South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is currently embroiled in a rapidly escalating controversy following the resurgence of a photograph depicting him kissing the late actress Kim Sae-ron on the cheek. Reports indicate that the photo was captured when she was just 16 years old.
This development has sparked renewed rumors regarding the nature of their relationship, with some questioning whether it has any connection to Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing. On March 12, 2025, the entertainment agency Gold Medalist, which represents Kim Soo-hyun, was questioned by media outlet SPOTV News but maintained their stance amidst the mounting scrutiny.
“There is no change to our previous position,” Gold Medalist asserted firmly in response to inquiries.
The photograph gained further attention when the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute made claims about Kim Soo-hyun’s relationship with the “Queen of Tears”star. Notably, this surfaced a day after Kim Sae-ron’s aunt allegedly shared details regarding their dynamic.
This aunt suggested that Kim Soo-hyun was romantically intertwined with her niece, though these allegations remain unverified. According to Kim Se-ui from the Garo Sero Institute, the two stars purportedly began their relationship in 2015, at which point Kim Sae-ron was 15 years old and Kim Soo-hyun was 27. Their rumored relationship reportedly concluded in 2021. The agency has previously labeled these claims as “baseless,”vowing to pursue “legal action”against those disseminating harmful misinformation.
Insights on Kim Sae-ron’s Leaked Message to Kim Soo-hyun
Adding to the controversy, a leaked text message that purportedly originated from Kim Sae-ron to Kim Soo-hyun has surfaced online, further complicating matters. The message, originally shared on The Qoo, discusses Kim Sae-ron’s financial difficulties.
In her message, she allegedly pleads for an extension on her repayment of 700 million KRW (approximately $483,000), a sum reportedly covered by Gold Medalist after her DUI incident.
“Oppa, it’s Saeron. I got a legal notice… Are you really suing me? You said you’d give me enough time, so I’ve been working hard to make a comeback,” Kim Sae-ron is quoted as saying.
She further appealed for understanding, stating:
“I was planning to pay it back little by little with every project. It’s not that I won’t pay— I just can’t come up with 700 million won all at once. Does it really have to go to court? Please… just give me some time. I’m begging you. Let me live.”
Kim Sae-ron had joined Gold Medalist in 2019, a few years after Kim Soo-hyun established the agency following his departure from KeyEast. Prior to this, she was affiliated with YG Entertainment.
Initially, Gold Medalist provided financial support to the “Bloodhounds”actress, covering expenses stemming from her DUI case. Nevertheless, reports indicate that relations soured, prompting the agency to demand repayment of the funded amount.
In light of these unfolding events, a growing number of netizens are calling for brands to sever ties with Kim Soo-hyun, with some even announcing intentions to boycott brands that continue their endorsement relationships with him. Presently, the 37-year-old actor is associated with 19 brands, including well-known names such as Prada, Shinhan Bank, Homeplus, Swatch MIDO, Eider, BENCH/, Tous Les Jours, Estée Lauder, and Jo Malone.