On March 21, 2025, Newsen reported that South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is currently enjoying family time in his residence located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The article also mentioned that, while there is uncertainty surrounding the actor’s mental well-being, his family has been actively protecting him from negative media coverage and various videos related to ongoing controversies.
The turmoil began on March 10, 2025, when the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute made allegations regarding a past relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron, suggesting that the two were involved when she was a minor.
Following these claims, a staff member from MBC’s variety show Good Day, where Kim Soo-hyun was filming amidst the fallout, revealed that he was experiencing significant stress. The source noted that the Queen of Tears star seemed to be troubled by memories of Sae-ron, grappling with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and a sense of injustice concerning her situation.
In response to the situation, Kim Soo-hyun reportedly provided his agency, GOLD MEDALIST, with all pertinent information while choosing to distance himself from the public relations strategy. Initially, the agency struggled to formulate an effective response to the claims made by Garosero, which were gaining considerable attention due to their frequency and sensationalism.
Furthermore, it was disclosed that there were attempts by GOLD MEDALIST to amicably resolve matters with Kim Sae-ron’s family through direct dialogue, which even included discussions about condolence payments to her family. However, these plans were abandoned after controversial images of Kim Soo-hyun emerged, showing him performing household tasks at the late actress’s home.
As a result of these images becoming public, GOLD MEDALIST shifted their strategy from peaceful resolution to filing legal charges. On March 20, 2025, the agency lodged a criminal complaint under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, naming Kim Sae-ron’s family, the Garosero Research Institute, and an unnamed individual believed to be related to the late actress.
Insights into the Dating Controversy
Initially, on March 10, 2025, the Garosero Research Institute released a video alleging that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship that started when she was just 15 years old, while he was 27. Their relationship reportedly spanned from 2015 until 2022, culminating in the wake of her DUI scandal.
During their time together, it was alleged that Sae-ron had played a pivotal role in establishing an agency for Kim Soo-hyun, providing assistance and guidance in exchange for support during her career. However, after the termination of her contract in 2024, the agency demanded repayment of nearly $483,000 to cover damages linked to her scandal.
Following her outreach to Kim Soo-hyun, during which she sought to reconnect, her aunt expressed feelings of betrayal, even taking to Instagram to post a photograph of the two in hopes of drawing his attention. In stark contrast, GOLD MEDALIST and Kim Soo-hyun released statements portraying Sae-ron unfavorably.
Initially denying the allegations presented in the video, GOLD MEDALIST later acknowledged that the two had indeed dated but insisted their relationship did not commence until Sae-ron was of legal age. This admission sparked further outrage from Sae-ron’s mother, who accused the agency of hypocrisy, pointing to inconsistencies in their statements.
She further criticized GOLD MEDALIST’s past comments, which she claimed misrepresented her daughter as deceitful and confused.
Amidst the turmoil and negative publicity, several brands have chosen to sever business ties with Kim Soo-hyun, including notable names like Prada, Dinto Cosmetics, Jo Malone London, and Tous Les Jours, indicating the far-reaching impact of the ongoing controversy.