Kim Sae-ron, the late actress who tragically passed away at 25, has been embroiled in controversies surrounding her past relationship with fellow actor Kim Soo-hyun, aged 37, fueling public interest and media scrutiny. New information has surfaced detailing Kim Sae-ron's financial struggles before her untimely death and her pleas for help directed at Kim Soo-hyun, raising questions about the dynamics of their relationship and subsequent fallout.
On March 11, 2025, Kim Sae-ron's estate publicly revealed text messages sent to Kim Soo-hyun, wherein she asked to delay the repayment of 700 million won she owed, as she was under pressure from her former agency due to financial issues linked to her career and legal troubles. The screenshot of the message displays her anxiety and desperation as she wrote, "Oppa, it's Sae-ron. I received proof of content saying I'm going to be sued. If you demand 700 million won right now, I cannot handle it. Please save me, I beg you. Give me time." These words were part of a heartfelt request sent on March 19, 2024, just months before her death.
Kim Sae-ron’s family claims the two actors had been dating for nearly six years, beginning when she was just 15 years old, and initially maintaining this relationship as she transitioned to her agency, Gold Medalist, which Kim Soo-hyun had co-founded. They allege Kim Sae-ron often worked behind the scenes at the agency until it was implicated with her drunk-driving incident, which led to her downfall. After this event, which sparked significant legal repercussions totaling around 200 million won, her financial issues compounded, leading her to borrow money from Kim Soo-hyun to ease her immediate burdens.
Following her agency's alleged neglect, as they accepted the legal claims without proper investigation, Kim Sae-ron requested financial support from Kim Soo-hyun. The Gold Medalist, as the agency is known, reportedly paid significant amounts on her behalf but later pursued her for repayment, intensifying her distress. Kim Soo-hyun, facing allegations of maintaining intimacy during these challenging times, has consistently denied any romantic connection, stating their relationship was strictly professional.
Despite the agency's attempts to distance themselves from claims of impropriety with the young actress, the public's curiosity was piqued upon the release of affectionate photographs. One such photo, taken during the height of their rumored relationship, depicted Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek—a moment captured when she was 16. This photo, released through the Garo Sero Institute after their tragic split, was accompanied by the estate's release of more text messages, raising eyebrows about the true nature of their interaction.
Keen observers noted similarities between Kim Sae-ron's heartfelt messages and her actions surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday, which coincided with her final moments. On February 16, Kim Soo-hyun celebrated his 37th birthday, coincidentally the day she was found lifeless at her residence. This tragic timing has led to speculation among online communities about potential undertones and interpretations of this sequence of events, prompting discourse about celebrity culture, mental health, and the pressures faced by young stars.
Adding to the mounting pressures, Kim Sae-ron's family alleges her downfall triggered by the subsequent legal action from Gold Medalist, compounded with declining public interest, proved severely detrimental to her wellbeing. Reports indicate the actress had received threats and pressure from the agency to repay her debts following the drunk-driving incident, which left her struggling to re-establish her acting career post-scandal. Her family, through statements and releases, aims to paint the picture of Kim Sae-ron not merely as another lost young actress but as someone who faced immense pressure, needing support and trust, particularly from those she once considered close.
The response from Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has been one of denial and indignation. The agency has promised to pursue legal action against the distribution of what they call false information. Their denial of any romantic involvement with Kim Sae-ron stands firm, as they insist their relationship was strictly as colleagues.
Following the recent revelations, many of Kim Soo-hyun's endorsing brands are reconsidering their partnerships, fearing reputational damage linked to the controversy surrounding the deceased actress. Brands are reportedly removing promotional materials featuring Kim Soo-hyun from their platforms, demonstrating the often harsh ramifications faced by celebrities entangled in public scandals.
Kim Sae-ron's family continues to advocate for her legacy to be preserved positively, stating, "The purpose of discussing my daughter, who is no longer here with us, is to remedy her reputation and re-establish her place as respected within the acting community." With the complexity of fame, emotional struggles, and the fallout from controversy at play, the tragic story of Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun serves as both poignant and cautionary, illustrating the pressures young stars face.
The narrative continues to develop as public interest grows, with many questioning the ethics of celebrity culture and the price of fame. Kim Sae-ron's untimely death ignites conversations surrounding mental health support for public figures, urging both industry stakeholders and fans to reflect on the harsh realities of life under the spotlight.