Kim Soo-hyun Faces Allegations Involving Minor Dating Scandal

On March 17, 2025, attorney Lee Ji-hoon sharply criticized actor Kim Soo-hyun concerning allegations that he dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. This controversy has gained significant traction, igniting discussions about the ethics and legality of their purported relationship.

The statements from Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, added fuel to the fire. Initially, they vehemently denied dating Kim Sae-ron, asserting the rumors were "groundless." However, a sudden shift occurred on March 14, when the agency admitted that they had dated, but clarified that their relationship began only after Kim Sae-ron turned 18, specifically during the summer of 2019 until the fall of 2020.

This change in narrative was highlighted by Lee Ji-hoon, who noted that while the agency emphasized their relationship began post-Kim Sae-ron’s adulthood, this acknowledgment casts doubt on their prior statements. “How can we even trust the idea that this is all above board when they initially said there was no relationship at all?” he questioned during a segment on the YouTube channel 'Knowing Attorney'.

Adding to the complexity, a relative of Kim Sae-ron alleged on March 10 that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun for six years—starting from November 19, 2015, when she was still in middle school, until July 7, 2021. This allegation contradicts the agency’s timeline and raises serious ethical questions about the nature of their relationship when Kim Sae-ron was a minor.

On March 18, a report from the Korean Economy revealed that Kim Sae-ron's family had decided to conduct a digital forensic analysis on her smartphone, a move they deemed necessary to substantiate their claims about her time with Kim Soo-hyun. Kwon Young-chan, the head of the Korea Entertainment Management Association, remarked that Kim Sae-ron had been concerned about protecting Kim Soo-hyun until the end, implying a code of secrecy regarding their relationship.

In light of the controversy, the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute announced plans to release videos allegedly depicting Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron together during their relationship. This revelation comes with the family’s consent and is aimed at providing definitive evidence to support their claims. However, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency has responded strongly, denying that the images or videos feature their client, stating, "Kim Soo-hyun has never been to the house where Kim Sae-ron lived with her family. The person in the photos is not Kim Soo-hyun."

Lee Ji-hoon took issue with the agency’s shifting stances, suggesting that their admission of a post-adult relationship acknowledges a pattern of dishonesty. “This blatant inconsistency only muddles the waters further,” he emphasized, expressing concerns about the agency’s ethical responsibilities. He further dissected their claim that the relationship with Kim Sae-ron, as an adult, absolves Kim Soo-hyun from legal repercussions, stating “This is not merely a legal matter; it’s a question of ethical responsibility as well.”

The attorney posed critical questions regarding the implications of dating someone who just recently became an adult, pointing out that the ethical considerations do not simply disappear once a person reaches the age of consent. He argued, “A newly turned 20-year-old isn’t necessarily mature enough to engage in such adult relationships appropriately.” He pondered, “Should we validate relationships simply on the premise of legality?”

Ultimately, Lee Ji-hoon criticized the agency for their failure to address the initial denial of the relationship publicly. “If they understood the significance of their words, an apology should have at least been considered for the pain caused to Kim Sae-ron and her family,” he said. His remarks highlight the emotional toll this controversy has had and how Kim Sae-ron's reputation may have suffered due to these claims and counterclaims.

Meanwhile, the release of videos by Garo Sero Institute that purportedly show Kim Sae-ron with a man believed to be Kim Soo-hyun has stirred distrust. The videos reportedly depict the pair engaging intimately, raising questions about the true nature of their relationship.

As this story continues to unfold, public sentiment appears split, with some defending Kim Soo-hyun while others remain concerned over the ethical implications of his past decisions. The potential ramifications for Kim Soo-hyun's career and public image loom large, as authorities and audiences grapple with understanding the depth and specifics of this case. This situation serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding relationships, age, consent, and the burden of public scrutiny.

This unfolding story has become a focal point in South Korea, raising ethical questions not only about celebrity culture but also about the societal standards applied to relationships involving significant age differences.