On March 11, 2025, the Garosero Research Institute, a YouTube channel known for uncovering celebrity controversies, disclosed a collection of private letters and photographs allegedly exchanged between actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron. These personal items are said to have been sent during Kim Soo-hyun’s military service.
This revelation has intensified an ongoing debate, as the channel asserts that the two shared a prolonged romantic relationship. In contrast, both Kim Soo-hyun and his agency have consistently denied these allegations.
The disclosed materials include intimate photographs from Kim Soo-hyun’s time in military service, hand-written letters, and personal images featuring him with Kim Sae-ron. Notably, the military photographs, which had never been released before, depict the actor during his compulsory military duty, a period when he distanced himself from his entertainment career.
Alongside these military images, Garosero shared photographs purportedly showcasing tender moments between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. In one of the letters, Kim Soo-hyun allegedly addressed Kim Sae-ron with the affectionate nickname “SaeRoNeRo,”including heartfelt messages directed toward the late star.
This latest disclosure comes shortly after the channel’s initial accusations suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun maintained a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. The channel has also alleged that the actor exerted pressure on her concerning a significant financial debt she owed.
Insights from the Second Live Stream on March 12, 2025
The controversy continued to unfold on March 12, 2025, when the Garosero Research Institute hosted a second live stream titled “I Love You, Kim Sae-ron (A Letter from Private Kim Soo-hyun).”During this session, the channel unveiled more romantic images, including one where Kim Soo-hyun is seen kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek.
Additionally, playful selfies supposedly sent from the actor to Kim Sae-ron while in the military were shared, indicating a close and affectionate relationship. A striking claim from this live stream was that Kim Soo-hyun had allegedly promised to marry Kim Sae-ron.
According to assertions from the channel, Kim Sae-ron’s aunt initially thought the two were merely friends in the industry, but later discovered the depth of their relationship upon finding letters and messages exchanged between them. Despite the family’s opposition, they reportedly were unable to hinder the coupling.
The Garosero Research Institute further accused Kim Soo-hyun of leaking Kim Sae-ron’s private messages to Dispatch, suggesting that he overlooked her distress signals prior to her untimely passing. They allege that when she sought his help in 2024 following a legal notice from Kim Soo-hyun’s company demanding the repayment of 700 million KRW, he not only failed to respond but also shared her communications with the media.
Moreover, the institute hinted that there are additional private materials related to this case, indicating potential future revelations. The channel has also reported that Kim Sae-ron’s family is demanding a public apology from Kim Soo-hyun, calling for him to acknowledge their past relationship.
Despite the continuous flow of allegations, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency remains steadfast in its denial of the claims. However, the ongoing revelations are exerting considerable pressure on the actor, raising questions about the potential repercussions for his career.