Top South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has publicly denied allegations that he dated late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Speaking through tears at a press conference in Seoul on Monday, the 37-year-old star declared: “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do.”
The emotional statement comes amid intense scrutiny and backlash following Kim Sae-ron’s death by suspected suicide in February. The actress’s family has accused Kim Soo-hyun and his agency of contributing to her mental distress through financial pressure and alleged manipulation.
At the heart of the controversy are two claims:
- That Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron starting when she was 15
- That his agency pressured her to repay a debt related to her 2022 drink-driving case
Kim, however, insisted their romantic relationship only began in 2019, when she was of legal age, and lasted just a year. “Our relationship was no different from that of any other ordinary couple,” he said. “I never dated her when she was a minor.”
The scandal erupted in early March after a politically controversial YouTube channel claimed the two had dated for six years, beginning when Kim Sae-ron was still in her teens. The channel released photos and alleged chat histories, which Kim’s team has accused of being manipulated.
Last week, a lawyer representing Kim Sae-ron’s family revealed more chat evidence from 2016, fueling public speculation. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency initially denied any romantic involvement, later admitting to a relationship—but only after she became an adult.
Kim Speaks on Silence and Netflix Impact
The actor also addressed why he denied the relationship when Kim Sae-ron posted a now-deleted photo of the two together during the peak of his Netflix series “Queen of Tears.”
“I had too much to protect,” he said. “If I admitted to the relationship, it could’ve impacted the show, the crew, and everyone involved in the production.”
In South Korea, celebrities’ personal lives—especially romantic ones—are often seen as taboo by fans and the entertainment industry, where image is tightly controlled.
Loan Dispute and Legal Action
Kim Sae-ron had been managed by Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, GoldMedalist, from 2020 until her departure in 2022. Following her drunk-driving incident, the agency reportedly paid damages on her behalf. Her family claims that Kim and the agency later demanded repayment, even as she asked for more time.
Kim denied that either he or his agency pushed her to repay the debt, releasing a voice recording of a phone call with her representative. In it, GoldMedalist’s CEO is heard saying the repayment notice was procedural and not urgent.
Kim also alleged that chat records used by her family had been tampered with, and confirmed that he had submitted evidence to authorities. “Please do the same,” he urged the family.
His lawyer announced they had filed both civil and criminal lawsuits against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel operator, seeking damages of 12 billion won (~$8.9 million).
Industry Fallout
Kim Soo-hyun’s brand image has taken a hit. Fashion giant Prada and cosmetic label Dinto have ended partnerships with him. A Disney+ drama featuring the actor has also been paused, according to local media.
Meanwhile, fans remain divided. Some have expressed support for the actor’s emotional confession, while others call for greater transparency from both sides as the legal battles unfold.
As the tragedy continues to send shockwaves through South Korea’s entertainment world, the case has reignited conversations about celebrity privacy, mental health, and accountability within the high-pressure world of K-entertainment.
