Kim Soo Hyun faces allegations of a past relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron, prompting his Chinese fanbase to launch a massive support campaign with 25 LED trucks in Seoul. The actor has denied the claims, but the scandal continues to impact his career.
Fan Support Campaign in Seoul
Kim Soo Hyun, a prominent South Korean actor, has been at the center of controversy following allegations of a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. In response, his Chinese fan club, KSHBar, which boasts over 1 million members, organized a significant show of support. On April 27, 2025, the fan club deployed 25 LED trucks across busy areas of Seoul, displaying messages like “Truth Will Prevail” and images of the actor. Some trucks were stationed outside Disney Korea’s office, reflecting fans’ disappointment over the postponement of Kim Soo Hyun’s drama Knock Off. The campaign, detailed in a letter to Sports Donga, aimed to counter what fans called “false rumors and reckless cyberbullying.”
The trucks, equipped with vibrant LED screens, toured Seoul for five days, showcasing solidarity. The letter, signed by “1 million Chinese fans of Kim Soo Hyun,” emphasized their frustration with the ongoing spread of unverified claims. Fans also hired a lawyer to pursue legal action against those spreading defamatory content online, signaling their commitment to protecting the actor’s reputation. This move followed earlier support from global fans, who parked similar trucks outside GoldMedalist, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, on April 23, 2025, with messages like “We trust you, Kim Soo Hyun.”
[NEWS] China’s 1-Million #KimSoohyun Fans Step Up to Support Him
Kim Soohyun’s Chinese fan club, which is the largest among his overseas fandoms, has launched a ‘public truck campaign’ using LED-equipped trucks to show their support. The trucks started appearing around busy… pic.twitter.com/wjjW6rEd27
The scandal erupted on March 10, 2025, when the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, led by former reporter Kim Se Ui, featured a woman claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt. She alleged that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron starting in 2015, when Sae Ron was 15 and he was 27, implying an underage relationship. The claims, supported by alleged photos, texts, and videos, sparked widespread backlash, with many netizens labeling Kim Soo Hyun a “groomer.” Kim Sae Ron, a former child star known for The Man from Nowhere, died by suicide on February 16, 2025, coinciding with Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday, which fueled further speculation.
Kim Soo Hyun addressed the allegations at a press conference on March 31, 2025, in Seoul. He denied dating Sae Ron when she was a minor, admitting to a one-year relationship in 2019 when she was 19. He stated:
I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. Aside from the fact that we were both actors, we were simply an ordinary couple who broke up over time.
He also refuted claims that his agency pressured Sae Ron over a 700 million won ($483,000) debt from her 2022 DUI incident, releasing a voice recording suggesting the debt notice was procedural. Kim Soo Hyun claimed many circulated text messages were fabricated and filed a 12 billion won ($8.15 million) lawsuit against Sae Ron’s family and the YouTube channel for defamation.
Impact on Kim Soo Hyun’s Career
The controversy has significantly affected Kim Soo Hyun’s career. Major brands, including Prada and Dinto, terminated their contracts with him in March 2025, citing the scandal. Prada confirmed the mutual end of their collaboration, while Dinto deemed the contract “unfeasible.” Over 20 endorsements were reportedly lost, and his upcoming Disney+ drama Knock Off was postponed indefinitely. The variety show Good Day, filmed with stars like G-Dragon, edited out his footage entirely in April 2025.
South Korean celebrities, including Ahn Bo Hyun, Im Si Wan, and Seol In Ah, have distanced themselves by unfollowing Kim Soo Hyun on Instagram. Fans pressured stars like Jung Hae In to do the same, interpreting social media follows as support for the actor. These actions reflect the intense scrutiny within South Korea’s entertainment industry, where public perception can swiftly alter professional relationships.
Kim Sae Ron’s Struggles and Allegations
Kim Sae Ron was a celebrated actress, debuting at age nine in A Brand New Life (2009), which premiered at Cannes. Her career faltered after a 2022 DUI incident, leading to a 20 million won ($14,000) fine and public backlash. She left GoldMedalist in December 2022, and her family alleged the agency demanded repayment for damages it initially covered. A 2023 text, purportedly from Sae Ron, pleaded for time to repay the debt:
Oppa, it’s Sae-ron. I received the content-certified letter. You’re suing me… I’ve been preparing for my return to acting, and I plan to repay you gradually from each project. It’s not that I won’t pay, but I just can’t manage 700 million won all at once. Please give me time.
Her family claimed Kim Soo Hyun ignored her pleas, contributing to her financial and emotional distress. They also alleged Sae Ron posted a since-deleted photo with him in 2024 to get his attention, which backfired, worsening her public image.
Public and Industry Reaction
Public sentiment remains divided. Some netizens support Sae Ron’s family, with comments like:
Justice for Kim Saeron. Your birthday is someone else’s death day. I will never support someone who uses minors.
Others defend Kim Soo Hyun, arguing the evidence is inconclusive. His global fanbase, including the Kim Soo Hyun Fan Union, has pursued legal action against defamatory content, filing complaints with Seoul’s Seongbuk Police Station. The controversy has reignited discussions about the pressures on South Korean celebrities, with comparisons to past tragedies involving stars like Sulli and Goo Hara.
As of April 29, 2025, Kim Soo Hyun remains under legal and public scrutiny. His Chinese fans’ campaign continues to gain attention, with posts on X praising their loyalty:
Thank you, Chinese fans. Loyalty—quiet, steady, and real. A fan group with over one million members has launched a massive show of support.
The legal battle persists, with no public response from Sae Ron’s family on the lawsuits. Kim Soo Hyun is reportedly staying with family in Seoul, focusing on his mental health amid the ongoing turmoil.
