SEOUL, March 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean star actor Kim Soo-hyun has directly denied claims made by the YouTube channel 'Garoseoro Research Lab' (Gaseyeon) alleging his involvement with the late Kim Sae-ron. The agency Gold Medalist, representing Kim, maintained on March 10, 2025, "The claims made by the YouTube show about actor Kim Soo-hyun are clear falsehoods," emphasizing they are reviewing the strongest legal response possible.
The claims arose from remarks made during Gaseyeon's broadcast, which alleged Kim Sae-ron had been romantically linked to Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old. According to Gaseyeon, which presented comments from Kim Sae-ron's family, this relationship continued for six years.
Facing scrutiny, Gold Medalist refuted the claims vehemently, stating they had no basis and were outright fabrications. The agency highlighted accusations including collusion with YouTuber Lee Jin-ho to harass Kim Sae-ron and to question the agency's response during the aftermath of her drunk driving incident.
Gold Medalist stated, "The claims made by the Garosero Research Institute are clear falsehoods. We feel heartbroken by the news of Kim Sae-ron's passing, but the spread of false information follows the behavior of so-called 'Cyber Lekka' and defames the deceased for self-interest. We will respond strictly to it."
This incident marked not the first time Kim Soo-hyun faced such accusations. Just last year, he denied similar dating rumors with Kim Sae-ron, proclaiming them as completely false. At the time, the actor firmly addressed public speculation, reinforcing the importance of separating personal lives from public opinions.
On February 19, 2025, Kim Sae-ron was honored during her funeral held at Seoul's Asian Medical Center, with many fans and fellow actors mourning the loss of the much-beloved actress. Reports revealed she was found deceased at her home on February 16, igniting widespread sadness and reflection on the impact of celebrity culture.
Gold Medalist expressed their sincere condolences, stating, "We deeply mourn the passing of the late Kim Sae-ron, who was once part of our agency. The malicious claims directed at us and Kim Soo-hyun cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. We hope to halt the dissemination of these falsehoods immediately."
High-profile individuals often deal with unfounded rumors, but this situation reflects broader issues within media today. The rise of social media and independent content creation has blurred the lines between fact and speculation. This case reminds audiences and influencers alike of the power and responsibility carried by media narratives.
Gold Medalist is committed to defending both its actor’s image and the memory of Kim Sae-ron against the damaging light of misinformation, expressing hope for accountability concerning unverified claims circulating online. By emphasizing their intention to seek legal recourse, the agency highlighted the importance of taking such allegations seriously.
Moving forward, the situation raises questions about the influence of platforms like YouTube and other social media channels on public perception, especially surrounding tragic events. The agency’s push for legal action against misinformation emphasizes the potential harm and emotional turmoil false accusations can create, especially for those dealing with the loss of their loved ones.
Kim Soo-hyun remains one of South Korea's leading stars, recognized not only for his acting prowess but also his thoughtful approach to fame. Through these allegations and wrongful associations, fans continue to support him, often advocating for respect toward both the living and deceased public figures.
Bridging the gap between personal experiences and public narratives, Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist highlighted the imperative of truthfulness, demanding accountability from those who spread harmful unsubstantiated claims.
This situation also serves as a reminder to the press and content creators about the ethical obligation to verify information before broadcasting it to the public, particularly when it concerns the sensitive nature of celebrity relationships and individual tragedies.
With sentiments of hope, the agency concluded their statement by urging the public to refrain from propagators of unfounded claims: "We sincerely ask you to prevent the proliferation of false facts. The life and honor of individuals, both living and deceased, deserve respect and integrity."