On April 2, 2025, **JD Times** journalist Chae Seok-won conveyed fresh insights regarding allegations against actor Kim Soo-hyun. Following a conversation with Kim’s legal team at LKB & Partners, the concerns were categorically challenged, primarily related to his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, who was underage at the time of their rumored involvement.
The legal representatives asserted that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship from 2019 to 2020, emphasizing that she was 19 years old during this period, and thus considered an adult. It’s noteworthy that Kim Sae-ron was born in 2000; according to the Korean legal criteria for adulthood, which is set at 21, she still fell short of this age threshold at the start of their relationship.
This situation sparked intense scrutiny from netizens, who pointed out inconsistencies in the actor’s claim, particularly around the Korean age calculation system, which adds two years to a person’s age. For instance, while Kim Sae-ron was 19 years old internationally in 2019, she would have been considered 21 under the Korean system.
Further complicating matters, LKB & Partners referenced a video from 2018 that depicted Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron in the latter’s home, showcasing her culinary skills as she prepared Dakbokkeumtang (a spicy chicken dish). At that time, calculating back from her birthday on July 31, 2000, Kim Sae-ron would have only been 17 years old, which continues to fuel public outrage.
Interestingly, Kim Soo-hyun’s attorney insisted that Kim Sae-ron was 19 as of June 20, 2018, thereby contesting her status as a minor based on the Korean age system, which further incited public dissatisfaction over the strategy employed by the defense.
Determining the timeline, it is essential to note that Kim Sae-ron remained underage by international standards through 2018, 2019, and 2020, only reaching the legal adult age of 21 on July 31, 2021.
Kim Soo-hyun Admits Emotional Turmoil at Press Conference
In a heartfelt press conference dated March 31, 2025, esteemed South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun candidly responded to the swirling allegations regarding his prior relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron.
The acclaimed 37-year-old, famed for his performances in hit series such as **Queen of Tears** and **My Love from the Star**, became visibly emotional, vehemently denying that he had engaged in any relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. Reports from **KoreaDeok** indicated that he expressed fears of being “bullied”by the actress’s family and pressured to accept false claims.
“I’m scared of how the bereaved family will blackmail and bully me to admit the false claim after the press conference. I have people whom I need to take responsibility for. Human Kim Soo-hyun and Star Kim Soo-hyun’s life and more. My people are suffering.”
The controversy intensified following Kim Sae-ron’s untimely death on February 16, 2025, which was tragically ruled a suicide. This heartbreaking event catalyzed the emergence of reports alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had previously engaged in a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor.
Moreover, a YouTube exposé released by the investigative channel **Garosero** claimed to have evidence substantiating their relationship dating back to 2015, igniting further allegations. Supporting this narrative, Kim Sae-ron’s relatives reportedly claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had aspirations of marrying her upon reaching adulthood, asserting that the actress’s family opposed their relationship from the outset.
During his emotional address, Kim Soo-hyun firmly denied these claims, standing resolute that their relationship only began after Kim Sae-ron became a legal adult in mid-2019. He clarified that their time together spanned from 2019 to late 2020.
Despite his statements, public sentiment turned against him, especially since Kim Sae-ron was 19 in 2019 yet still not recognized as an adult under the international age standard. This further exacerbated reactions from the public, intensifying scrutiny of Kim Soo-hyun’s credibility.
In response to the escalating controversy, the actor presented evidence claiming that many of the text messages allegedly reflecting their relationship were fabrications. A forensic examination revealed that 92% of the messages presented against him were not sent by him. Consequently, Kim Soo-hyun initiated legal action against Kim Sae-ron’s family, her aunt, and the Garosero channel, seeking damages totaling 12 billion won (approximately $8.15 million).
Additionally, he filed police reports for defamation and violations of the Personal Information Protection Act.
As a result of this ongoing scandal, the fallout has been significant. Kim Soo-hyun has seen several brand partnerships dissolve, with companies including **PRADA**, **CUCKOO**, **Jo Malone London**, and **Dinto** terminating their contracts. Other brands such as **Eider**, **Homeplus**, and **Esteé Lauder** have distanced themselves, removing ads in light of the controversy.
Moreover, impending projects in which he was slated to star, including the highly anticipated **Knock Off**, were reportedly halted as the production faced significant challenges due to the scandal.