On March 31, 2025, South Korean star Kim Soo-hyun faced a media storm as he held a press conference to address allegations surrounding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Accompanied by his lawyer, Kim emerged after 21 days of silence, visibly emotional and dressed in a black suit. He began the conference with a deep bow and expressed profound regret for the pain caused to many due to the unfolding scandal.
Kim Soo-hyun, who has been a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, admitted to dating Kim Sae-ron for one year, four years prior to the airing of his hit drama 'Queen of Tears.' However, he vehemently denied any claims of dating her while she was a minor, stating, "I never dated her when she was underage, and I did not intentionally avoid her after her DUI incident." This statement comes in light of accusations that the two had been involved since Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old, a claim that has sparked outrage and concern among fans and the public.
The controversy escalated when the bereaved family of Kim Sae-ron released Kakao Talk messages allegedly between the two, including a message where Kim Soo-hyun asked, "When can I sleep with you?" Kim responded to these allegations by asserting that the records were fabricated and that the context of the messages had been manipulated. He insisted, "I cannot admit to things I did not do." This sentiment was echoed by his agency, GOLDMEDALIST, which stated that there would be no Q&A session during the press conference, urging the media to respect their position.
In an emotionally charged address, Kim Soo-hyun shared his fears and regrets, saying, "Because of me, too many people are suffering, and the deceased cannot rest in peace. I feel very sorry for that." He described himself as a coward, admitting that his decisions were influenced by the potential impact on his colleagues and the production team of 'Queen of Tears.' He expressed concern that acknowledging their past relationship during the show's airing could have detrimental effects on everyone involved.
Throughout the press conference, Kim refrained from naming Kim Sae-ron directly, referring to her only as "the deceased." He described their relationship as normal, stating, "We were like any other couple, and after our breakup, we were cautious in our communications, especially after her incidents." His remarks about their relationship drew mixed reactions, with many netizens criticizing him for his perceived lack of accountability.
In a rather dramatic turn, Kim Soo-hyun played a recording during the press conference that featured a conversation between the CEO of GOLDMEDALIST and Kim Sae-ron's last manager. This recording discussed a letter related to a debt of 7 billion won, which was described as merely a formality. The implications of this recording suggested that financial disputes had added to the emotional turmoil surrounding Kim Sae-ron's death.
As the press conference unfolded, Kim Soo-hyun's emotional displays were met with skepticism from some attendees and online commentators. Many expressed doubts about the sincerity of his tears, with comments suggesting that his emotional responses were merely performative. Critics pointed out that his focus on protecting his career and image overshadowed the gravity of the allegations.
Kim's lawyer announced plans to pursue civil and criminal actions against those who have spread false information, notably targeting Kim Sae-ron's 'aunt' and the 'Hoyeon Research Institute,' a media outlet that has been at the forefront of the allegations. The lawyer claimed that the photos and text messages provided by the bereaved family were fabricated, asserting that they would seek 120 million won in damages for defamation.
As the fallout from the press conference continues, Kim Soo-hyun has stated that he will temporarily suspend his activities in the entertainment industry while public sentiment stabilizes. He concluded the event by expressing his determination to prove his innocence and restore his reputation, saying, "I will not ask everyone to believe me, but I will definitely prove everything."
The entire situation has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in their relationships, especially concerning minors. As the investigation into the allegations unfolds, many are left pondering the complexities of fame, accountability, and the tragic circumstances surrounding Kim Sae-ron's untimely death.
