The Kim Soo-hyun & Kim Sae-ron Controversy: Everything You Need To Know
The South Korean entertainment scene is caught up in the latest controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun. Known for his roles in hit dramas like 'My Love from the Star' and 'Queen of Tears', he has long been seen as the ideal green-flag boyfriend on-screen and a quirky, lovable star in real life. But now, he’s caught in a scandal involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron. As more details surface, here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far.
The Allegations
In March 2025, reports emerged suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun, now 36, had been in a six-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron, starting when she was 15 and he was 27. These allegations were brought to light by Kim Sae-ron's aunt, who accused Kim Soo-hyun of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with her niece and distancing himself following her DUI incident in 2022.
Photo from Weibo
Financial Entanglements Post-DUI Incident
In May 2022, Kim Sae-ron was involved in a DUI incident that caused significant property damage and sparked public backlash. Her agency at the time, Gold Medalist—a label founded by Kim Soo-hyun and his cousin, which she joined in 2019—initially covered the penalties from projects she had to withdraw from due to the incident. Though they assured her repayment wasn’t necessary, they later demanded approximately 700 million KRW (around $640,000) in damages.
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Under mounting financial pressure, Kim Sae-ron allegedly messaged Kim Soo-hyun on 24 March 2024, pleading for help and more time to repay the debt. She expressed her inability to pay the full amount immediately and begged him to intervene to prevent legal action.
Photo from Dispatch
Translation: "Oppa, I'm Saeron. I received a certified mail saying they are suing me. They said they would give me plenty of time so I am diligently preparing for my comeback and I will pay back a few percent of each project little by little. I am not saying I won't pay back, but if they ask me for 700 million won right away, I really can't do it. It's not that I won't, I just can't do it, but do I really have to go all the way to a lawsuit? Please save me... Please give me time."
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Past Speculations
Kim Soo-hyun never responded to Kim Sae-ron’s text. In March 2024, she posted a selfie with him on Instagram but quickly deleted it, seemingly trying to get his attention. This led to dating rumours, which both denied. However, the post sparked backlash against her at the time.
Photo from Weibo
Since the news and speculations emerged, more personal photos of the two have surfaced online.
Photo from Weibo, ettoday
Photo from HoverLab's YouTube channel
Agency's Response
Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, swiftly refuted these claims, labelling them as "baseless and malicious." They emphasised that such accusations are entirely false and expressed deep sorrow over Kim Sae-ron's passing, as she was once part of their company.
Past Remarks on Marriage
Adding to the controversy, past remarks by Kim Soo-hyun have resurfaced, where he mentioned his desire to marry at the age of 41 to a partner 20 years his junior. These comments have drawn criticism and added to the public's scrutiny of his relationship with Kim Sae-ron.
Photo from Weibo
Tragic Coincidence
Adding to the controversy, Kim Sae-ron's untimely death on 16 February 2025, coincided with Kim Soo-hyun's birthday. This coincidence has led to renewed public interest and speculation regarding their past relationship.
At her funeral, notable figures such as Won Bin, who had been semi-retired for over a decade, attended to pay their respects. However, Kim Soo-hyun, as her former agency head, was notably absent, leading to public speculation and criticism regarding his absence.
Photo from Weibo
As the situation unfolds, the entertainment industry and fans await further clarity. The allegations have undoubtedly prompted discussions about ethics and responsibility within the South Korean entertainment scene.
Gold Medalist to Address Kim Soo-hyun & Kim Sae-ron Allegations
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has announced plans to release an official statement addressing allegations about his alleged relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron.
On 13 March 2025, the agency stated, “We will share our position next week with clear evidence to refute false rumours and clarify the facts.” However, they did not specify when or how the statement would be made.
Note: This is based on reports as of 13 March 2025. The situation is ongoing, and new developments may emerge.
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