Kim Soo-hyun Faces Backlash Over Alleged Relationship with Late Actress Kim Sae-ron

SEOUL, South Korea — Actor Kim Soo-hyun is embroiled in a significant controversy following allegations of a romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was found dead at her home last month at the age of 24. The claims surfaced from the YouTube channel Hoverlab on March 10, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved with Kim Sae-ron since she was just 15 years old, igniting backlash across the entertainment industry.

In response to these allegations, which Hoverlab claims are backed by statements from Kim Sae-ron’s family, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, categorically denied the accusations. In an official statement, the agency described the allegations as “completely false” and announced intentions to pursue legal action against Hoverlab for spreading what they termed as false information.

Hoverlab’s video included a now-controversial photograph appearing to show Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek, further intensifying the public’s scrutiny. The agency claimed that the two had been in a six-year relationship, but they are yet to provide substantial evidence to authenticate these claims.

The backlash has been swift and severe. Calls have been made for Kim Soo-hyun’s removal from various projects, including MBC‘s variety show “Good Day,” hosted by K-pop star G-Dragon. Additionally, Kim’s upcoming role in the Disney+ series “Knock-Off,” which explores themes surrounding the 1997 Asian financial crisis, is also in jeopardy.

Brands associated with the actor are now re-evaluating their contracts amidst the scandal. Homeplus, a prominent grocery chain, stated, “There is no change for now, and we will decide after assessing the situation,” while Tous les Jours, a bakery chain owned by CJ Foodville, is faced with a decision on its contract with Kim, set to expire soon.

Public sentiment has largely turned against Kim Soo-hyun, with many netizens expressing outrage and urging boycotts against brands associated with him. Reports indicate that he has lost over 500,000 followers on Instagram since the allegations emerged.

Kim Sae-ron, a rising star known for films like “The Man from Nowhere” and “The Neighbors,” has been the subject of controversy herself following a 2022 DUI incident. Her passing raised further attention to her troubled career, complicated by her allegations of debt to Gold Medalist, which reportedly included unpaid compensation for damages from her DUI accident.

Amidst the tumult, a text message supposedly from Kim Sae-ron to Kim Soo-hyun re-surfaced, where she appeared to plead for time regarding repayment of her debts, highlighting the pressures facing young stars in the industry. Despite the mounting allegations and public outcry, Kim Soo-hyun has remained largely silent.

Gold Medalist has reiterated their denial of the allegations, labeling them as “baseless and malicious.” The unfolding situation presents wider implications for the entertainment industry, as companies may be forced to confront their responsibilities regarding the management and welfare of their young talents.

As the controversy continues to evolve, the entertainment world awaits Kim Soo-hyun’s clarification in the coming week, amid escalating pressures for accountability and reform. With a growing chorus demanding transparency, the outcome of this scandal could significantly impact the future of both the actor’s career and the industry’s standard practices.