In a dramatic press conference held on March 31, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun addressed the swirling allegations regarding his relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron. The event took place at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, where Kim sought to clarify the nature of their relationship amidst claims that he had dated her while she was still a minor.
Kim admitted to having dated Kim Sae-ron around 2020, but he firmly denied the accusations that their relationship began when she was underage. "We were in a relationship for about a year, four years before the drama 'Queen of Tears' aired, and that was after she became an adult," he stated, emphasizing that their romance did not commence during her teenage years.
The controversy erupted following the tragic death of Kim Sae-ron on March 16, 2025, when she was found dead in her car in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Just days before her passing, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved with her since she was a minor, presenting what they claimed were evidence in the form of past photos and messages.
During the press conference, Kim expressed his sorrow over the situation, saying, "I feel uneasy because many people are suffering because of me, and the deceased cannot rest in peace." He reflected on whether he should have spoken out sooner to alleviate the pain caused by the unfolding drama.
Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, organized the emergency press conference in response to the allegations, which had escalated over the previous weeks. He also refuted claims that Kim Sae-ron's death was the result of pressure from her agency, asserting that they had a normal relationship and had simply grown apart over time.
"The claims that my agency pressured her into making extreme choices are also untrue. We were just ordinary lovers, and it was a mutual decision to part ways," he explained. He criticized the narrative being pushed by the bereaved family and the media, stating that false evidence was being presented to support their claims.
Kim revealed that he had verified through a professional agency that the KakaoTalk conversations released by Kim Sae-ron's family were misleading. He claimed that the individuals depicted in the conversations were not the same people, and that the photographs presented as evidence were misdated.
"If the evidence presented by the bereaved family is indeed true, I urge them to submit all the materials to the authorities for verification," he stated, maintaining his innocence and calling for a thorough investigation.
As the press conference concluded, Kim's legal representative, attorney Kim Jong-bok, announced that they would be filing criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against those involved in disseminating false information. They intend to pursue charges for defamation against the bereaved family and the operator of the 'Garo Sero Institute,' as well as seeking damages amounting to 120 billion won.
Attorney Kim explained that the decision to refrain from taking additional questions stemmed from the ongoing legal proceedings, which have made the parties involved subjects of investigation. "We are seeking legal judgment on these matters," he clarified.
The press conference marked Kim Soo-hyun's first public appearance since the allegations surfaced, despite his agency having released statements prior to this event. His emotional address aimed to clear his name and address the pain caused by the allegations that have overshadowed his career.
In the wake of Kim Sae-ron's death, her family claimed through the 'Garo Sero Institute' that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun for approximately six years, from November 19, 2015, when she was just 15 years old, until July 7, 2021. In contrast, Kim's representatives have maintained that their relationship only began after she turned 18, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020.
This ongoing saga has captured public attention, with many following the developments closely as both sides prepare for legal battles. The contrasting narratives presented by each party have sparked discussions about the implications of such relationships and the responsibilities of public figures in their personal lives.
As the situation unfolds, both Kim Soo-hyun and the bereaved family face the challenges of navigating public scrutiny and legal ramifications, with many hoping for clarity and resolution in the wake of this tragic event.
