Kim Soo-hyun Addresses Dating Allegations in Emotional Press Conference
On March 31, 2025, South Korean star Kim Soo-hyun held a significant press conference in response to allegations tied to his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Reports from major media outlets, including Reuters and the BBC, highlighted the intense scrutiny surrounding this matter.
Denial of Underage Relationship Claims
During the conference, the 37-year-old actor vehemently denied accusations suggesting an inappropriate relationship between him and Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. He stated:
“I never dated her when she was a minor. Except for the fact that both of us were actors, our relationship was just like that of any other ordinary couple.”
Emotional Confession
Kim Soo-hyun displayed a deep emotional response, breaking down in tears while discussing the pressures stemming from the allegations. He expressed regret for the distress caused and voiced his sadness over the escalating situation.
The actor, reflecting on his public identity, cited the impact of his statements during the release of the Netflix series Queen of Tears in March 2024. He recalled the potential fallout if he were to acknowledge a romantic relationship:
“I had so much to protect as its lead actor. What would have happened if I had admitted to a year-long relationship? What would happen to the actors, the staff who were working overnight, and the production team who had everything staked on that project?”
Continuing, he underscored the weight of his responsibilities as a public figure:
“As star Kim Soo-hyun, I could not admit to dating Kim Sae-ron while Queen of Tears was being aired. I won’t change my decision even now; that is a responsibility of star Kim Soo-hyun should have.”
The Backdrop of Controversy
For those unfamiliar, the initial controversy ignited in March 2024 when Kim Sae-ron posted a personal photo with Kim Soo-hyun on her Instagram, which was removed shortly after. Both the actor and his agency promptly denied any allegations of dating, and the story faded as Queen of Tears gained global popularity.
Tragic Events and Escalating Allegations
Tragedy struck on February 16, 2025, with the news of Kim Sae-ron’s passing by suicide. Shortly after, public scrutiny shifted once more when her family, alongside the Garosero investigative media YouTube channel, accused Kim Soo-hyun of being in a relationship with her during her minor years. This led to a flurry of claims accompanied by photos and alleged evidence intensifying the scandal.
Legal Action and Public Response
During the same press conference, Kim Soo-hyun asserted that he had never dated Kim Sae-ron during the years from 2015 to 2022, clarifying that their relationship was limited to 2019 through 2020. Furthermore, he confirmed he has initiated legal proceedings against Kim Sae-ron’s family and Garosero for defamation, seeking a hefty 12 billion won (around $8.15 million) in damages.
In addressing the controversy surrounding allegedly inappropriate chat messages from 2016 and 2018, the actor declared that those messages were not authored by him, claiming they were fabricated. To reinforce his stance, his agency conducted an analysis of the messages, suggesting they had been altered.
Impact on Brand Endorsements
In the wake of this controversy, several brands, including PRADA, Homeplus, Eider, and DINTO, chose to terminate their partnerships with Kim Soo-hyun, reflecting the far-reaching implications of the accusations on his career.
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