On March 31, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, to address the swirling controversies surrounding his private life, particularly allegations of a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
During the emotional press conference, Kim Soo-hyun denied all allegations, asserting that he had never dated Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor. He acknowledged that they had a relationship from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after she had turned 18. "I couldn't easily contact Gooin at the time of the drunk driving accident, as Gooin was with other people," he explained, referring to the late actress's tragic passing.
The controversy erupted after the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved with Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. They announced plans to release footage from 2018, depicting the young actress at Kim Soo-hyun's residence, which they claimed would substantiate their allegations.
Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, Kim Jong-bok, revealed that they had decided to take legal action against those spreading the rumors. A lawsuit seeking 12 billion KRW in damages was filed against Kim Sae-ron's family, an individual claiming to be her aunt, and the operator of Garo Sero Institute. "We aim to clarify the facts and protect Kim Soo-hyun's reputation," he stated.
The press conference was held 21 days after Garo Sero Institute first raised the allegations on March 10, 2025, claiming that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron had a romantic relationship that began when she was a third-year middle school student. This assertion was met with vehement denial from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, who insisted that the relationship began only after Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood.
During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun expressed his frustration and dismay over the personal attacks he faced from Garo Sero Institute. "I felt a mix of anger and sadness at the way my private life has been exposed and scrutinized," he said, visibly emotional.
In a statement, Garo Sero Institute interrupted the live broadcast of the press conference, claiming that Kim Soo-hyun's team had forced them out. They warned him, "We'll see what kind of tricks you'll pull," indicating their intent to continue the confrontation.
Garo Sero Institute has not shied away from confrontation, stating, "We will no longer tolerate the behavior of Kim Sae-ron's relatives," and urged Kim Soo-hyun to make a public apology before the situation escalated further. They insisted that their upcoming video release would provide evidence of their claims.
The conflict has brought to light the complexities of celebrity relationships and the intense scrutiny public figures face regarding their personal lives. Kim Soo-hyun's case is a stark reminder of how quickly rumors can spiral out of control in the age of social media.
As the situation develops, observers are left wondering how the legal battles will unfold and what impact this will have on the careers of those involved. Kim Soo-hyun, who has enjoyed a successful acting career, now finds himself in the midst of a scandal that could potentially tarnish his reputation.
The press conference concluded without a Q&A session, as Gold Medalist emphasized that they were focused on issuing a statement rather than engaging in further public discourse. This decision has drawn mixed reactions from fans and the media, some expressing support for Kim Soo-hyun while others criticize the lack of transparency.
As the public awaits the release of the footage promised by Garo Sero Institute, the entertainment industry watches closely, knowing that the outcomes of these allegations could set significant precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
In the meantime, Kim Soo-hyun's agency has reiterated their commitment to protecting their client's interests and reputation. They have expressed hope that the truth will ultimately prevail in court.
With the legal battles ahead, the question remains: how will this scandal reshape the public's perception of Kim Soo-hyun and the broader entertainment landscape in South Korea? Only time will tell as this story continues to unfold.
