The controversy surrounding South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has intensified following allegations of his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 years old. The claims were initially raised by the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute on March 10, 2025, and have since provoked widespread public backlash and scrutiny within the entertainment industry.
According to claims made by Kim Sae-ron's acquaintance, the two reportedly dated for six years beginning when she was still a minor. This assertion has garnered significant media attention and has led to the reassessment of Kim Soo-hyun's past remarks about marriage and relationships, particularly concerning his expressed preference for a considerable age gap.
Kim Soo-hyun, who was 26 at the time of his statements, mentioned during promotions for the 2013 film Secretly Greatly his intention to marry around the age of 41. He even indicated he might want to marry someone 20 years younger than himself, saying, "I might marry at 41, possibly to a 21-year-old woman." These comments have resurfaced, drawing sharper scrutiny now against the backdrop of the current allegations.
Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, swiftly denied the allegations as being "clearly false" and announced plans to pursue legal action against Garo Sero Institute for spreading misinformation. Despite this, new evidence, including intimate photographs and letters exchanged between the two, have emerged, stoking the fires of public interest and outrage.
On March 12, 2025, Garo Sero Institute released additional content, showcasing letters allegedly written by Kim Soo-hyun to Kim Sae-ron during his military service, when she was still underage. The materials included what appeared to be endearing terms and references to physical affection, which critics argue could constitute inappropriate behavior toward someone of Kim Sae-ron's age at the time. Kim Sae-ron's representative has stated, "There are many proofs of the relationship," hinting at what they claim is substantial evidence of their connection over the years.
Public reaction has been harsh, with many expressing their disapproval through comments on forums and social media platforms. Calls for Kim Soo-hyun's removal from his current engagements have flooded the viewer bulletin board for shows like Good Day, which features the actor. With the situation deteriorated, brands he endorses, including Homeplus and Shinhan Bank, are reportedly re-evaluated their associations due to the downturn in public sentiment.
Homeplus, which recently signed Kim Soo-hyun as its advertising model, stated it was still assessing the situation but had yet to see any changes to their contract. CJ Foodville, the operator of Tous Les Jours, is also contemplating the option of not renewing its contract with him, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the actor’s commercial viability.
Another layer of the situation involves the potential impact on upcoming projects. Kim Soo-hyun stars in the Disney+ original series Neon Off, yet the platform has announced no official release date for the show, which may be indicative of the fallout from the controversy. With potential revenue and public image at stake, both the agency and Kim Soo-hyun’s business partners face intense pressure.
The existing public discourse has been closely monitored, especially since Kim Soo-hyun's previous remarks implying he was open to dating much younger women. This has exploded on platforms filled with critiques from the public, reexamining his character and conduct.
While Kim Soo-hyun's agency continues to stand firm against the accusations as "groundless rumors," the harmful effects of the controversy are already evident. Many companies he has previously partnered with have begun removing his imagery and advertisements from their platforms. This is likely to increase pressure on Kim Soo-hyun and his agency to clarify their position decisively.
The actor’s future remains uncertain; with brands and production companies keeping their distance, social media sentiments are quickly shifting against him. Industry insiders predict it will be challenging for him to return to the same level of prominence without addressing these issues thoroughly.
While the investigations and public debates continue to grow, the repercussions of these allegations may lead to long-lasting effects on his career. The dual pressure from both regulatory scrutiny and public sentiment could redefine how celebrities are held accountable for past actions, especially concerning relationships with minors.
This situation serves as both a cautionary tale and a spotlight on the dynamics of celebrity culture, legal accountability, and social ethics as they intersect in the modern digital age.