Kim Soo-hyun, one of South Korea's most beloved actors, is currently at the center of controversy as rumors emerge surrounding his dating history. Recent reports have rekindled speculation about his connections to both Kim Sae-ron and Ahn So-hee, leading to rampant discussions online. According to the entertainment agency Gold Medalist, Kim and Kim Sae-ron were confirmed to have dated briefly from the summer of 2019 to the autumn of 2020, after she reached legal adulthood. This has raised eyebrows among netizens, who are questioning the timeline of their relationship, with some alleging it began during Kim Sae-ron's teenage years.
The conversation has intensified with resurfaced rumors from 2015 about Kim's connection to Ahn So-hee, the former member of Wonder Girls and known for her role in the hit movie Train to Busan. At the time, it was reported Kim often visited Ahn's home for private meetings, and their relationship allegedly lasted over a year, possibly facilitated by him helping her move to his then-agency to see each other more regularly.
Recent developments took social media by storm when the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute accused Kim of maintaining hidden relationships, claiming he had been romantically involved with Kim Sae-ron since she was underage and hinted at attempts to suppress her family from speaking out. They asserted to have evidence, including photos and text exchanges, but Gold Medalist has deemed these allegations unfounded, pushing back against the narrative.
Meanwhile, speculation hit fever pitch as claims circulated about Kim Soo-hyun potentially dating both actresses simultaneously, igniting heated discussions on platforms such as Weibo, where the topic became the number one trend. Chinese media outlet Sina, among others, reported swiftly on the idea of him two-timing, drawing heavily on one Chinese blogger's assertions.
This blogger claimed Ahn So-hee had been so concerned about paparazzi capturing her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, she never opened her curtains for fear of being photographed. It was alleged Kim had ordered blackout curtains for her home to maintain her privacy. Some fans interpreted Ahn’s subsequent move and comments on finally being able to enjoy the sunlight as subtle hints at the conclusion of their relationship, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Kim.
This outpouring of rumors and allegations has drawn criticism for being fueled by unreliable information. Top entertainment outlets such as Sohu and 163 have echoed sentiments urging caution, warning about the rampant spread of fake news surrounding Kim Tah-hyun's personal life. They asserted the claims of him two-timing were not only baseless but lacked any verifiable evidence, discrediting the narrative as unfounded clickbait aimed at sensationalizing his relationships.
The entire debacle has raised concerns over the quality of information circulating online. Sohu pointed out how this episode sheds light on the alarming issue of misinformation among netizens and called for greater responsible fact-checking to prevent reputational harm, particularly affecting not only Kim Soo-hyun but many artists caught up inadvertently amid this controversy, such as Seo Ye-ji, Choi Hyun-wook, and Kim Ji-won.
While Kim Soo-hyun has spent years building his reputation as one of South Korea’s standout actors, starring in notable dramas like It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Moon Embracing the Sun, and My Love from the Star, he currently faces double scrutiny as his past relationships resurface. He has historically not shied away from addressing rumors publicly; during the intense speculation surrounding his link to Ahn So-hee back in 2015, both parties firmly denied any romantic involvement, insisting they were just friends.
Despite the pandemonium surrounding his dating life, Kim continues to focus on his craft. His agency recently reaffirmed commitment to legal action against those who propagate unfounded rumors damaging his image. This latest wave of allegations is not new to the actor—a frequent target of speculative articles due to his popularity and well-known connections.
The public fallout highlights broader themes within celebrity culture and social media dynamics, where conjecture often outweighs fact. Fans continue to speculate on the nature of Kim's relationships. With Kim Ji-won, his co-star from Queen of Tears, hints of romance have been circulating after social media caught the two wearing matching jackets, fueling new rumors.
Kim Soo-hyun’s dating history continues to draw intense scrutiny, reflecting the significant attention K-drama stars receive from paparazzi and fans alike. Whether the most recent allegations hold any substance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the discourse surrounding Kim's personal life is unlikely to die down any time soon.
