South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun underage dating allegations have sparked massive backlash and media frenzy following the tragic death of actress Kim Sae-ron in February. At a highly emotional press conference in Seoul on Monday, the 37-year-old K-drama icon broke his silence, passionately denying claims that he dated the late actress when she was a minor.
In a tearful statement, Kim Soo-hyun declared, “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do.” He acknowledged having dated Kim Sae-ron, but emphasized their relationship took place between 2019 and 2020—when she was already of legal age. “We never dated while she was underage,” he added, insisting that their relationship was just like any ordinary couple’s.
Timeline of the Controversy
The scandal emerged weeks after Kim Sae-ron’s death, when a controversial YouTube channel alleged that the two had been romantically involved since she was 15. Fueling the fire, the channel released old images and chat messages, allegedly proving the long-term relationship.
Further pressure mounted after the actress’ family and attorney held a press conference, releasing more screenshots from 2016, when Kim Sae-ron was reportedly 16. This intensified the Kim Soo-hyun underage dating allegations, pushing the actor into the spotlight.
Initially, Kim’s agency GoldMedalist denied any relationship, later adjusting their stance to confirm a short-lived adult relationship. However, Kim remained silent until this week’s media conference.
Debt Pressure and Suicide Speculations
The actress’ family accused GoldMedalist of pressuring Kim Sae-ron to repay debts related to a 2022 DUI settlement, allegedly covered by the agency. They claimed she had sought more time to repay a loan from Kim Soo-hyun, but was ignored, implying this could have contributed to her tragic decision.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun firmly stated: “She didn’t make the tragic choice because of me or my agency.” He released a year-old voice recording between GoldMedalist and Kim Sae-ron’s team, indicating no urgency was placed on repayment.
Public Fallout and Legal Action
With his reputation under threat, Kim Soo-hyun submitted what he described as authentic evidence to authorities, accusing Kim Sae-ron’s family of manipulating chat logs. His legal team has filed both a criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit, seeking 12 billion won in damages from the family and the controversial YouTube channel.
The Kim Soo-hyun underage dating allegations have had a devastating impact on his career. Top brands like Prada and Dinto terminated endorsement deals. His Disney+ show has been put on hold, and public opinion remains sharply divided.
A Culture of Scrutiny
In South Korea, the private lives of celebrities are often judged harshly, with romantic relationships sometimes treated as scandals. Kim admitted he denied the relationship when Kim Sae-ron posted a photo of them in 2024, fearing it might hurt the cast and crew of Queen of Tears.
“I had so much to protect as its lead actor,” he said. “What would happen to the actors, the staff who were working overnight and the production team?”
Legacy of the Late Kim Sae-ron
Once regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses, Kim Sae-ron’s image was tarnished by a DUI incident in 2022. She left GoldMedalist in December that year and faced online harassment in the months leading up to her death.
As the tragic saga unfolds, fans and industry insiders continue to mourn her death while questioning the pressures of South Korea’s entertainment world. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun’s future remains uncertain as legal proceedings continue and public scrutiny grows more intense.
