Allegations Surface Regarding Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s Controversial Past
On March 27, 2025, Sports Chosun uncovered several chat screenshots allegedly revealing an intimate relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. The revelation was shared by attorney Bu Ji-seok during a press conference held in Seocho-gu, Seoul, providing insights into the nature of their interactions dating back to June 2016.
Claims of Dating Allegations and Legal Implications
Attorney Bu Ji-seok disclosed that the exchange of text messages could serve as evidence in connection to their dating rumors. Among these messages, a particularly notable one from the 29-year-old actor to then-17-year-old Kim Sae-ron reads:
“Yeah, I wouldn’t know, even if you kissed me. When can I hold you and fall asleep? I think I’d be able to sleep really well then.”
This excerpt, reflecting a degree of intimacy, has prompted intensified scrutiny from the public, especially as Kim Soo-hyun and his agency previously insisted that their relationship only began after Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood in 2019.
Press Conference Insights and Ongoing Accusations
During the press briefing, Attorney Bu challenged Kim Soo-hyun’s narrative of their relationship by posing the question:
“If this was not a romantic relationship, then what kind of relationship was it? I want to ask Kim Soo-hyun directly.”
Timeline of Events Leading to Controversy
The controversy first emerged on March 10, 2025, when the aunt of the late actress shared allegations through an interview with the Garosero media YouTube channel. She asserted that the affair began when Kim Soo-hyun was 27 and Kim Sae-ron was only 15, claiming the relationship lasted until 2022. Subsequent interviews with the actress’s parents helped corroborate these allegations, leading Garosero to obtain further evidence, including photos and message screenshots from the family.
Revelations from Text Messages and Additional Context
Among the shared materials, text messages indicated that the late actress had sought Kim Soo-hyun’s assistance in repaying 700 million KRW (approximately $477,654), following her involvement in a DUI incident in May 2022 that resulted in significant damages and public backlash. She was ordered by the court to compensate businesses affected by the incident.
Legal Fallout and Agency’s Response
Gold Medalist, the agency that managed Kim Sae-ron and was co-founded by Kim Soo-hyun, paid her damages but later sent a legal notice demanding the repayment of the compensation amount by December 31, 2024. Following scrutiny from Dispatch on March 12, 2025, Gold Medalist claimed they never intended to collect the alleged debt from the actress, stating:
“We had no intentions of receiving money from Kim Sae Ron. We thought we wouldn’t get it.”
They maintained that the formalities were merely precautionary to avoid any potential claims of malpractice.
Impact on Careers and Future Projects
The fallout from these allegations has significantly affected both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. As of March 30, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun’s fan event in Taiwan has been canceled, and the release of an anticipated Disney+ series, Knock Off, starring him alongside Jo Bo-ah, has been put on hold amidst the controversies.
As the situation continues to develop, it draws attention not only for its implications on their careers but also for the broader discussions around consent and relationships in the entertainment industry.