Lee El Speaks Out Amid Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun
In a significant statement on social media, actress Lee El has addressed the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the late Kim Sae-ron and her alleged relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun. On March 17, 2025, she shared her thoughts, highlighting the contrasting societal perceptions regarding young individuals involved in controversial situations, as noted by Chosun Biz.
“A 9-year-old knows nothing and is a child pushed by parents, while a 15-year-old is treated like a gold digger because they supposedly know everything?”
While Lee El did not provide extensive commentary, her statement appears to be a direct reflection on the backlash faced by Kim Sae-ron, particularly in light of criticisms stemming from her bereaved family’s claims.
Sparking Debate on Double Standards
Lee El’s remarks seem to directly challenge the perceptions around the late actress’s portrayal in the media. Various commentators have placed blame on both Kim Sae-ron and her parents, while others have initiated conversations about the dynamics of power within the alleged relationship. By questioning the narrative about young individuals, Lee El subtly criticized the negative responses towards Kim Sae-ron.
In the meantime, Kim Sae-ron’s family has escalated the situation by initiating legal proceedings. On the same day as Lee’s statement, they filed a defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber who alleged that the actress fabricated her dating rumors. They are also demanding an apology from Kim Soo-hyun’s team, claiming that misleading remarks have further distressed their family.
Moreover, the family has accused Kim Soo-hyun’s agency of legally pursuing Kim Sae-ron for financial recompense following her DUI incident. For context, the controversy surrounding Kim Sae-ron heightened after her family made statements following her death on February 16, 2025.
Allegations and Financial Pressures
On March 10, a relative of Kim Sae-ron made allegations during a Youtube appearance on Garo Sero Institute, claiming that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron had been involved romantically for six years, beginning when she was 15 and he was 27. It was further alleged that his agency, Gold Medalist, had previously covered 700 million KRW pertaining to damages from the actress’s 2022 DUI incident, only to later demand full repayment via legal action in 2024. The family posited that these financial and emotional burdens played a significant role in affecting Kim Sae-ron’s wellbeing.
Gold Medalist has publicly denied these allegations, asserting that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s relationship only began in 2019 when she was of legal age. However, the narrative gained momentum following a report by Dispatch released on March 12, seemingly corroborating some claims made by Kim Sae-ron’s family.
The Garo Sero Institute also introduced what they claimed to be evidence related to the actors’ long-term relationship, including letters and photos. This has sparked significant online discourse, with some netizens accusing Kim Soo-hyun of grooming and others challenging the statements made by Kim Sae-ron’s family.
Public Backlash and Career Implications
The unfolding drama remains under intense public scrutiny, with both Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress’s family steadfast in their respective stances. As the situation continues to escalate, Kim Soo-hyun is encountering increasing criticism both domestically and internationally, along with calls for a boycott of his work.
In response to the backlash, the production team of the variety show Good Day, hosted by G-Dragon, has significantly reduced Kim Soo-hyun’s screen presence. There’s also rising uncertainty surrounding his upcoming Disney+ drama Knock-Off, which was originally scheduled to launch in April 2025.
Lee El’s Career Journey
Lee El has made her mark in the South Korean entertainment industry, known for her roles in notable projects such as Hello Monster (2015), Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017), and A Korean Odyssey (2017–2018). More recently, she starred in the drama When the Stars Gossip, featuring alongside Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin in 2025.
As the situation develops, the conversation surrounding societal perceptions of youth continues to evolve, reflecting broader cultural conversations about accountability and the treatment of young individuals in the public eye.