Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron: The Truth Behind the Romance Rumors and the Legal Controversy Shaking Korea

Mar 11, 2025
Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Sae-ron
Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron: The Truth Behind the Romance Rumors and the Legal Controversy Shaking Korea

A Scandal that Shocks Korean Entertainment

Rumors about an alleged relationship between actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron have erupted again, generating heated debates on social media and in the press. While Kim Soo-hyun's agency categorically denies the facts, a YouTube channel claims to have compelling evidence. We analyze the latest updates and fan reactions.

Gold Medalist's Firm Denial

On March 10, the Gold Medalist agency issued a statement denying all accusations from the *Garo Sero Research Institute* (GSE) channel. They described the claims as "unfounded falsehoods" and announced legal action against the defamers. According to the agency, speculations about a romance between both actors—which allegedly began when Kim Sae-ron was 15 years old—are completely untrue. They also denied irregularities in handling Kim Sae-ron's traffic accident in 2022.

GSE's Accusations: Revealing Photos and Messages

The GSE channel published alleged evidence, including:
- An intimate photo where Kim Soo-hyun kisses Kim Sae-ron's cheek, taken in 2016.
- Text messages from 2024 where Kim Sae-ron begs Kim Soo-hyun for financial help, mentioning a debt of 700 million won (approximately 500,000 USD).
- Testimonies from Kim Sae-ron's family members, who claim that the actress worked without payment for the agency and was abandoned during her personal crisis.

Divided Reactions in Korean Communities

On platforms like Nate Pann and DC Inside, users express extreme positions:
- "If the evidence is real, Kim Soo-hyun must face legal responsibilities for grooming" (viral comment on Weibo).
- "Why attack an actor who hasn't even been able to defend himself? This is defamation" (fan on X/Twitter).
- Feminist forums like Megalia demand an investigation into the possible labor exploitation of Kim Sae-ron.

International Impact: Trending on Weibo and Foreign Media Criticism

The case has transcended borders:
- In China, the hashtag #KimSooHyunScandal exceeded 180 million views in 24 hours.
- Media outlets like *South China Morning Post* highlighted the age difference (12 years) and Kim Sae-ron's minor status at the beginning of the alleged relationship.
- Latin American fans on Facebook ask to "not judge without concrete evidence," remembering the presumption of innocence.

The Legal Dilemma: Lawsuit or Silence?

Legal experts interviewed by *YTN News* point out that Gold Medalist faces a complex challenge:
- If they sue GSE, they could be seen as attacking a deceased victim.
- If they don't act, it would be interpreted as tacit admission.
- Criminal lawyers suggest that the possible sentence for defamation in South Korea could be up to 2 years in prison or fines of 10 million won.

Conclusion: A Drama with No End in Sight

While Kim Soo-hyun prepares his next drama *Knock Off*, the shadow of this scandal threatens his career. On the other hand, Kim Sae-ron's followers demand justice for the actress, whose tragic death in February remains under investigation. Global audiences await new revelations that will definitively clarify this case that mixes romance, power, and tragedy in the world of K-entertainment.

Kim Soo-hyun
Kim Sae-ron
romance rumors
legal controversy
Korea
Gold Medalist
Garo Sero Research Institute