Kim Sae-ron's Family Reveals Shocking Evidence of Underage Relationship with Kim Soo-hyun: "He's Lying About When It Started"
The Controversial Press Conference: Why Kim Sae-ron's Family Spoke Out
On March 27, 2025, the family of late actress Kim Sae-ron took a dramatic step by holding a press conference in Seoul to present what they claim is definitive evidence of her relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun when she was a minor. The press conference, held at Space Share Center in Seoul's Gangnam district, was led by attorney Bu Ji-seok of law firm Buyou, who represented the bereaved family.
The family's decision to go public with these allegations stems from their ongoing distress over how Kim Sae-ron's private life has been "indiscriminately exposed almost daily" since her tragic death on February 16, 2025. According to Bu, this public scrutiny has led to "speculation and criticism of the bereaved family," causing them "extreme anxiety and both mental and physical distress."
Bu made it clear that the purpose of the press conference was not to reveal the reasons behind Kim Sae-ron's suicide but rather to end the controversy surrounding her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. The family initially disclosed information about the alleged relationship as part of a lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, who they claim "circulated false information, belittled, and mocked the late Kim Sae-ron, ultimately driving her to her death."
What particularly angered the family was Kim Soo-hyun's response to these allegations. According to Bu, "What the family received in return was Kim Soo-hyun lying that he had never been in a relationship with her. Even after evidence proving their relationship was revealed, he did not offer a single word of apology. Instead, he is now lying again, stating that their relationship only began after she became an adult."
The Explosive Evidence: KakaoTalk Messages from 2016
The most damning evidence presented during the press conference consisted of KakaoTalk messages allegedly exchanged between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun in June 2016. At that time, Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old (Korean age 16), while Kim Soo-hyun was 28.
The messages paint a picture of an intimate relationship that goes far beyond friendship. In one exchange dated June 24, 2016, Kim Sae-ron wrote, "I gave up breakfast and dinner to sleep all day... Isn't it fascinating? And I got an IV drip at the hospital ㅜㅜ" Kim Soo-hyun responded with concern: "Oh you're not feeling well ㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜ Are you feeling a bit better now? ㅜ"
In another conversation, Kim Sae-ron wrote, "I'm back to filming. I'll finish soon and come back," to which Kim Soo-hyun replied, "Come back," followed by a heart emoticon. She then responded, "♡kiss," prompting Kim Soo-hyun to ask, "Do it for real later. Is this forbidden too?" Kim Sae-ron answered, "No, it's not forbidden. I'll do it," to which Kim Soo-hyun replied, "Yay."
Perhaps most concerning were messages where Kim Soo-hyun allegedly wrote, "When can I sleep while hugging you," adding, "Then I think I could really sleep well." Kim Sae-ron reportedly responded positively, saying, "Yes, I'll allow that," accompanied by a back-hugging emoticon.
These messages directly contradict Kim Soo-hyun's claim that their relationship only began in 2019, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult.
The Unsent Letter and Self-Harm Photos: A Troubled Relationship
Beyond the KakaoTalk messages, Bu Ji-seok also presented other evidence suggesting a long-term relationship between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun. This included an unsent letter that Kim Sae-ron had written to Kim Soo-hyun last year, after she reportedly received a second certification of contents.
In this heartbreaking letter, Kim Sae-ron referred to Kim Soo-hyun as her "first and last love" and wrote, "We were together about five to six years." She also expressed hope that he wouldn't avoid her, suggesting ongoing emotional attachment even after their relationship had allegedly ended.
The letter contained an apology for posting his photo and mentioned that the "people at GOLD MEDALIST" (Kim Soo-hyun's agency) were "very scary and uncomfortable." She included her phone number in the letter, asking Kim Soo-hyun to respond.
In one of the most disturbing revelations, the attorney also shared a photo showing Kim Sae-ron engaging in self-harm, suggesting the emotional toll the relationship may have taken on her. This evidence paints a picture of a troubled relationship that may have contributed to Kim Sae-ron's mental health struggles.
The family's legal representative emphasized that these materials were being shared not to sensationalize the situation but to correct what they view as falsehoods being spread about Kim Sae-ron and to seek acknowledgment of the truth from Kim Soo-hyun.
Timeline Discrepancies: When Did the Relationship Actually Begin?
One of the central disputes in this controversy is the timeline of the relationship between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun. According to Kim Sae-ron's family, the relationship began in November 2015 and lasted until July 2021—a period of nearly six years. If true, this would mean the relationship started when Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old.
In contrast, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, initially denied any romantic relationship between the two actors. However, as evidence mounted, they changed their position, acknowledging that a relationship did exist but claiming it only lasted from summer 2019 to autumn 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was already an adult.
