South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is at the center of a heated controversy following allegations about his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically died by suicide in February 2025. Claims that their relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was a minor have sparked widespread debate, with conflicting timelines and evidence fueling public outrage.
How the Controversy Began
The issue started on March 10, 2025, when the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, run by former journalist Kim Se-ui, released a video. It claimed Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a six-year relationship starting in 2015, when Kim Sae-ron was 15 and Kim Soo-hyun was 27. The video included statements from a woman claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, alleging the relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was a minor.
Days later, Garosero shared more content. This included a 2016 photo of Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek. They also released a text message from March 19, 2023, where Kim Sae-ron allegedly asked Kim Soo-hyun for time to repay a debt. These claims triggered intense online backlash, with some labeling Kim Soo-hyun a “groomer” and calling for boycotts.
“Kim Sae-ron started dating Kim Soo-hyun when she was 15, and he was 27. Their relationship lasted six years.” “She worked at Kim Soo-hyun’s company in rookie casting and visual directing but was exploited without pay.” — @sanctuary_for_f on X, March 10, 2025
Kim Soo-hyun and Agency’s Response
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, initially denied any romantic relationship. On March 14, 2025, they issued a detailed statement. It admitted Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron dated but only from summer 2019 to fall 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was 19, the legal adult age in South Korea.
The agency refuted claims that photos were from 2016. They said a shirt Kim Sae-ron wore in one image was from a 2019 fashion collection, proving the photo was taken later. They also denied pressuring Kim Sae-ron over a debt from her 2022 drunk-driving incident, stating the debt was a legal matter between Gold Medalist and Kim Sae-ron.
Kim Soo Hyun in Queen of Tears: (Image: Courtesy of tvN)
On March 31, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun held an emotional press conference in Seoul. He denied dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. He admitted to a one-year relationship from 2019 to 2020. He also explained why he initially denied the relationship in 2024, when Kim Sae-ron posted and deleted a photo of them during Queen of Tears promotions.
“I did not date her when she was a minor. Apart from the fact that we were both actors, we were just an ordinary couple like anyone else.” “I had so much to protect as the lead actor. What would happen to the actors, the staff who were working overnight, and the production team who had everything staked on that project?” — Kim Soo-hyun at the press conference, March 31, 2025
Kim Soo-hyun also denied claims that Gold Medalist pressured Kim Sae-ron over a debt. He played a recorded phone call from 2024, where the agency’s CEO said the debt document was procedural and Kim Sae-ron could take time to respond. He accused Kim Sae-ron’s family of manipulating chat records.
Kim Sae-ron’s Family and Diary Evidence
Kim Sae-ron’s family has stood by their claims. On March 17, 2025, they held a press conference with Kwon Young Chan, head of the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association. They presented a diary allegedly written by Kim Sae-ron. It detailed a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun from November 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021, starting when she was 15.
Kim Se-ui of Garosero defended the diary’s credibility, noting its specific dates. The family also shared KakaoTalk messages where Kim Sae-ron discussed the relationship with relatives. They claimed Kim Sae-ron joined Gold Medalist in 2019 to support Kim Soo-hyun, providing unpaid services like acting classes and talent management.
“She documented the dates of their relationship—from 19th November, 2015, or perhaps 9th November—continuing for six years. Kim Soo-hyun’s silence over all these years, only to attempt communication now when cornered, is completely unjust.” — Kim Se-ui, Garosero Research Institute, March 17, 2025
The family alleged Kim Soo-hyun distanced himself after Kim Sae-ron’s 2022 drunk-driving incident, which led to a fine of 20 million won (about $14,000). They said Gold Medalist covered 700 million won in damages but later pursued repayment, adding to her financial stress.
Netizen Reactions and Evidence Disputes
Online discussions have been intense. Fans and netizens have scrutinized photos and messages. A key point is a mole above Kim Soo-hyun’s left eyebrow, visible early in his career but reportedly removed before 2019. Some argue its presence in photos suggests they were taken before 2019, contradicting Gold Medalist’s timeline.
“Forensics results prove once and for all that Kim Soo-hyun was dating Kim Sae-ron during her minor years revealed by Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun’s Katalk exchange in 2016.” — @pannchoa on X, March 27, 2025
However, Lee Jin-ho, a controversial YouTuber, claimed on April 10, 2025, that digital metadata showed a key photo was taken in 2019, not 2016. He argued Kim Sae-ron was involved with others during the alleged 2015-2021 period, casting doubt on her claims.
“In March 2024, Kim Sae-ron mentioned a photo with Kim Soo-hyun through KakaoTalk, claiming it was taken when she was 16 years old. However, through digital evidence verification, it was found that the photo was taken in 2019.” — Lee Jin-ho, April 10, 2025
Professional Fallout
The scandal has impacted Kim Soo-hyun’s career. Luxury brand Prada and cosmetics company Dinto ended their partnerships with him in March 2025. Disney+ paused production of his drama Knock Off, and MBC’s Good Day episode featuring G-Dragon was postponed.
Kim Sae-ron faced her own struggles after her 2022 drunk-driving incident. Her career stalled, and she worked part-time jobs to repay debts. She left Gold Medalist in December 2022 after her contract was not renewed.
Legal Actions
Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist filed a criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit for 12 billion won (about $8.15 million) against Kim Sae-ron’s family, Kim Se-ui, and the alleged aunt. The charges include defamation and distributing private photos, including one allegedly showing Kim Soo-hyun semi-naked.
Kim Sae-ron’s family filed a defamation complaint against Lee Jin-ho and Kim Soo-hyun. They plan to hold another press conference on March 27, 2025, to present more evidence.
Public Reactions
The controversy highlights South Korea’s scrutiny of celebrities’ personal lives. Romantic relationships often spark scandals, especially with age gaps. South Korea’s age of consent was 13 until 2020, when it was raised to 16. The legal adult age is 19. Legal experts say prosecuting Kim Soo-hyun for a relationship in 2015 would require evidence of sexual acts with a minor under 13, which is unlikely.
“Since Kim Sae-ron was 15 at the time (in 2015), the older version of the law would apply. The fact that they were in a relationship alone would not be sufficient for prosecution.” — Attorney Lee Go Eun, YTN, March 17, 2025
The debate also raises questions about gender dynamics. Kim Sae-ron faced harsh backlash after her DUI, while Kim Soo-hyun’s career thrived until now. Some see double standards in how male and female celebrities are treated.
As of April 26, 2025, the controversy remains unresolved. Lee Jin-ho’s video has reignited debates, but Kim Sae-ron’s family insists their evidence is valid. Kim Soo-hyun’s mental health has reportedly worsened, with Gold Medalist citing “acute psychological instability.” Both sides continue to present conflicting evidence, leaving the public divided.
