On March 31, the Garosero Research Institute unveiled digital forensic evidence during a YouTube livestream that features actors Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron from June 20, 2018. This event followed Soo-hyun’s press conference held the same day, where he addressed various allegations regarding his relationship with Kim Sae-ron. In this footage, he can be seen enjoying a late dinner at her residence.
At that time, Kim Soo-hyun was fulfilling his mandatory military service, and the video was captured during his leave of absence. The Garosero Research Institute also noted that Kim Sae-ron was in her eleventh grade, having been born on July 21, 2000, which made her 17 years old at the time of the encounter.
Insights from Kim Soo-hyun’s Press Conference
During the press conference on March 31, Kim Soo-hyun, along with his representatives, tackled the dating rumors that have emerged concerning him and Kim Sae-ron. He actively refuted several claims made by the Garosero Research Institute.
It was on March 11 that the Garosero Research Institute disclosed the supposed six-year relationship between the two actors, leading to various grooming allegations aimed at Kim Soo-hyun. However, he clarified that while he did date Kim Sae-ron, it was after she had reached the age of majority.
“I didn’t date Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Beyond both of us being actors, we were just like any other couple. We had a genuine relationship that unfortunately ended after a while. Maintaining communication was challenging post-breakup, particularly because we were public figures.”
Further, he elaborated on his reasoning to initially deny their relationship, especially when Kim Sae-ron shared a photograph of them on her Instagram during the airing of his upcoming K-drama, Queen of Tears.
“We dated for about a year, four years before ‘Queen of Tears’ premiered. At that time, I denied our relationship, and I accept the backlash that came from that. As the lead actor, I had much to protect. Admitting to the relationship could have jeopardized the well-being of the cast, crew, and everyone involved in the project.”
In a legal turn of events, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team has filed a defamation complaint against members of Kim Sae-ron’s family, including her alleged aunt, as well as against the Garosero Research Institute. They are seeking 12 million KRW in damages as a result of the controversy.
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