During the previous press conference on March 17, attorney Bu claimed that Kim Sae-ron had kept a journal where she wrote down the exact date their relationship began, though the specific contents of this journal were not disclosed.
The KakaoTalk messages from June 2016 now presented as evidence directly challenge Kim Soo-hyun's timeline. If authenticated, these messages would prove that some form of intimate relationship existed between them when Kim Sae-ron was still a minor, regardless of when they officially began dating.
This discrepancy in timelines is crucial not just for public perception but potentially for legal reasons as well. When asked what would happen if Kim Soo-hyun continued to deny the relationship despite the released texts, Bu stated ominously: "That would constitute a sexual offense if it wasn't a relationship."
Public and Community Reactions: A Divided Response
The revelations from the press conference have sent shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry and fan communities. On major Korean community platforms like TheQoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, and DCInside, reactions have been deeply divided.
Many netizens have expressed outrage at Kim Soo-hyun, with comments like "If these messages are real, his career should be over" and "No 28-year-old man should be talking like this to a 15-year-old girl, famous or not." The age gap—13 years—has been a particular point of criticism, especially considering Kim Sae-ron's minor status at the time.
However, others have questioned the authenticity of the evidence, pointing out that KakaoTalk messages can be manipulated or taken out of context. Some fans of Kim Soo-hyun have suggested that the family might be seeking financial compensation or attempting to damage his reputation out of grief or anger.
International fans have also weighed in on the controversy, with many expressing shock at the content of the messages. The scandal has been particularly impactful as it comes during the successful run of Kim Soo-hyun's hit drama "Queen of Tears," which has been dominating ratings in Korea.
Entertainment industry insiders have noted that regardless of the legal outcome, the scandal could significantly impact Kim Soo-hyun's career. Several brands that had endorsement deals with the actor are reportedly reviewing their contracts, and there are questions about how this will affect his future projects.
Cultural Context: Age, Power Dynamics, and Korean Entertainment
To fully understand the gravity of these allegations, it's important to consider the cultural context in which this relationship allegedly occurred. In Korean society, age differences in relationships are generally more accepted than in some Western countries, but relationships involving minors are still highly controversial and potentially illegal depending on the circumstances.
The power dynamic between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron is particularly troubling. In 2016, Kim Soo-hyun was already one of Korea's biggest stars, having achieved massive success with dramas like "My Love from the Star" (2013-2014) and "The Moon Embracing the Sun" (2012). In contrast, Kim Sae-ron, though a successful child actress who had been in the industry since age 9, was still a teenager navigating both her career and adolescence.
The Korean entertainment industry has faced numerous scandals involving power abuse and inappropriate relationships in recent years. The #MeToo movement revealed many instances of powerful men in the industry taking advantage of younger, less established actresses and trainees.
For international fans, it's also important to understand that in Korea, age is calculated differently—Koreans are considered one year old at birth and everyone ages one year on New Year's Day. So when Korean sources refer to Kim Sae-ron as 16 in 2016, this would equate to 15 in international age calculation.
The case also highlights the intense scrutiny that Korean celebrities face regarding their private lives and the devastating impact this can have on their mental health—a factor that may have contributed to Kim Sae-ron's tragic decision to take her own life at the young age of 24.
What Happens Next: Legal Implications and the Call for an Apology
As this controversy continues to unfold, many are wondering what the legal implications might be for Kim Soo-hyun if the allegations are proven true. Bu Ji-seok, the family's attorney, made it clear that what the family wants most is a sincere apology from Kim Soo-hyun.
"An apology is only meaningful if it's accepted by the person receiving it," Bu stated during the press conference. The implication is that if Kim Soo-hyun acknowledges the relationship and apologizes, the family might not pursue further legal action against him.
However, the attorney's comment that continued denial "would constitute a sexual offense if it wasn't a relationship" hints at potential legal consequences. Under Korean law, sexual relationships with minors under certain circumstances can be prosecuted even years after the fact, though the specifics would depend on many factors including the nature of the relationship and the exact ages involved.
Kim Soo-hyun's agency has yet to respond to the new evidence presented at the press conference. Their previous statement acknowledged a relationship but insisted it began only after Kim Sae-ron became an adult.
For now, the controversy remains unresolved, with both sides standing firm in their claims. The family has stated that they do not wish "to engage in any further meaningless disputes over the truth" after this press conference, suggesting they believe the evidence speaks for itself.
As the Korean entertainment industry and fans worldwide continue to process these revelations, the legacy of Kim Sae-ron—a talented young actress whose life ended far too soon—hangs in the balance, along with the future of Kim Soo-hyun's career.