South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun held a tearful press conference on March 31, 2025, in western Seoul, where he vehemently denied allegations made by the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The accusations, which have sent shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry, claim that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and pressured her regarding a financial debt.
"I never dated [Kim Sae-ron] when she was a minor," Kim stated, visibly emotional as he addressed the media for the first time since the scandal erupted on March 10, 2025. He reiterated, "I can’t admit to something I didn’t do," emphasizing that their relationship only began when Kim Sae-ron was an adult, specifically between 2019 and 2020.
The controversy ignited following Kim Sae-ron's tragic death on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24, which was ruled a suicide. Her family claimed through a right-wing YouTube channel that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a romantic relationship with their daughter for six years, starting when she was just 15 years old. This claim has been met with fierce denial from Kim and his agency, Goldmedalist.
During the press conference, Kim disclosed that he had indeed dated Kim Sae-ron for about a year but insisted that their relationship began four years after the alleged initial dating timeline proposed by her family. "Except for the fact that both of us were actors, our relationship was just like that of any other ordinary couple," he explained.
In a bid to defend his reputation, Kim played a recorded phone call that he claimed demonstrated that the agency did not pressure Kim Sae-ron over her debts. The call featured the former CEO of Goldmedalist, Byeon Jin-ho, discussing administrative procedures regarding the repayment of debts, which he characterized as a standard practice. Kim noted, "This was just an administrative procedure," and emphasized that it was not a coercive demand.
In response to the ongoing allegations, Kim's legal team has filed a criminal complaint against the operator of the YouTube channel, Hoverlab, which has been at the forefront of disseminating the allegations. The agency also filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages of approximately 12 billion won (about $8.1 million) against Kim Sae-ron's family, asserting that the claims made against him are defamatory.
Amid the scandal, several brands, including luxury fashion house Prada and Korean cosmetics company Dinto, have severed ties with Kim Soo-hyun. Additionally, the release of his upcoming Disney+ drama, "Knock-Off," has been postponed, further complicating his career in the wake of these serious allegations.
Kim expressed deep remorse during the press conference, saying, "I think of myself as a coward. I always seemed to be too focused on protecting what I had." He reflected on the pressures of being a public figure, stating that he had hesitated to speak out sooner due to fears of the repercussions on his colleagues and the production teams involved in his projects.
As the press conference unfolded, Kim Soo-hyun also addressed the emotional toll of the accusations, stating, "Many people are suffering because of me," and expressed his sorrow that Kim Sae-ron was unable to find peace. He rejected the notion that her death was linked to their relationship or the alleged pressures from his agency.
The allegations have not only impacted Kim's professional life but also sparked a broader discussion about the treatment of celebrities in South Korea, particularly regarding their personal lives and the public's perception of their relationships.
In the aftermath of the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun's agency reiterated their commitment to pursuing legal action against those who have spread what they consider to be false information. Kim's attorney, Kim Jong-bok, stated, "We have also submitted a lawsuit against the bereaved family of Kim Sae-ron, Kim Sae-ron's alleged 'aunt' and the operator of Hoverlab seeking approximately 12 billion won in damages."
As the situation continues to develop, the entertainment industry and fans alike are watching closely, reflecting on the serious implications of the allegations and the ongoing battle for truth and accountability in a world where public figures are often subject to intense scrutiny and speculation.
