SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) -- Actor Kim Soo-hyun has vehemently denied allegations made by the YouTube channel Garo-SEO Research Institute claiming he was involved in a long-term relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, starting when she was just 15 years old. His agency, Gold Medalist, issued a strong statement on March 10, 2025, refuting the claims and indicating they were completely false.
These serious allegations resurfaced following the social media activity of Kim Sae-ron, who was found dead at her home on February 16, 2025, at the age of 25. Reports indicate the tragic loss has been deeply felt by the South Korean entertainment community, igniting broader discussions about mental health issues and the impact of cyberbullying.
Gold Medalist emphasized their rejection of the claims made by Garo-SEO, which stated the supposed six-year relationship began back when Kim Sae-ron first joined the agency, under Kim Soo-hyun’s leadership. The agency disclosed, "The claims made by Garo-SEO Research Institute... are completely false. We are reviewing the strongest possible legal action against them." The agency also addressed allegations of harassment involving YouTube influencer Lee Jin-ho and mishandling Kim Sae-ron's 2022 DUI incident, asserting such accusations were baseless.
Kim Soo-hyun’s reaction to the scandal was fueled by the timing of the allegations. Speculation peaked following Kim Sae-ron’s social media activity, particularly when she posted and then quickly deleted a selfie with Kim Soo-hyun on Instagram back in March 2024. This photo spurred conjecture about their relationship status, igniting old discussions about their connection.
Aunt of the late actress has come forward alleging they were in a romantic relationship, as suggested by various reports, but Gold Medalist stands firm on its position denying any personal relationship between the actors during the alleged timeframe. The agency elaborated, "These accusations do not only damage Kim Soo-hyun’s reputation but also continue the cyber harassment faced by Kim Sae-ron during her life. We cannot overlook the spread of such harmful misinformation." They urged the public and media to refrain from disseminated unverified claims.
The claims against Kim Soo-hyun became all the more sensitive as they mentioned Kim Sae-ron by name, involving her age at the time the alleged relationship supposedly began. These tragic events continue to illuminate the darker sides of celebrity life, emphasizing the pressures faced by actors and the importance of responsible reporting.
Gold Medalist has expressed condolences for Kim Sae-ron’s passing, which was marked by significant struggles including her previous DUI incident in May 2022. The agency has taken care to note the challenging personal circumstances surrounding Kim Sae-ron leading up to her death, emphasizing the need for compassion and caution around discussions of mental health and celebrity culture.
The social media environment, fanned by intense speculation and harmful narratives, has become increasingly intertwined with the lives of public figures. Following the tragic events surrounding Kim Sae-ron's death, many fans and industry colleagues have taken to social media to express their grief and concern, calling for new dialogues on mental health support for celebrities.
Both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron had previously shared time together at Gold Medalist, building their careers hand-in-hand before tension hinted at personal disputes. Reports have suggested Kim Soo-hyun once financially supported Kim Sae-ron post her DUI by lending her large sums without pressuring her for repayment.
This complex relationship, shrouded by the intense scrutiny of the public and media, has culminated not only in work-related disputes but has now transformed the narrative surrounding their personas, impacting their monumental careers.
Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing is seen as more than just the loss of talent; it serves as disquieting noise around the necessity of integrity and sensitivity when discussing the lives of those entangled within the entertainment industry. Her family has begun to contribute to discussions on accountability, urging against harmful speculation and reinforcing the need for boundaries between public personas and private grief.
The fallout from this incident places Kim Soo-hyun under the scrutiny of public opinion as well, presenting challenges for his professional path moving forward. Gold Medalist's decisive legal response showcases the agency’s intention to protect its artists against the lasting shadows of unfounded allegations, aiming for transparency and justice.
While the full facts surrounding Kim Sae-ron's relationships, personal struggles, and agency experiences remain complex, the need for clearer discourse patterns within celebrity journalism is something many now seek to establish. The narrative stemming from these incidents acts as both cautionary tales and calls for greater compassion within the volatile intersection of fame and wellness.
Such events evoke urgency from all sides to engage thoughtfully when discussing individuals whose lives have been so publicly palpable, bridging the gap between accountability and mental health advocacy as fundamental rights for all.
With the investigation and subsequent developments expected around Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist’s legal stances, many await insight on how they will navigate the storm of claims and the persistent shadow of Kim Sae-ron's legacy. Awareness nurtured through respect and careful conversation may just lead the way for the entertainment industry to grow healthier roots amid its glaring struggles.