EDAM Entertainment Responds to WOODZ-Kim Sae-ron Dating Allegations
On April 13, 2025, Sports Chosun reported that EDAM Entertainment, the management agency for the singer WOODZ, addressed rumors surrounding his alleged romantic involvement with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, dating back to 2019. This speculation gained traction following a video released by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho on April 11, which suggested a past relationship between the two.
Conflicting Claims and Reactions
Following the revelation of actor Kim Soo-hyun’s contentious connections with Kim Sae-ron, new allegations surfaced concerning WOODZ (real name Cho Seung-youn). An unnamed source from the entertainment industry claimed that the actress and WOODZ were romantically involved from early 2021 until May 2022, a timeline that contradicts Lee Jin-ho’s allegations that the pair dated in 2019.
Family members of Kim Sae-ron have publicly dismissed these claims. Lee Jin-ho’s initial video suggested that Kim Sae-ron was filmed kissing another man—identified as not being Kim Soo-hyun—but the specifics remain unclear due to the video’s poor quality. Notably, this speculation about WOODZ intensified as the late actress had previously shown support for him by sending coffee to his filming set.
EDAM Entertainment’s Official Statement
In response to the swirling rumors, EDAM Entertainment released a statement emphasizing the private nature of the artist’s personal life:
“It is the artist’s private life, so we cannot confirm it,”(translated by Google Translate).
Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron: Timeline of Allegations
In recent developments noted by Times Now News, allegations about Kim Sae-ron’s relationships have emerged, claiming she was involved with WOODZ in 2021, while the controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun intensified. Reports allege that his relationship with the late actress spanned from November 2015 to July 2021, which contradicts his agency Gold Medalist’s prior assertions that they were together from summer 2019 to fall 2020.
These allegations emerged in light of the tragic passing of Kim Sae-ron on February 16, 2025, officially ruled a case of suicide, with no note found. Since her death, her family and the investigative channel Garosero Research Institute have called for an acknowledgment from Kim Soo-hyun regarding their relationship and a public apology.
Press Conference and Legal Backlash
On March 31, Kim Soo-hyun hosted a press conference, restricting reporters from posing questions. He firmly denied all allegations of a prolonged relationship with Kim Sae-ron, stating they only dated as adults from mid-2019 to late 2022. Citing a desire for privacy, he noted that their romantic connection was concealed due to the potential backlash they could face in the public eye.
Subsequently, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team announced they would pursue a defamation lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron’s family, seeking 12 billion KRW (approximately $8.2 million) in damages, exacerbating the ongoing public relations crisis.
Public and Fan Reactions
The vague response from EDAM Entertainment sparked mixed reactions among fans and viewers alike; some expressed disappointment at the lack of transparency, while others requested respect for the privacy of all parties involved.
In a related matter, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho is facing a lawsuit from Kim Sae-ron’s family for releasing derogatory videos after her DUI incident, which they claim contributed to her mental distress prior to her passing.
Family Demands and Kim Soo-hyun’s Fallout
While Kim Sae-ron’s family has not sought financial reparations, her mother articulated seven specific demands as of March 15, 2025. Among these was a request for Kim Soo-hyun to publicly acknowledge the alleged relationship history, including the fact that Kim Sae-ron was only 15 when they allegedly began dating while he was 27 years old.
Additionally, her mother called for Gold Medalist to apologize for pursuing a repayment of 700 million KRW related to DUI damages, emphasizing that this demand was unreasonable given Kim Sae-ron’s unemployed status at the time.
The fallout from these allegations has resulted in significant reputational damage for Kim Soo-hyun. He has lost endorsements with brands such as PRADA, DINTO, and Jo Malone London, while others like Esteé Lauder have distanced themselves from him. Moreover, Disney+ has indefinitely delayed the production of his upcoming series Knock Off, which could lead to a hefty penalty if the project is canceled.
As this situation continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about accountability and the responsibilities of public figures regarding their private lives.