On March 10, 2025, Star News unveiled serious allegations against popular actor Kim Soo-hyun via the YouTube channel, Garosero Research Institute. The channel asserted that he had been in a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was only 15 years old at the time they started dating. Reports surfaced from Sae-ron’s aunt, revealing that their relationship spanned six years, during which Kim allegedly sought financial compensation from the young actress.
Tragically, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased in her apartment on February 16, 2025, at the young age of 24. Authorities deemed her death a suicide, further complicating the circumstances surrounding these claims. According to the allegations made by Garosero Research Institute, Kim Soo-hyun began dating her in 2015 when he was 27, a relationship that reportedly lasted until 2021.
The Allegations and Their Implications
Upon establishing his agency, Gold Medalist, in 2019, Kim Soo-hyun allegedly involved Sae-ron in the organization without her renewing her contract with YG Entertainment. She purportedly offered her services by mentoring new talent and scouting for the agency without compensation.
The claims gained significant traction on social media, with a translation of the allegations garnering nearly 16 million views. According to the channel, the couple parted ways after Kim Sae-ron faced controversy following a DUI incident in 2022. Reports indicate that Gold Medalist spent around 700 million KRW (approximately $480,000) to settle damages from the incident, yet later demanded that Sae-ron repay the entirety of that amount.
Interestingly, it has been noted that Sae-ron sought help from Kim Soo-hyun during her financial hardships but was reportedly unable to get in touch with him. According to the timeline provided, she tragically ended her life on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday this year.
Social Media Reactions and Public Outcry
The allegations have generated widespread outrage across platforms, with many fans voicing disbelief and anger over the claims concerning one of South Korea’s most revered actors possibly engaging in a relationship with a minor. Reactions varied from disbelief to vehement condemnation of the alleged grooming behavior attributed to Kim Soo-hyun.
Further criticisms emerged regarding the implications of grooming, as netizens highlighted the manipulative aspects of the alleged relationship. Many took to social media to share their disgust, with comments reflecting a deep sense of injustice regarding the actor’s actions.
“Just how evil could you be to take advantage of a child? fv*king groomed her, exploited her, and when she was already at her lowest, you just had to make it worse by blocking her everywhere and suddenly ask your money back?? not all men, but somehow, it’s always a fv*king man,”another netizen added.
Reactions From Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency and Further Developments
In the wake of these shocking allegations, Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, issued a forceful denial, labeling the claims as “completely false.”They also announced intentions to pursue legal action against Garosero Research Institute for disseminating what they describe as misinformation.
However, the YouTube channel has not backed down, asserting that Kim Soo-hyun played a crucial role in exacerbating Kim Sae-ron’s financial difficulties. They alleged that she was profoundly affected by the unexpected repayment demand and had reached out to the actor for assistance, receiving no response.
In addition, the channel suggested that Sae-ron attempted to reconnect with Kim Soo-hyun publicly by posting an old photo of the two on her Instagram, which reportedly resulted in another legal notice from Gold Medalist, accusing her of harming the actor’s reputation.
Amidst these developments, past interviews with Kim Soo-hyun have resurfaced, in which he expressed openness to marrying someone significantly younger, a statement that has now drawn connections to the current allegations.
Moreover, reports suggest that Kim Sae-ron’s family may have more evidence supporting their claims and are considering releasing this information through Garosero Research Institute.