In a tumultuous turn of events, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has found himself embroiled in controversy following allegations surrounding his late relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away in February 2025. The actor has faced a wave of serious accusations, including claims he dated Kim when she was a minor and pressured her to repay debts. This backlash has resulted in Kim losing several brand endorsements and halting his upcoming Disney project, Knock-Off.
Adding fuel to the fire, new allegations emerged regarding Kim’s role in the 2017 film Real, where he and the production company allegedly pressured actress Sulli into performing intimate scenes. Despite the public outcry, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference where he tearfully denied all accusations against him.
The situation took a new turn on April 15, 2025, when Kim’s agency, GoldMedalist, issued a statement addressing the rampant circulation of what they termed "malicious posts" and "false information." The agency revealed they had filed legal complaints against those perpetuating harmful and unverified claims about the actor. According to GoldMedalist, these posts include baseless rumors and speculative content that have been widely shared across online platforms, leading to damaging misconceptions about Kim Soo-hyun and tarnishing his reputation.
GoldMedalist emphasized that the actions—ranging from personal attacks to defamation—are serious criminal offenses. They condemned the behavior of "cyber wreckers" who exploit anonymity to spread fake news and incite online bullying through videos and posts. In response, the agency has partnered with overseas legal representatives to pursue legal action against foreign platforms, including YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), where much of the malicious content has been disseminated.
Amid this controversy, Kim Soo-hyun’s fan support groups have rallied on social media, flooding platforms with posts defending the actor. They have called attention to the unfair nature of the allegations and expressed confidence that justice will prevail. However, supporters of Kim Sae-ron continue to demand accountability, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death require thorough examination.
In a related development, Kim Soo-hyun's fans have launched a global petition defending him against the backlash, which they describe as an "online witch-hunt." This petition comes as a counter to a separate initiative—the "Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act"—which was filed on March 31, urging South Korean lawmakers to raise the age of consent and enforce stricter penalties for statutory rape following the allegations against the actor.
On April 12, an emotional video of Kim from a fan meeting in Japan was shared by an international fan account, accompanied by messages of support and a link to the petition. One fan expressed, "Even on tearful days, I’ll keep supporting him with a firm heart," while another stated, "Believing in the truth of Kim Soo-hyun’s journey, his fans will never leave." This outpouring of support highlights the depth of loyalty among his fanbase, even amid the swirling controversy.
While fans have rallied behind him, some critics have questioned their commitment, pointing out that they seemed absent during Kim Sae-ron's struggles, which reportedly contributed to her tragic end. The backlash intensified when Kim Soo-hyun's past relationship with Sae-ron was acknowledged during his recent press conference, where he admitted they were briefly together.
In the wake of these events, Kim Soo-hyun has also filed a defamation lawsuit, demanding approximately 12 billion KRW (over $8 million USD) from Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel GaroSero, which has been accused of amplifying the damaging narrative against him. However, on April 17, it was reported that his legal team had made an error in filing the suit, only registering 11 billion KRW. The court has granted seven days for the correction, but the delay has raised eyebrows, with some speculating it could be a stalling tactic.
Despite the legal hurdles, GoldMedalist has initiated legal action against multiple social media handles and individuals circulating defamatory and malicious posts against Kim Soo-hyun. They have vowed zero tolerance for such behavior and have extended their lawsuits overseas, collaborating with foreign legal experts to ensure a robust defense against online harassment.
As the situation unfolds, the public remains divided. While Kim Soo-hyun continues to deny the allegations of an underage relationship with Kim Sae-ron, the impact of this controversy on his career and personal life is profound. The actor’s agency has made it clear that they will not take the situation lightly, vowing to protect his rights through strong legal measures.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s case highlights the complexities of celebrity culture, online harassment, and the urgent need for accountability in the face of serious allegations. As the legal battles commence and public sentiment continues to shift, both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s supporters are left grappling with the fallout of this tragic saga.
