Korean Star Kim Soo-Hyun Denies Allegations from Late Actress Kim Sae-ron’s Family

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has publicly denied accusations made by the family of actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away in February. In a tearful statement during a press conference in Seoul on Monday, the 37-year-old actor asserted, “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do.”

The Allegations

The controversy centers around two major allegations: that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was 15, and that his agency pressured her to repay a loan she owed him. The allegations have sent shockwaves through South Korea’s entertainment industry, casting a shadow over Kim Soo-hyun’s reputation as one of the country’s most beloved stars.

Emotional Statement from Kim Soo-Hyun

At the press conference, an emotional Kim Soo-hyun firmly denied dating Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor, explaining that although they had a one-year relationship as adults, they never dated when she was underage.

Scandal Erupts After Kim Sae-ron’s Death

The accusations surfaced following Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death. A YouTube channel known for its controversial political content claimed the two were involved in a six-year relationship, which began when Kim Sae-ron was just 15. The channel released images and videos allegedly taken during their time together. A press conference held last week by Kim Sae-ron’s family included purported evidence of online chats between the two actors dating back to 2016, when Kim Sae-ron was 16.

Agency’s Clarification and Kim Soo-Hyun’s Silence

Kim Soo-hyun’s agency initially denied the allegations but later clarified that their relationship occurred only between 2019 and 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult. Kim Soo-hyun himself remained silent until the Monday press conference, where he expressed regret for the suffering caused by the scandal. He reiterated, “I never dated her when she was a minor,” emphasizing that their relationship was no different from that of any other couple.

The Strain of Being a Public Figure

The actor also explained why he had initially denied their relationship when Kim Sae-ron posted a photo of them together on Instagram in 2024. “I had so much to protect as the lead actor in Queen of Tears,” he said. “What would have happened to the production and the team if I had admitted to a relationship during that time?” In South Korea, where celebrities’ personal lives are intensely scrutinized, admitting to a romantic relationship is often seen as scandalous.

Kim Sae-ron’s Previous Controversies

Kim Sae-ron had faced online hate in the past, particularly after being fined for a 2022 drink-driving incident. Once regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses, her career began to falter after this event. She had been managed by GoldMedalist, the same agency as Kim Soo-hyun, from 2020 until her departure in December 2022.

Family’s Claims Regarding Debt Repayment

Kim Sae-ron’s family has alleged that the agency paid the fine for her drink-driving incident but later sought repayment. They claimed Kim Soo-hyun ignored her requests for more time to settle the debt. However, Kim Soo-hyun denied these claims on Monday, releasing a voice recording from a year ago in which the CEO of GoldMedalist explains that the debt-related documents sent to Kim Sae-ron’s team were purely procedural and allowed for a delay in response.

Legal Action Against Family and YouTube Channel

In response to the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team filed a criminal complaint against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel responsible for spreading the accusations, as well as a civil lawsuit seeking 12 billion won in damages.

Impact on Kim Soo-Hyun’s Career and Endorsements

Many companies have cut ties with Kim Soo-hyun since the controversy. These include the fashion name Prada and the Korean cosmetics company Dinto. A Disney+ show with the actor in it has also been canceled.

Family’s Silence on Lawsuits

The family of Kim Sae-ron has not said anything publicly about the lawsuit or his latest comments about Kim Soo-hyun.