On March 27, 2025, the reputation of South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has been severely tarnished due to allegations of a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically died in February at the age of 24. This controversy, which has captivated public attention, centers around claims that their relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old. The situation escalated when Kim Sae-ron's family and the YouTube channel Hoverlab released private text messages and audio recordings that suggest a deeper connection between the two than previously acknowledged.
The latest developments came during a press conference held by Kim Sae-ron's family attorney, Bu Ji-seok, who unveiled KakaoTalk chats allegedly exchanged between the two actors in June 2016. At that time, Kim Soo-hyun was 28, while Kim Sae-ron was only a month shy of her 16th birthday. The messages revealed a flirtatious tone, with Kim Soo-hyun expressing a desire to hold Kim Sae-ron while sleeping, and her responses indicating a level of intimacy that raises serious concerns about the nature of their relationship.
In one exchange, Kim Soo-hyun said, "When can I fall asleep with you in my arms? I’ll really get a good night’s sleep then," to which Kim Sae-ron replied, "I’ll do it whenever I want." This interaction, among others, has been cited as evidence of either a romantic relationship or inappropriate grooming, leading to calls for a public apology from Kim Soo-hyun.
Bu Ji-seok stated, "If there were no such relationship, then it would still be considered sexual grooming. Either way, the actor needs to apologize to the late actor’s family." The attorney emphasized that the messages imply more than mere friendship, suggesting a troubling dynamic given the age difference.
Initially, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Goldmedalist, denied any romantic involvement with Kim Sae-ron, insisting that their relationship only began after she turned 19. However, as evidence surfaced, including leaked Instagram DMs and now the KakaoTalk logs, the narrative has shifted, forcing a partial admission of an "adult relationship" by the actor.
The fallout from these revelations has been swift and severe. Major brands, including Prada and Shinhan Bank, have severed ties with Kim Soo-hyun, reflecting the public's outrage over the allegations. Fans have taken to social media platforms to express their discontent, with trending hashtags like #KimSooHyunIsOver indicating a significant backlash against the actor.
Kim Sae-ron's family has claimed that their daughter suffered greatly due to the pressures of her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, including financial burdens and emotional distress. They assert that the actress's struggles were compounded by a lack of support from her family and the entertainment industry. In light of these claims, they have announced plans to pursue legal action against Kim Soo-hyun, although specific charges have not yet been articulated.
During the press conference, Bu Ji-seok also addressed the timing of the family's revelations, which some critics have labeled opportunistic, suggesting that they only came forward after Kim Sae-ron's death. He countered these accusations by stating, "The family initially had no choice but to disclose the fact that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor to file a lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, who circulated false information, belittled, and mocked the late Kim Sae-ron, ultimately driving her to her death."
As the controversy continues to unfold, the public is left grappling with the implications of these allegations and the tragic outcome of Kim Sae-ron's life. The stark reality is that Kim Soo-hyun's career is now at a crossroads, with many questioning whether he can recover from this scandal. The entertainment industry is notorious for its unforgiving nature, especially when it comes to issues of consent and power dynamics.
Looking ahead, the future remains uncertain for both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's family. The legal battles are poised to continue, and the public's appetite for accountability will likely only grow. As the family seeks justice for their daughter, the broader conversation about the treatment of young actresses in the industry is gaining momentum, prompting calls for more robust protections against exploitation.
In the wake of these events, Kim Soo-hyun's next steps will be critical. He faces a choice between continuing to fight back legally or addressing the allegations head-on with a sincere apology. Given the severity of the situation, many believe that a genuine acknowledgment of wrongdoing could be the first step towards redemption, although the road to restoring his public image may be long and fraught with challenges.
As the story continues to develop, it serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding celebrity culture, the responsibilities of those in power, and the need for vigilance in protecting the vulnerable.
