On March 17, 2025, the South Korean media outlet E-Daily reported emerging allegations against actor Kim Soo-hyun by the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. This situation has sparked significant discussions in the entertainment industry and beyond.
A press event took place at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Naeja-dong, Jongno-gu, where the legal representative for Sae-ron’s family revealed that Kim Soo-hyun’s management company, Gold Medalist, had sent two certified letters to Sae-ron prior to her untimely passing.
According to the attorney, the second letter included a warning indicating that if Sae-ron continued to share photographs or engage with actors from the agency, she could face legal repercussions for damaging the reputation of the drama Queen of Tears.
Kim Sae-ron had previously posted a personal picture with Kim Soo-hyun on her Instagram story while his series Queen of Tears, co-starring Kim Ji-won, was enjoying immense popularity. This post, she reportedly hoped, would rekindle her connection with him after experiencing challenges in reaching out.
The legal representative emphasized that after the first letter was sent, Sae-ron sought assistance from Kim Soo-hyun, but communication ceased following the second warning. They highlighted the disturbing nature of the letter, which stated that any future social media interactions could result in compensation claims related to the drama.
“It contains the message that if you upload such photos to SNS (social networking service) or contact anyone from the agency in the future, the ‘Queen of Tears’ will compensate for any damages caused by such photos.”
The family criticized the pressures exerted on Sae-ron, querying the rationale behind legal threats concerning personal matters affecting the perception of a television drama. They also addressed claims of a long-term relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron dating back to her youth, complicating public perception.
The family insists that Kim Soo-hyun should acknowledge their past relationship, offer a formal apology, and clarify any ongoing financial disputes that may have contributed to Sae-ron’s emotional distress.
Background on Allegations and Financial Disputes
Initially, Kim Sae-ron’s shared image with Kim Soo-hyun sought to draw his attention amid the Queen of Tears buzz. However, the situation escalated as she received an additional legal warning, suggesting potential compensation liabilities for any more posts concerning him.
The controversy intensified when the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute made public several photos depicting Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron together, fueling speculation of their alleged six-year relationship, beginning when she was still a minor. These images included tender exchanges and selfies reportedly taken during his military service.
Nonetheless, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency has firmly denied any prior associations before 2019, asserting that their relationship only began once Sae-ron reached adulthood.
Additionally, financial issues have arisen post-Sae-ron’s contract conclusion with Gold Medalist, during which she was reportedly served with a legal notice demanding a repayment of 700 million won (approximately $480,000).
In an emotional text message allegedly sent to Kim Soo-hyun, Sae-ron expressed her determination to settle the debt, stating she was preparing for a comeback to cover the amount owed.
Her family and legal team argue that the compounded pressure from legal threats, financial obligations, and public scrutiny contributed significantly to her declining mental health leading up to her passing. They are urging Kim Soo-hyun to acknowledge his role in this distress and the agency’s response.