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Kim Sae Ron & Kim Soo-hyun: A Scandal Rocks South Korea
The South Korean entertainment industry is reeling from a controversy surrounding the late actress Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun. Following Kim Sae-ron's tragic suicide in February 2025, her family leveled serious allegations against Kim Soo-hyun, prompting a tearful press conference and a legal battle.
The Allegations
The accusations against Kim Soo-hyun are twofold: a relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was underage (15), and pressure from his agency to repay a debt. Kim Soo-hyun admitted to a year-long relationship with Kim Sae-ron, but vehemently denied it began before she reached adulthood. He also denied forcing debt repayment and claimed the family's evidence, including KakaoTalk messages, was manipulated.
Kim Soo-hyun's Press Conference
Kim Soo-hyun's emotional press conference was a highly anticipated event. He apologized for the suffering caused, admitted to the relationship, but maintained their romance began after Kim Sae-ron turned 18. He attributed his initial denial to protecting his career and the "Queen of Tears" production. However, his emotional response sparked a backlash from some, questioning the sincerity of his apologies.
The Evidence and Counter-Claims
The central piece of evidence presented by Kim Sae-ron’s family are KakaoTalk messages allegedly sent in 2016. Kim Soo-hyun contested this, presenting a forensic linguistic analysis suggesting a different sender. This analysis, however, has been met with skepticism due to questions surrounding the credibility of the firm conducting the analysis. Counter-evidence released by the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute continues to fuel the debate, including photos from 2015 questioning the timeline of the relationship.
The Legal Battle
A defamation lawsuit has been filed by Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Goldmedalist, against Kim Sae-ron's family, a woman claiming to be her aunt, and the operator of Garosero Research Institute, seeking substantial damages. This legal battle adds another layer of complexity to an already emotionally charged situation.
Public Reaction and the Kim Sae-ron Legacy
The stark contrast between Kim Sae-ron’s calm handling of her previous DUI scandal and Kim Soo-hyun’s emotional press conference has sparked intense online debate. The public is divided, with some praising Kim Sae-ron’s composure and others criticizing Kim Soo-hyun's handling of the situation. The case continues to highlight the immense pressure within the South Korean entertainment industry and the complexities of dealing with celebrity scandals.
