Amidst a swirl of controversy, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun finds himself under intense public scrutiny, following allegations of a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron that allegedly began when she was just 15 years old. This troubling revelation comes against the backdrop of Kim Sae-ron's recent legal troubles, notably a drunk driving incident that has left her facing a significant debt of approximately 700 million won (around $520,000).
As these allegations gained traction, they were compounded by the release of intimate photos and text messages purportedly between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. This emergence of private communications has not only sparked a heated debate on social media but also led to the disbanding of fan clubs and several high-profile withdrawals from brand endorsements associated with Kim Soo-hyun.
On March 18, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun’s management agency, Gold Medalist, took to the public stage with a formal statement intended to clarify the situation and counter the mounting allegations. The statement categorically denied that the agency exerted any coercive pressure regarding repayment demands from Kim Sae-ron. "We have never demanded damages from Kim Sae-ron under any circumstances," asserted the agency, emphasizing that their recent correspondence was merely a procedural communication.
Gold Medalist further detailed the context behind their dealings with Kim Sae-ron. They indicated that the agency had long since determined she was unable to pay back her debts and had written off the amount as a loss by the end of December 2023. On the matter of the subsequent legal notice sent on March 25, 2024, after Kim Sae-ron shared a personal message to Kim Soo-hyun along with a social media post featuring them together, Gold Medalist reiterated, "It was never a demand, but a notification expressing our intention to cooperate on the matter."
The ongoing fallout from these allegations is palpable within the entertainment industry. Reports indicate that several prominent brands, including Homeplus and PRADA, have begun to distance themselves from Kim Soo-hyun as they reassess their endorsements, which threatens to have lasting consequences on his career. In response to the scandal, Dinto has suspended operations, while other partnerships have quietly removed promotional materials featuring Kim.
The drama series “Knock-off,” in which Kim was set to star, also finds itself at a crossroads, facing potential cancellation amidst these turbulent revelations. Social media reactions have been split, with a substantial portion of fans fiercely defending the actor, highlighting his kind demeanor during the recorded videos with Kim Sae-ron. Posts praising him have surfaced across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), echoing sentiments amongst supporters who refuse to believe the allegations.
Nevertheless, the allegations are compounded by critical voices. The YouTube channel, renowned for its sensationalized content, the Garo Sero Institute, has played a pivotal role in stirring public sentiment against Kim, airing footage alleged to depict the couple in intimate settings, further inflating the narrative surrounding their relationship.
Adding to the emotional complexity of this saga, Kim Sae-ron’s family, particularly her mother, has called for a public apology from Kim Soo-hyun. During a heart-wrenching live broadcast on the Garo Sero Research Institute, she expressed, "I hope you will stop cyberbullying about Kim Soo-hyun and his fans," indicating the emotional toll and trauma faced by Kim Sae-ron’s family in the wake of these allegations.
As of March 19, 2025, the situation remains fraught with tension, with all eyes now on whether Kim Soo-hyun's upcoming fan meeting in Taiwan will proceed as scheduled. The 2025 Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival, set to occur from March 28 to 30, is anticipated to feature the actor, although many speculate it may be overshadowed by his recent controversies.
This unfolding drama illustrates the delicate balance of personal and public life in the entertainment industry, where accusations can unravel years of hard-fought public image. As more details emerge, the implications for Kim Soo-hyun and the legacy of Kim Sae-ron will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on both their careers.
