South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is facing a significant backlash amid allegations and rumors surrounding his personal life, prompting his agency, GOLDMEDALIST, to take decisive legal action. On April 15, 2025, the agency announced that it has filed a formal complaint against individuals spreading defamatory content, sexual harassment, and false rumors online, citing violations under South Korea's Information and Communications Network Act and Criminal Act.
The legal move comes as the actor, best known for his roles in hit dramas like Queen of Tears and My Love From The Star, finds himself at the center of a storm of accusations. These include claims linking him to the late actress Kim Sae Ron, who tragically died by suicide in 2024 on Kim’s birthday, stirring further speculation and outrage.
In a statement, GOLDMEDALIST expressed concern over the growing volume of baseless posts and malicious comments directed at Kim, stating that these have led to public misunderstanding and significantly damaged his reputation. "Recently, malicious posts and comments directed at our artist Kim Soo Hyun have been indiscriminately posted and circulated online. In particular, there are baseless speculative posts and unverified claims that have been posted continuously and repeatedly, leading the public to have misconceptions and damaging the artist's reputation," the agency said.
According to the agency, the legal complaint was filed on April 14, 2025, after they received extensive reports from fans and conducted their own internal monitoring. They categorized the circulation of false information, personal attacks, and sexual harassment on social media and online platforms as criminal acts that cannot be ignored.
GOLDMEDALIST also addressed the issue of so-called “cyber wreckers” — individuals who create fake news and provocative content intended to incite online hate and bullying. The agency emphasized, "The behavior of 'cyber rent-a-thug' that takes advantage of anonymity to create fake news and produce videos and shorts that lead to cyberbullying is also serious." They revealed that they have identified at least one individual responsible and are pursuing action not only domestically but also on global platforms such as YouTube and X.
Furthermore, the agency pledged to continue lodging additional complaints and vowed to take strong legal action to safeguard Kim Soo Hyun’s rights. "We plan to continue filing additional complaints regarding these malicious posts that harm the artist's reputation and will do our utmost to protect the artist's rights with strong legal action against clear criminal acts in the future," they concluded, thanking fans for their continued support.
The controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun has intensified due to allegations of his past relationship with Kim Sae Ron, who was reportedly underage at the time. This has led to a wave of criticism from online users, who have revisited his past interviews and comments, further fueling the debate. The actor's appearance on the G-Dragon-led variety show Good Day has also become a focal point of contention. While the program initially garnered promising ratings thanks to its star-studded cast, including Jung Hae-in, Im Si-wan, Lee Soo Hyuk, and Kwanghee, viewership numbers reportedly plummeted following the scandal.
Media outlets such as News1 and Wikitree suggested that Kim Soo Hyun’s controversy significantly contributed to the decline in viewership, which eventually dropped to a mere 2.7 percent. Despite calls for his removal from the show, Kim appeared in the March 16 episode, having filmed on March 13. Wikitree reported, "Despite the uproar, Kim Soo Hyun proceeded with filming on March 13 and appeared in the March 16 broadcast, sparking further backlash." Producers later confirmed they would minimize his screen time and cut out individual segments, but these measures were not enough to regain lost viewers.
As the situation unfolds, the actor's agency remains steadfast in its commitment to defending his reputation against what they describe as harmful and unfounded allegations. The ongoing legal battle highlights the broader issues of online harassment and the impact of social media on public figures, particularly in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Kim Soo Hyun's case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by celebrities in the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly and have devastating consequences. As GOLDMEDALIST continues to pursue legal action, the outcome of this situation remains to be seen, but it underscores the urgent need for accountability in the face of online defamation.
