On March 11, 2025, reports erupted regarding allegations that actor Kim Soo-hyun was in a romantic relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron, who was only 15 at the time. These claims, propagated by the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute and Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, sparked a widespread discussion as a specific quote from IU’s Netflix drama, When Life Gives You Tangerines, began trending online.
In a pivotal scene from the series, a character confronts a 30-year-old man about marrying an 18-year-old, resonating deeply with the claims involving Kim Soo-hyun, who was 27 at the time of the alleged relationship. This parallel has drawn significant scrutiny and conversation, particularly on social media platforms.
For those unfamiliar, Garosero Research Institute is a South Korean YouTube platform known for investigating controversies surrounding public figures. They alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had maintained a six-year relationship with the deceased actress Kim Sae-ron.
The situation intensified when Kim Sae-ron’s aunt seemingly corroborated these allegations, claiming to possess more than 200 photographs of the two during their purported relationship from 2015 to 2022. This revelation was particularly tragic given that it materialized shortly after the actress’s untimely passing on February 16, 2025, which coincided with Kim Soo-hyun’s 37th birthday.
Following these events, social media users engaged actively, sharing sentiments about the coincidence of IU’s dialogue perfectly mirroring the gravity of the situation surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.
“The timing is so CRAZY.”
The public response to both the IU dialogue and the dating allegations highlighted a spectrum of opinions, with many users noting the uncanny timing and calling it a reflection on the current controversy.
“CLOCKED SO HARD THE TIMING,”a fan wrote.
“Very timely indeed,”another fan wrote.
“Such apt timing given the KSH KSR saga…”yet another user commented.
Amidst the swirling controversy, some netizens rushed to defend Kim Soo-hyun, asserting that IU had no involvement in the situation. They pointed out that professional connections do not equate to complicity in his alleged actions.
“I know there’s due process but whoever still defending him and turns to point at IU for anything about him must have the same disgusting mind…,”commented one fan.
“Y’all in the quotes are dumb. You can be a long-time friend with someone and still know nothing about them. Don’t try to blame a man’s crime on another woman,”replied a defender.
“Ahhh QRts stop dragging IU with that man. Yes, they were friends and so what? We didn’t even know if they are really THAT close behind cameras and social media,”another supporter emphasized.
Exploration of Garosero’s Allegations: Kim Soo-hyun’s Accusations of Grooming and Relationship with Kim Sae-ron
On March 10, 2025, Garosero Research Institute aired a segment titled “[Shocking Exclusive] Kim Soo Hyun Led to Kim Sae Ron’s Death (Kim Soo Hyun’s 6-Year Relationship with 15-Year-Old Kim Sae-ron Since 2015).”The broadcast claimed that Kim Soo-hyun, who was 27 at the time, started dating Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 years old. The information reportedly came from her family, particularly her aunt, who outlined the timeline of their relationship.
The accusations also included assertions that Kim Soo-hyun provided significant financial support to Kim Sae-ron during a difficult time after her DUI incident, where he allegedly lent her 700 million won (approximately $481,563).
Notably, Kim Sae-ron’s career fell into turmoil after her involvement in a drunk-driving accident in May 2022, which resulted in legal repercussions and public backlash, leading her to seek part-time employment to alleviate her financial burdens.
According to her aunt’s statements, the two’s relationship deteriorated when Kim Sae-ron received a formal notification regarding the repayment of the loan, and it was suggested that Kim Soo-hyun’s agency pressured her for repayment, further distressing her emotionally.
The aunt indicated that they possess over 200 images showcasing the interaction between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun, which they claim could substantiate the allegations of a romantic relationship.
Recently leaked images revealed a moment where Kim Soo-hyun is seen kissing Kim Sae-ron’s cheek, along with a desperate text from her requesting time to repay the 700 million won debt.
“Oppa, it’s Sae-ron. I received the certification, and they said they are going to sue me. They told me they would give me plenty of time, so I’ve been working hard to prepare for my comeback, and I plan to repay a percentage from each project little by little. I’m not saying I won’t pay, but if you demand 700 million won right now, I really can’t do it. It’s not that I refuse to pay, I just can’t afford it at the moment. But do I really have to go through a lawsuit? Please save me… Please, give me some time.”
In response to the serious allegations, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, released a statement on March 10, 2025, firmly rejecting all accusations, branding them as “completely false.”They expressed their sorrow over Kim Sae-ron’s death and affirmed their commitment to pursue legal action against those spreading these claims.
“However, all of these are false facts that we can absolutely not overlook, and our company plans to consider taking the strongest possible legal action against Garosero Research Institute for spreading false facts. We are heartbroken by the news of the death of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, who was once with our company, and we mourn the deceased.”
Despite the denials issued by Gold Medalist, Garosero Research Institute doubled down on their claims, challenging the agency to follow through with legal actions and asserting possession of further evidence that could harm Kim Soo-hyun’s public image.
Kim Sae-ron had an early start in her acting career, achieving recognition for notable roles in A Brand New Life and The Man from Nowhere, later gaining fame from her performances in the Netflix series Bloodhounds.