On April 7, 2025, My Daily reported that a petition titled the “Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act”has garnered over 51,000 signatures from concerned citizens. This initiative demands a reevaluation by the South Korean government regarding age classifications associated with laws protecting underage victims of sexual assault.
Background of the Controversy
The South Korean entertainment industry is currently embroiled in a significant controversy involving well-known actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Allegations emerged suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun engaged in a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor, igniting widespread outrage and discussions about the adequacy of existing legislation safeguarding young individuals.
The situation rapidly escalated, leading to the initiation of a petition aimed at instituting stricter legal protections for minors. The movement has become known as the “Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act,”with initial reports from VnExpress International indicating that the petition had already reached over 40,500 signatures by April 3, 2025. As public interest surged, the petition surpassed 51,083 signatures just four days later, highlighting the urgent call for change.
Legal Implications and Proposed Changes
In South Korea, the legal definition of a minor extends until one turns 19. Currently, protections are somewhat limited, applying specifically to individuals aged 13 to 16 against certain types of sexual abuse. This creates a significant regulatory gap for youth aged 16 to 18, exposing them to potential exploitation. The Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act seeks to close this loophole by extending protections to all individuals under 19 and advocating for an increase in the minimum prison sentence for statutory rape from two years to five years, thereby aiming to deter offenders more effectively.
Details Surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron
Kim Sae-ron, previously celebrated for her performances in acclaimed films like A Brand New Life (2009) and The Man from Nowhere (2010), experienced a tumultuous career, particularly following a drink driving incident in 2022 that drew public scrutiny. In a tragic turn of events, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased in her residence in February 2025, with authorities confirming her death as a suicide.
Timeline of Events and Accusations
In March 2024, a photograph showcasing Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun sparked speculation regarding their alleged romance, which was quickly deleted but not before triggering a flurry of online discourse. Following Kim Sae-ron’s death, the Korean YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute alleged that their relationship began while she was underage, a claim purportedly supported by her aunt.
During interviews on March 10 and 11, 2025, Kim Sae-ron’s family members confirmed the accusations, claiming Kim Soo-hyun was 27 years old when he began dating the 15-year-old actress. In response, Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, steadfastly denied these allegations, labeling supporting materials as fabricated. However, on March 14, they acknowledged that the actors had indeed dated, but contended that this occurred between 2019 and 2020, not the earlier claimed years.
Public Response and Kim Soo-hyun’s Press Conference
This revelation has escalated public backlash, with numerous fans expressing disappointment and anger toward Kim Soo-hyun. In reaction, several brands including PRADA, DINTO, CUCKOO, Homeplus, Eider, and Jo Malone London have severed ties with the actor, removing his promotional content from their platforms.
To address the growing controversy, Kim Soo-hyun scheduled a press conference for March 31, 2025. During the event, he vehemently denied the allegations, stating:
“I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. And it is also not true that the deceased made a tragic choice because of me turning a blind eye.”
He then presented evidence refuting the claims against him, including a forensic report proving his non-involvement in certain text exchanges from 2016 and 2018. Kim Soo-hyun maintained that their relationship commenced in 2019, when Kim Sae-ron was considered of age.
Despite his attempts to clear his name, public opinion continued to lean against him, especially given that Kim Sae-ron was 18 in international age during their relationship, and that South Korea has a legal drinking and marriage age of 21. Critics argued that Kim Soo-hyun attempted to frame the narrative using traditional Korean age calculations, which typically add one or two years to an individual’s actual age, a tactic deemed misleading in the context of legal standards.
As the situation evolves, it underscores the broader societal implications regarding the protection of minors and the legal frameworks currently in place. The case highlights the urgent need for reform and greater accountability within the industry to ensure that young individuals are safeguarded against potential abuses.