In a troubling turn of events, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun faces disturbing allegations from the contentious YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute. This channel, led by former MBC reporter and far-right YouTuber Kim Se-Ui (known as Kim Say), has announced intentions to file a police report against the actor.
The accusations suggest that the popular star engaged in sexual conduct with a minor, alleging a link to his previous relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was reportedly underage at that time. Garosero Research Institute made its claims public through a post written in Korean, stating:
“Garosero isn’t just any outlet. We uploaded the video using information and interviews we received from the bereaved. We dare you to try pulling that ‘legal action’ stunt on the bereaved, too. LOL. And sometime tomorrow, you can expect a report to be filed against you for the charge of having s*x with a minor.”
Furthermore, the post went on to question,
“Dating an 8th grader?! We sure hope you didn’t actually have s*x with her. From what we’ve heard, someone is definitely filing the report. But don’t you dare coerce or threaten the bereaved.”(translated by Koreaboo)
Background and Controversy Surrounding Kim Soo-hyun
The controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun intensified after the tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron. The Garosero Research Institute released a provocative video, claiming to have interviewed Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, who asserted that the two actors had a secret relationship spanning six years. This alleged romance purportedly began when Kim Sae-ron was just 15, while Kim Soo-hyun was 27.
According to the aunt, their relationship started on November 19, 2015, and concluded on July 7, 2021. She further claimed that Kim Sae-ron joined Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, largely due to his influence. The speculation surrounding their connection reignited last year when Kim Sae-ron shared an old photo with Kim Soo-hyun, which many interpreted as an implication of a romantic link.
However, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency has swiftly refuted these rumors, publicly denying any romantic involvement. In a subsequent statement, they clarified that Kim Soo-hyun was not connected to Kim Sae-ron’s DUI case and labeled the allegations made by Garosero Research Institute as “baseless”and “entirely false.” Additionally, the agency expressed condolences regarding Kim Sae-ron’s death while indicating plans to pursue legal actions against misinformation and defamation.
The Aftermath and Emotional Turmoil
Following the scrutiny, Kim Sae-ron’s family revealed that she faced significant emotional and financial distress after leaving Gold Medalist in 2022. It was claimed that an old photo she shared on social media was intended to garner Kim Soo-hyun’s attention, particularly in light of receiving a repayment notice for a substantial loan of 700 million KRW (approximately $590,000).
According to her aunt, while Kim Soo-hyun and his agency initially expressed their commitment to dealing with the repercussions of her car accident, their subsequent silence greatly affected Kim Sae-ron’s state of mind. The aunt shared:
“By the time of the car accident in 2022, they had already broken up, but Kim Soo-hyun and the agency said they would take full responsibility for compensation and suggested Kim Sae-ron let them handle it, even if she wanted to investigate the scale of the damages herself.”
The aunt continued,
“The agency paid 700 million KRW in compensation and never mentioned asking for it back. Kim Sae-ron said she would repay the money by working hard, and later, her agency contract expired. However, in 2024, a sudden notice demanding repayment of the 700 million KRW arrived.”
Amid this tumultuous backdrop, it was alleged that negative content from former journalist Lee Jin-ho and relentless media coverage contributed to her severe emotional distress. Reports suggest that even her family had to keep a watchful eye on her well-being. Tragically, her father implicated Lee Jin-ho in his daughter’s demise during a conversation about suicide prevention at her memorial site.
Moreover, Garosero Research Institute insinuated that Kim Sae-ron had prepared a detailed statement regarding her alleged relationship with Kim Soo-hyun prior to her death; however, this statement was never released. The proposed publication of her account was reportedly intended to be shared following a particular selfie. In the wake of public speculation—especially considering the timing of her passing coinciding with Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday—Gold Medalist has continued to deny all allegations leveled against the actor.