Kim Soo-hyun Addresses Controversy Surrounding Late Actress Kim Sae-ron

Kim Soo-hyun publicly denied allegations made by the family of Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away earlier this year. Despite accusations surrounding their relationship and financial disputes, he clarified that they only dated as adults and expressed deep sorrow over her death.

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun recently held an emotional press conference in Seoul to confront allegations made by the family of his late co-actor, Kim Sae-ron, who passed away in February. The 37-year-old star, known for his roles in numerous hit dramas and films, refuted claims of dating Kim when she was a minor and insisted that their relationship only began when she was an adult.

The controversy erupted in March, following the actress's death, when a controversial YouTube channel alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved with Kim Sae-ron since she was 15 and that he pressured her to repay a loan. At the conference, Kim Soo-hyun, visibly emotional, denied these allegations, expressing, “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do.” He reiterated that their relationship only lasted between 2019 and 2020, well after she reached adulthood.

Tensions between the two camps intensified after an attorney representing Kim Sae-ron's family shared a series of personal messages purportedly between the actors from 2016. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency initially denied any claims of a romantic link with the late actress, but later acknowledged that they had dated solely as adults. During his statement, he expressed his sorrow over the continued suffering caused by the accusations, and regret regarding her inability to rest in peace.

He explained his decision to remain silent about their relationship during a project, stating that the pressures of the entertainment industry influenced his actions. “What about the actors, the staff, the production team who had everything staked on that project?” he questioned, highlighting the scrutiny celebrities face regarding their personal lives in South Korea.

The late actress, once considered a promising talent, had struggled with public backlash after a DUI incident in 2022, which some speculate contributed to her distress. Kim Soo-hyun claimed that Kim Sae-ron's family has misrepresented facts about her debt, suggesting that any legal proceedings taken by them against him or his agency were unfounded.

In light of the ongoing controversy, many brands that partnered with Kim Soo-hyun have chosen to distance themselves from him. His lawyer announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel responsible for the allegations, alongside a civil lawsuit seeking significant damages. As the situation unfolds, Kim Soo-hyun continues to maintain his innocence, urging for accountability on all sides of this tragic story.