In the wake of a recent scandal involving Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun, the actor known for his role in Queen of Tears has come under significant scrutiny. Following the revelations made by the Garosero Research Institute on March 11, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun has faced backlash, resulting in a noticeable decline in his fan support. Multiple fan cafés and accounts dedicated to the actor have opted to shut down in response to the accusations.
While some devoted fans have chosen to entirely deactivate their accounts due to disappointment, others have restricted their profiles and ceased sharing content related to Kim Soo-hyun. Although the specifics of the alleged dating controversy remain unconfirmed, many netizens have expressed support for the late victim, as highlighted in her family’s public statements and the Garosero Research Institute’s YouTube report.
This growing sentiment has led to increased applause for the actions taken by these fan groups. Here are some notable reactions shared on X:
“I respect fans like this, and that’s exactly how it should be,”wrote one user.
“As a fan, it’s important to know when to walk away and follow the voice of reason coming from within. I’m very proud of this account, and I hope more follow suit,”commented another netizen.
“It takes real courage to do that, and I’m so proud they’re not afraid to call out their favorite when necessary,”added yet another.
“I appreciate your commitment to integrity and standing up for what’s right. Your decision shows responsibility and respect,”commented an X user.
Many netizens have commended these fans for prioritizing integrity over blind loyalty, despite having supported Kim Soo-hyun for years.
“Thank you for doing the right thing; I hope other companies follow your lead,”stated one user.
“I hope more of his fans have this level of courage,”added another netizen.
“This is what fans are supposed to be. I know it’s hard facing reality yet you still did the best you could do at the moment,”said an engaged user.
“As they should! Being a fan doesn’t mean you have to tolerate your idol’s wrongdoings,”commented another.
The Dating Controversy: Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun
The controversy emerged following a report released on March 11 by the Garosero Research Institute, which alleged that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun engaged in a romantic relationship from 2015 to 2021, spanning six years. This revelation has been met with controversy due to the significant age difference—Sae-ron was only 15 at the purported beginning of their relationship, while Soo-hyun was 27—leading to accusations of grooming among fans and netizens.
The report also noted that after Kim Sae-ron terminated her contract with YG Entertainment, she joined Gold Medalist, the agency co-founded by Kim Soo-hyun, in 2019. Their relationship reportedly continued until 2022 when her DUI incident came to light. During this time, Soo-hyun and his agency offered to cover her financial liabilities and provided her with a sum of 700 million KRW to help manage the situation.
Following the agreement, Kim Sae-ron committed to repay the given amount to Kim Soo-hyun and his agency. However, she departed from Gold Medalist in December 2022 when her contract concluded. In March 2024, she was unexpectedly contacted by Gold Medalist with a demand to repay the 700 million KRW. Efforts to contact Soo-hyun directly for assistance reportedly failed.
The YouTube report further alleged that Soo-hyun or his agency leaked Sae-ron’s contact information to journalists, resulting in increased media scrutiny. In a desperate attempt to reach him, she posted a personal photo of the two together, which she later deleted, hoping it would trigger a response. This incident coincided with the airing of Soo-hyun’s latest drama, Queen of Tears. Nonetheless, Soo-hyun’s agency denied all dating allegations, leading to tragic circumstances.
Tragically, Kim Sae-ron was found to have passed away on February 16, 2025, with authorities ruling her cause of death as suicide. She was just 24 years old.