assistance. “Oppa, please help me. I received the content-certified letter. You’re suing me; I just need time,” she stated. These narratives have led to heightened scrutiny on both Kim Soo Hyun and the agency.
The controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun has spilled over to various TV shows where he is currently featured, including the variety show “Good Day.” Viewer boards are filled with calls for his removal, showcasing the depth of the public's discontent. Some viewers have vocally opposed his presence on the show, leading the producers to review whether he will be edited out of the program’s clips or entirely removed from the cast line-up.
To make matters worse, as more information surfaces, Kim Soo Hyun’s past comments related to marriage have resurfaced online, receiving backlash as internet users catch on to the extent of his prior remarks. “It looks like my marriage timeline has been pushed back... I think I might be able to marry at around 41, with someone 21,” he had stated previously—a remark now echoing uncomfortably amid the current situation.
Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun remains one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, with an estimated net worth of $117 million as of 2024. Even with these financial achievements, the fallout from this scandal introduces unparalleled challenges. The devastating circumstances surrounding Kim Sae Ron have sent ripples through Korea’s entertainment industry, and it remains to be seen how this scandal will influence the futures of both the late actress’s family and Kim Soo Hyun.
The inquiry leaves deep scars not only amid the financial repercussions but also emotional upheaval for all involved. The call for justice reverberates, prompting many to contemplate the toll of fame and the human cost of celebrity lives marred through public perception.
With numerous threads of this story still unresolved, both families and the public strive for closure. The legacy of Kim Sae Ron, her struggles, and this heartbreaking situation continue to capture the attention of the media and people far beyond Korea, as the world collectively reflects on the complex factors shaping celebrity culture and accountability.