On March 27, 2025, significant revelations emerged regarding the late actress Kim Sae-ron, as reported by iMBC. Kim Se-ui, a representative from the Garosero Research Institute and a spokesperson for Kim Sae-ron’s family, announced the existence of evidence that implicates actor Kim Soo-hyun in alleged criminal activities. He suggested that these allegations bear a resemblance to the notorious Nth Room incident. However, in a bid to uphold the dignity of the deceased actress, he made it clear that specific details would remain confidential.
This announcement took place during a press conference at Space Share Gangnam Station Center in Seocho-dong, Seoul. Here, Kim Se-ui addressed a much-discussed photo of Kim Sae-ron alongside Kim Soo-hyun, asserting the image was captured in 2016, as disclosed by the late actress herself, while choosing to withhold any additional specifics.
During the discourse on the comparisons drawn to the Nth Room scandal, the Garosero representative emphasized their intention to underscore Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged misconduct without compromising Kim Sae-ron’s legacy. According to a translation by user @TheePopCore on X, the YouTuber remarked:
“Mentioning the Nth Room was to expose Kim Soohyun’s shameless attitude and raise awareness, showing that ‘we have secured such information.’ However, since we must also protect the honor of Kim Saeron and her family, we are not disclosing it.”
The Nth Room case represents a significant cybers*x crime scandal in South Korea, wherein perpetrators utilized encrypted Telegram chatrooms to perpetrate exploitation and extortion against victims, including minors, by coercing them into creating explicit content. The case came to light in 2020 and involved thousands of subscribers accessing illicit materials, igniting widespread public outrage and leading to legal reforms aimed at enhancing protections against digital s*x crimes.
The Unfolding Story of Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun
In a tragic turn of events, Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16, 2025, which coincides with her birthday. Previous assertions by her family indicated a potentially intricate relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, asserting that their involvement dated back to 2015 when she was just 15 years old.
In contrast, representatives for Kim Soo-hyun have firmly denied these claims, stating the two were only together from mid-2019 to late 2020, a period when she had reached adulthood.
The controversy deepened after the Garosero Research Institute’s YouTube channel unveiled letters and photographs that purportedly document a long-standing relationship between the two actors, including communications and images dating back to his military service. This evidence allegedly demonstrates inappropriate behavior occurring while Kim Sae-ron was still a minor.
Though the authenticity of a particular letter is disputed—suggested to be unsent—it purportedly outlines their five to six-year relationship, where Kim Sae-ron referred to Kim Soo-hyun as her “first and last love.”In an emotional reflection, she expressed feelings of neglect:
“I realized that we were together for about 5-6 years. You were my first and last love, so I hope you won’t avoid me. Seeing you completely ignoring me and refusing to even acknowledge me makes all that time feel empty and meaningless. Can’t we at least be on good terms? Nothing more, nothing less—just enough to support each other. Do you really hate me that much? Why?”
The family of Kim Sae-ron has also shared historical text messages from 2016 that showcase a seemingly intimate connection between the two, challenging Kim Soo-hyun’s claims that their romance only began once she was legally an adult. Moreover, the family attorney brought to light assertions that Kim Soo-hyun allegedly pressured Kim Sae-ron to repay a substantial debt of 700 million won, while failing to provide support during her financial struggles. Disturbing evidence, including self-harm images, was also presented, purportedly illustrating the emotional distress Kim Sae-ron faced prior to her untimely death.
As the situation escalates, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has commenced a defamation investigation involving both Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron. Additionally, a separate investigation regarding statements made by a YouTuber is currently underway.