On March 31, 2025, the Garosero Research Institute made headlines by releasing purported photographs of South Korean actors Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. The video, entitled [Shocking Exclusive] Devil Kim Soo Hyun: Additional Release of ‘Underage Dating Video’, allegedly showcases events that transpired on June 20, 2018, at precisely 11:20 PM.
Previously, this YouTube channel suggested that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron had visited a ski resort together back in 2018, when Kim Sae-ron was 18 years old. The alleged images feature the pair in ski attire, complete with goggles and suits, raising eyebrows about their activities during that timeframe.
Among the released materials was a polaroid photograph showing Kim Soo-hyun with his mask on, while Kim Sae-ron had taken hers off. Another image purportedly depicts Kim Sae-ron slumbering on a bed that the institute claims belongs to Kim Soo-hyun. They further alleged that a pillow in the image matched one identified at his residence, although specifics on the verification process were lacking. An additional video clip featuring Kim Soo-hyun performing “Only You, My Love”was also shared late that night.
This controversy unfolded in proximity to a press conference held by Kim Soo-hyun earlier that same day, where Garosero hinted at releasing further footage of the two actors when Kim Sae-ron was still in high school.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Denial of Allegations at Press Conference
At a press gathering on March 31, 2025, held at the Stanford Hotel in Seoul, Kim Soo-hyun addressed the swirling allegations publicly for the first time. He firmly denied any romantic involvement with Kim Sae-ron while she was underage, rejecting claims that she had taken a drastic action due to pressures stemming from him or financial obligations to her agency.
“I never dated her when she was a minor. And it is also untrue that the late actor resorted to a tragic decision because I turned away from her or the agency pressured her about repaying her debt,”he expressed tearfully, as reported by Korea JoongAng Daily.
The 37-year-old actor acknowledged that they were in a relationship for a year, clarifying that it began in 2020, which was four years after Kim Sae-ron appeared in the drama Queen of Tears. He also distanced himself from any implication of involvement in her financial troubles, presenting an audio recording that featured a phone conversation between Byeon Jin-ho, the former CEO of Goldmedalist, and Ko Song-a, the current CEO of Management Run.
During the call, Byeon described the debt documents as a “routine procedure”and stressed the necessity of keeping Kim Sae-ron informed to comply with company policy.
Kim Soo-hyun further challenged the veracity of evidence that her family had presented, highlighting inconsistencies in KakaoTalk messages, including a misdated photo from 2016 that was, in fact, taken in 2019. He also corrected the reported age difference, stating it was 12 years, not 15.
“I will accept whatever criticism about my choices. But that does not mean everything becomes fact. I will take action against the evidence the family of the deceased is releasing as if they’ve verified it all,”he added.
In a significant turn of events, Kim Soo-hyun filed a lawsuit against the late Kim Sae-ron’s family, seeking 12 billion won in damages. His legal representative, Kim Jong-bok from LKB & Partners, confirmed this action during the press conference.
Tragically, Kim Sae-ron was discovered deceased at her home in eastern Seoul on February 16, 2025. Following her passing, her family asserted that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with her that commenced in 2015 when she was 15 years old. These assertions were disseminated through the Garosero Research Institute channel, operated by former MBC reporter Kim Se-ui.
Initially, Gold Medalist refuted these allegations but later acknowledged that the two did have a relationship, clarifying it began in summer 2019 when Kim Sae-ron was legally an adult in South Korea. Subsequently, Kim Sae-ron’s family released additional evidence via Garosero, demanding an apology from Kim Soo-hyun.
Amid the ongoing disputes, an alleged photograph of a man, said to be Kim Soo-hyun, was circulated showing him washing dishes at Kim Sae-ron’s residence while not wearing pants. Her family and Hoverlab demanded that he withdraw from his Disney+ drama Knock-Off, which was a substantial 60 billion won ($41 million) project set to premiere in April but was subsequently postponed. This situation has also led to the loss of lucrative brand endorsements for Kim Soo-hyun with Prada and Dinto.
In response to the escalating controversy, Gold Medalist lodged a criminal complaint against Hoverlab’s operator, citing threats. They had also initiated legal proceedings regarding an unauthorized photograph of the actor.
The situation intensified after her family and Hoverlab made public KakaoTalk messages from 2016, when Kim Sae-ron was 16. The leaked chats reportedly included Kim Soo-hyun expressing sentiments such as, “I miss you” and “When can I fall asleep holding you?” This discord began on March 10, 2025, with both parties constantly releasing new claims and evidence to bolster their stances.