New Allegations Surface in Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron Controversy

SEOUL, South Korea — A new wave of allegations regarding the late actress Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun has emerged, increasing scrutiny on their past relationship. Released by Kim Sae-ron’s family through the Garo Sero Institute on March 11, the allegations claim the pair were romantically involved for six years, which allegedly began when Kim Sae-ron was still a minor.

The YouTube channel, known for discussing scandalous entertainment news, unveiled a text message from Kim Sae-ron to Kim Soo-hyun, dated March 19, 2024. In it, she expressed distress over owing 700 million won (approximately $525,000), stating, “Oppa, it’s Sae-ron. I received the content-certified letter. You’re suing me … I’ve been preparing for my return to acting, and I plan to repay you gradually from each project. It’s not that I won’t pay, but I just can’t manage 700 million won all at once. Please give me time. I’m begging you, please help me.”

According to her family, Kim Soo-hyun failed to respond to Sae-ron’s pleas despite her repeated attempts to contact him. The public’s interest intensified when a previously unseen photograph of the two surfaced, showing them with their cheeks touching, alongside claims that it was taken when Sae-ron was just 15.

Further complicating matters, notes allegedly written by Kim Sae-ron on March 24, 2023, surfaced, detailing their relationship and her conflicts with Gold Medalist, the agency she signed with in 2019. She stated, “The media reported that the dating rumors were groundless, but I want to make it clear that’s not true. Our relationship lasted from Nov. 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021. I was 16, and he was 30.”

In light of these revelations, Kim Sae-ron’s mother issued a statement through the Garo Sero Institute. “Speaking again about a daughter who is no longer with me is painful, but I want to restore her name from the damage caused by false reports,” she said. “I hope she is remembered as the respected actress she was, not as a tabloid figure.”

The allegations have ignited controversy online, with Gold Medalist denying the claims and labeling them as “baseless falsehoods.” They emphasized their intent to pursue legal action against the allegations, which they claim are reminiscent of the ‘cyber wrecking’ that affected Kim Sae-ron during her life.

After reviewing the situation, Gold Medalist firmly declared, “The allegations made by Garo Sero Institute concerning both of our reputations are categorically false. We will take immediate legal action.” The agency aims to protect both Kim Soo-hyun’s and Kim Sae-ron’s posthumous reputations amidst rising public anger.

Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her residence in Seoul on February 16, 2025, which also coincided with Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday, leading to heightened scrutiny regarding online comments surrounding her death. Many have called for stronger regulation of malicious online content, as Kim Sae-ron had previously spoken out against harassment she faced online.

Social media erupted with a mix of criticism toward Kim Soo-hyun and discussions about the nature of accountability within the entertainment industry. Following the allegations, comments labeling him as “disappointing” and “repulsive” stormed his social media platforms.

As public sentiment continues to evolve, industry watchers are left to ponder the ramifications of these allegations on Kim Soo-hyun’s ongoing projects, including his role in the Disney+ series “Knock-Off.” With the agency currently reviewing legal defenses, it remains uncertain how the scandal will affect the actor’s career.