On March 20, 2025, it was reported that former UFC fighter Choo Sung-hoon, also known as Yoshihiro Akiyama, graciously covered the entire funeral costs for the late actress Kim Sae-ron. This gesture of kindness was highlighted by AllKpop, noting that Choo, who gained fame through the reality series Physical: 100 and his mixed martial arts career, stepped in to support Kim’s grieving family during this difficult time.
Choo Sung-hoon and Kim Sae-ron had previously met while filming for the Channel A variety show City Fisherman, where Choo and co-stars Lee Kyung-kyu and Lee Duk-hwa treated her with great affection, almost as if she were family. Their bond formed during the show showcased a warm camaraderie that lingered even beyond the cameras.
The tragic passing of Kim Sae-ron occurred on February 16, 2025, in her apartment located in Seoul. Authorities have classified her death as a suspected suicide. Kim was well-known for her performances in films such as A Brand New Life and The Man from Nowhere, making her untimely death a significant loss in the South Korean entertainment industry. Her funeral took place the following day on February 17 at the Seoul Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Songpa Gu, a solemn occasion reflecting the impact of her life and work.
Controversial Allegations Surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron
In related news, actor Kim Soo-hyun is currently embroiled in a scandal linked to allegations of an inappropriate romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron. These claims surfaced through a clip posted by the YouTube channel Garosero, featuring the aunt of the late actress, who alleged that Kim Soo-hyun began dating Kim when she was only 15 years old and he was 27, igniting significant ethical and legal concerns.
Following these revelations on March 10, 2025, scrutiny intensified, leading to severe repercussions for Kim Soo-hyun’s career. As the allegations spiraled, he faced a wave of professional challenges, including the loss of numerous endorsements, thereby jeopardizing his future projects. Kim Sae-ron’s family further claimed that they were in a relationship from 2015 to 2022, releasing several photos and videos to support their assertions.
The late actress’s aunt also mentioned that Kim Sae-ron departed from YG Entertainment to join Gold Medalist, a company co-founded in 2019 by Kim Soo-hyun and his cousin Lee Sarang. Reports from Herald Pop indicated that Sae-ron actively contributed her time and efforts to Gold Medalist, suggesting a deeper connection between her and the actor.
In response to the escalating controversy, Gold Medalist initially maintained that no romantic relationship existed between the two. Later, they adjusted their stance, acknowledging that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were involved from 2019 to 2020, a period during which she was legally an adult. This revised statement was released on March 14, attempting to clarify the timeline of their relationship.
As of March 20, public outrage regarding the controversy continues to escalate, resulting in global brands such as PRADA, Dinto, Cuckoo, and Homeplus severing their partnerships with Kim Soo-hyun. Reports from Koimoi revealed that Cuckoo China is pondering legal action against the actor following the abrupt cancellation of their contract, which occurred merely 20 days after he was appointed their ambassador.