On March 10, 2025, actor Kim Su-hyun faced accusations from the YouTube channel "Karoseron Research Institute," claiming he was involved romantically with the late actress Kim Sae-ron since she was just 15 years old. Kim's agency, Gold Medalist, swiftly denied these allegations, labeling them entirely false.
Gold Medalist emphasized their condemnation of the rumors, stating, "The content claimed on the YouTube channel 'Karoseron Research Institute' is clearly false." They argued the assertion of Kim Su-hyun's involvement with Kim Sae-ron, particularly during her teenage years, was fabricated and damaging.
The agency expressed deep sorrow over Kim Sae-ron's recent passing and highlighted their concern over the spread of misinformation relating to her life and legacy. "This is completely unfounded, and we are considering the strongest legal measures against the dissemination of such false facts," they declared emphatically, asserting their commitment to safeguarding both their client's reputation and the memory of the deceased actress.
Previously, Kim Sae-ron, who has been under considerable public scrutiny, had faced numerous rumors, particularly stemming from her involvement in a drunk driving incident back in 2022. She had been working diligently to rebuild her career, and her sudden death came as a shock to many.
During her life, Kim Sae-ron struggled with the onslaught of rumors and controversies, many of which had created significant distress. Gold Medalist's representatives pointed out the reckless nature of "cyber wreckers"—YouTubers who engage in sensationalist content aimed at garnering views and profit at the expense of others' reputations.
Gold Medalist highlighted, "The spread of lies has amplified the suffering Kim Sae-ron endured during her lifetime. The audacity of such claims, particularly following her death, is deeply troubling, and we will take stringent action against those responsible."
Reflecting on Kim Su-hyun's past, some media outlets revisited his comments made during the May 2013 showcase of the film "Secret Mission." At the event, he discussed his views on marriage, expressing aspirations to marry by the age of 41, indicating he would potentially be with someone 21 years old at the time. These comments have resurfaced as the new rumors took center stage, raising questions about their current relevancy.
During the showcase, Kim Su-hyun had conveyed plans for his future, saying, "I had thought of getting married between 36 and 37, but now I think it might be delayed until I'm around 41." His discussions at the time received attention, especially as they intersected with the recent accusations.
Elaborate narratives from the YouTube channel claimed to have conversed with Kim Sae-ron's family, alleging they confirmed the romantic relationship with Kim Su-hyun, stating they had been together for six years. This claim drew sharp criticism from Gold Medalist, who unequivocally denied the assertions by the YouTubers. "The family stated Kim Su-hyun and late Kim Sae-ron were together for 6 years," was one of the controversial revelations put forth by the channel.
Despite the grave nature of the allegations, the agency's representatives made clear their determination to combat the false narrative. Many fans and supporters expressed their concern over the damage these rumors could inflict on both Kim Su-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, especially against the backdrop of the latter's struggles.
Gold Medalist reiterated their position, affirming their grief for Kim Sae-ron's passing, which they considered tragic. They emphasized, "While we mourn the loss of Kim Sae-ron, the release of these fabricated stories does nothing but harm her memory and legacy, and we will pursue action to prevent any future occurrences."
They concluded with calls for the public and media to avoid perpetuating such harmful rumors, stressing the importance of respect for both the deceased and the living connected to her. "We appeal for no more dissemination or escalation of these lies; with any recurrence, we will take strong actions," they firmly warned.
This entire episode has triggered discussions around the ethics of media conduct, particularly how sensationalist narratives can impact reputations and the emotional burden it places on those affected.