Scandal in Korea: Intimate Letters Between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron Reveal Hidden Drama
The Controversy Shaking the Entertainment Industry
On March 12, 2025, the YouTube channel *Garo Sero Research Institute* revealed letters, text messages, and photos allegedly confirming a relationship between Kim Soo-hyun (37) and the late actress Kim Sae-ron (25), who was reportedly a minor when the romance began. According to the documents, they maintained a relationship since 2015, when she was 15 and he was 27, generating accusations of "illegal relationship with a minor." Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, categorically denies the facts, but brands associated with the actor are already distancing themselves.
On Korean blogs like *tnrdl5131* and *sbdpdlwl44*, users express shock: "How could he hide this for years?", "It's a betrayal to his fans." Some demand his removal from TV programs, while others call for a legal investigation.
Key Evidence: Letters, Photos, and Messages
The channel's investigation revealed:
1. **Letters written during military service** (2018): Kim Soo-hyun refers to Kim Sae-ron as "Seronero," an affectionate nickname, and mentions travel plans to Japan or Europe. In a 2019 postcard, signed as "Youtuber Kim Paris," he writes: "I love you, Seronero. I will always be proud of you."
2. **Intimate photos**: An image shows Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron's cheek in 2016, when she was in her first year of middle school.
3. **Desperate messages**: In March 2024, Kim Sae-ron sent: "Oppa, I'm receiving a lawsuit... I can't pay 700 million won. Should we go to court? Please give me time!" According to reports, he didn't respond.
Gold Medalist's Position and Consequences
The actor's agency described the accusations as "absolutely false" and threatened legal action. However, faced with visual evidence, they haven't issued new statements. Meanwhile:
- **Homeplus**, **Shabu Olleh Day**, and **Dinto** withdrew their advertising campaigns with Kim Soo-hyun.
- On MBC's fan forum *Good Day*, 80% of comments demand his removal from the program.
- The series *Knock Off* (Disney+) continues filming, but there are rumors of possible cuts to his role.
A Naver Blog user comments: "If the letters are real, why doesn't the agency refute them point by point?"
Reactions from the Korean Community
The hashtag *#KimSooHyunStepDown* is trending on Twitter Korea. On platforms like DC Inside, memes are circulating comparing the actor to drama characters he played, such as "Was this the 'Prince' from *The Moon Embracing the Sun*?" Some defenders argue: "There's no evidence of a crime... She was 16 in 2016," but most criticize the age gap and financial pressures.
In blogs, Kim Sae-ron's tragedy is highlighted: "She was a talented actress, but now they only remember her for this scandal," writes one user. Her mother stated: "I want her to be remembered as an artist, not as gossip."
International Impact and Media Coverage
Foreign media such as *Variety* and *SCMP* have covered the case, highlighting Korean laws on relationships with minors. On Chinese forums, theories circulate: "Was her death in 2024 related to this debt?" An article in *TV Report* notes: "In Western countries, this would be classified as abuse."
On YouTube, K-pop channels analyze how the scandal will affect Hallyu's image. A comment in Spanish summarizes: "It hurts to see our idols fall like this."
What's Next for Kim Soo-hyun?
Legal experts explain that without a formal complaint from Kim Sae-ron's family, a criminal process is difficult. Nevertheless, social pressure could end his career. Meanwhile, Gold Medalist faces criticism for handling the crisis with intermittent silences.
An analysis in *WikiTree* suggests: "If the letters are fake, suing the channel is key. If not, his image is ruined." The global audience awaits a resolution, but many fans already declare: "I will never watch his dramas again."
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This scandal reflects deep tensions in the Korean entertainment industry, where public image and laws protecting minors are under scrutiny. While social networks burn, Kim Soo-hyun's future hangs by a thread, and Kim Sae-ron's legacy struggles to be remembered beyond the drama.