Seo Yea-ji Refutes Dating Rumors with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Controversy

SEOUL, South Korea — Actor Seo Yea-ji addressed persistent dating rumors linking her to fellow actor Kim Soo-hyun on March 13, 2025, via a heartfelt message to her fans. The rumors intensified amid allegations surrounding Kim’s past relationships, particularly concerning the late actress Kim Sae-ron.

In her post on an online fan community, Seo expressed her frustration, stating, “As a human being, I also feel overwhelmed, exhausted, fed up, sad, and suffocated. Can we just stop now? I have no connection to him or his cousin.” This response followed swirling speculation that suggested Seo may have been involved in Kim’s breakup with Sae-ron.

The controversy began when the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute claimed Kim began dating Sae-ron when he was 27 and she was 15, reporting that the two had purportedly been in a relationship for six years. Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, refuted these claims, labeling them as “false information” and stating that they were considering legal action to address the rumors.

As rumors circulated about Kim’s dating history, the agency’s response suggested a complex narrative, with Seo unwittingly becoming a central figure in the unfolding drama. Her emotional post highlighted the toll that the rumors had taken on her mental well-being, stating, “It’s exhausting to endure this. I have not met the person you are talking about, nor his cousin. Stop it. It’s suffocating.”

The situation escalated further during Garo Sero Institute’s live broadcast, where hosts discussed Kim’s past connections to other actresses, including Kim Ji-won, Lim Na-young, and Seo herself. The hosts suggested that Kim’s selective denial of certain dating rumors, particularly involving Ji-won, was potentially strategic, hinting that it could benefit his career.

Seo’s sentiments echoed a growing sentiment among fans regarding her involvement in Kim’s controversies. Despite working together in the successful television series “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” Seo insisted she had no personal ties to Kim beyond their professional relationship.

Adding to the ongoing narrative, actors from the drama, particularly Kim Ji-won, were also implicated in discussions about Kim’s dating life. The hosts noted that while Kim quickly denied romantically pairing with Sae-ron or Lim, his silence regarding Ji-won only fueled speculation. Reports suggested that Kim’s involvement with Ji-won generated buzz among fans, ultimately affecting the dynamic of public interest.

Amidrectures, Kim’s response to a fan wishing for a public relationship with Ji-won minimized the dating speculation. He commented, “I hope you will now view the drama as just a drama,” effectively dismissing the claims.

In the wake of the circulating rumors, Seo’s message painted a poignant picture of a rising star navigating the complexities of fame and public scrutiny. Her plea resonated with fans concerned for her wellbeing and highlighted the often heavy burden of celebrity culture.