Controversy Surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron: A Closer Look
A recent revelation involving Kim Soo-hyun, the actor known for his role in “Queen of Tears,”has sparked widespread outrage and scrutiny. Allegations have surfaced that Kim Soo-hyun referred to the late Kim Sae-ron—who was 16 at the time—as “Saero-Nero”in a handwritten letter expressing affection for her. This correspondence raises serious concerns, particularly given that during this time, Kim Soo-hyun was 28 years old. Accusations from Kim Sae-ron’s family suggest their relationship began when she was just 15 and extended until 2022.
“June 9, 2018 To SaeroNero…[…] The younger guys here keep pulling me into their flow, and now I’m even thinking, ‘Should I go back to school and finish my degree?’ Wait, would that mean we’d end up going to school together?! […] So yeah, please keep taking care of me.”(translation provided by Korea Deok0)
This shocking letter came to light shortly after Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death on February 16, 2025, which was ruled a suicide by authorities. They found no signs of foul play or a farewell note, leaving the entertainment community and her fans in shock.
The re-emergence of the “Saero-Nero”nickname has ignited significant discussions online. Many netizens took to social media platforms, with sentiments ranging from disbelief to demands for accountability from Kim Soo-hyun.
“I’m gonna throw up. This is so sickening,”one user commented.
“If you did not believe what was shown yesterday, then I think this letter right now is ENOUGH for you to change your stance. LIKE YOU KNOW THAT’S HIS HANDWRITING,”stated another fan.
Netizens have expressed disgust, interpreting the relationship as manipulative, especially given Kim Sae-ron’s young age during the alleged dating period. Many believe it crosses the line from affection into emotional abuse.
“You know what makes me sick the most? Calling that thing between them a ‘relationship’ when, to me, it was pure abuse and manipulation. This is sickening,”another user wrote.
Details of the Allegations and Public Reaction
On March 10, 2025, an investigative video was released by Hoverlab, a YouTube channel dedicated to deep-dive content, featuring Kim Sae-ron’s aunt. The aunt asserted that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron started their relationship at the age of 15, maintaining it for six years.
The video included the now-infamous handwritten letter dated June 9, 2018, allegedly from Kim Soo-hyun while he was serving in the military. The revelation ignited further backlash across social media as the public reacted strongly to the implications of such an age gap.
In response to the rising tension and backlash, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, denied the allegations, labeling them as completely false. They announced their intent to pursue legal action against those disseminating such claims.
“The claims that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron from the age of 15 are entirely untrue.”
Moreover, media outlets reported a financial dispute between Kim Sae-ron and Gold Medalist. The agency claimed it filed a complaint against her for approximately 700 million KRW (around $481,497), which she was allegedly unable to pay back.
This financial strain reportedly led her to seek help from Kim Soo-hyun, complicating the already sensitive nature of their relationship. Although Gold Medalist recognized the financial challenges Kim Sae-ron was facing, they still pursued a legal resolution.
“From what we know, her manager got in contact with her at that time. We needed the documents for it. She was told the company paid out the compensation. We knew we couldn’t get such a large amount from her.”
The fallout has already impacted Kim Soo-hyun’s career, as he reportedly lost around 300,000 followers on Instagram within days of the allegations surfacing. Additional calls for his removal from the MBC variety show “Good Day”have been made, and fans are pressuring brands associated with him to reassess their partnerships.
This unfolding situation continues to overshadow discussions about Kim Soo-hyun’s upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Disney+ drama “Knock-Off,”amidst widespread public scrutiny and discontent.