Maebul Show Issues Apology Amid Controversy Over Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron
On March 18, 2025, the popular YouTube program Maebul Show formally apologized for the controversial remarks made by cultural critic Kim Gap-soo regarding the alleged relationship between actor Kim Soo-hyun and late actress Kim Sae-ron. Kim Gap-soo faced intense criticism for trivializing the concerns surrounding the significant age difference, suggesting that it should not be viewed as a major wrongdoing.
Currently, Kim Soo-hyun is under scrutiny due to claims that he was involved with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. This has raised serious ethical questions in the entertainment industry, prompting public discourse on age-related dynamics in relationships.
Apology Delivered by MC Choi Wook
During the broadcast on the Maebul Show’s YouTube channel, MC Choi Wook began by issuing a heartfelt apology for the previous day’s remarks. He acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but refrained from providing a detailed apology to avoid further controversies and potential harm. Choi Wook expressed:
“I apologize for causing a stir yesterday. I sincerely apologize. In fact, an apology should be specific, but it can also amplify the controversy and potentially hurt someone, so I regret not being able to offer a specific apology.”as reported by Chosun Biz.
Additionally, he announced:
“And the controversial segment will be permanently abolished.”as reported by Chosun Biz.
Unfolding the Controversy
The controversy ignited on March 17, when Kim Gap-soo appeared on Maebul Show alongside broadcaster Heo Jae-moo. While he expressed sympathy for the late actress, urging for her to be remembered peacefully, he quickly transitioned to criticizing the public backlash against Kim Soo-hyun. He dismissed the uproar as “unpleasant and bizarre,”particularly criticizing the demands of 700 million won and calls for Kim Soo-hyun to acknowledge the alleged relationship.
In his remarks, Kim Gap-soo dismissed the concerns over the age gap, asserting that such relationships are not uncommon. He stated:
“I’ve never been particularly interested in Kim Soo-hyun, but the news about him dating a minor is being treated like a major crime. People can date with significant age differences, and sometimes the woman can be older.”as reported by Tenasia.
He further speculated that Kim Soo-hyun might have denied the relationship to maintain his public persona, suggesting that such a choice isn’t inherently negative, but a matter of personal courage.
The Allegations Behind the Scandal
On March 10, 2025, the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute uploaded a video alleging that Kim Soo-hyun commenced a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15, while he was 27. These claims were made by Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, who indicated that their romantic involvement began in 2015.
According to her aunt, Kim Sae-ron joined GOLD MEDALIST, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, in 2019, providing acting lessons without compensation. After her DUI incident in 2022, the rumored relationship reportedly ended. Despite this, the agency supported her financially during her troubles without seeking reimbursement.
However, following the termination of her contract in 2024, GOLD MEDALIST demanded repayment, leaving Kim Sae-ron feeling betrayed. In a bid to attract Kim Soo-hyun’s attention, she posted a picture of them together on Instagram, leading to a negative public perception orchestrated by the agency.
Legal Actions and Tragic Developments
In response to the allegations, GOLD MEDALIST denied the claims presented in the viral video. On March 17, Kim Sae-ron’s family held a press conference to announce a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, with mentions of potential legal action against Kim Soo-hyun also on the table. Sadly, Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24, with authorities confirming the cause as self-inflicted.
The unfolding of this situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding relationships impacted by age differences, societal expectations, and the powerful spotlight of public scrutiny in the entertainment industry.