South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has made an emotional public statement denying the serious allegations made against him by the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who passed away in an apparent suicide in February.
Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, the 37-year-old actor firmly refuted claims that he had an inappropriate relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do,” he stated, his voice breaking with emotion.
His response comes amid a growing scandal that has rocked the South Korean entertainment industry and led to significant backlash against him.
The controversy centers around two main accusations: that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 years old and that his agency later pressured her to repay a loan she owed him. These claims have sparked heated debate among fans and the media, casting a shadow over Kim Soo-hyun’s career, which has long been defined by his roles in major drama series and blockbuster films.
The allegations first emerged in early March, less than a month after Kim Sae-ron’s passing, when a YouTube channel known for its sensational content claimed that the two actors had been in a relationship for six years, beginning when she was a minor. The channel also released purported photos and videos as supposed evidence of their relationship.
In response to these claims, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency initially denied any romantic involvement between the two. However, as more alleged evidence surfaced—including chat messages from 2016, when Kim Sae-ron was 16—the agency later clarified that the two did indeed date, but only between 2019 and 2020, when she was legally an adult.
This partial admission fueled further speculation and divided public opinion, with some supporting the actor while others remained skeptical. Until his press conference on Monday, Kim Soo-hyun had remained silent, choosing to address the matter only after weeks of intense media scrutiny and public discourse.
During the press conference, the actor became visibly emotional as he once again denied dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. “Many people are suffering because of me,” he said, apologizing to his fans, colleagues, and those affected by the controversy.
He also expressed remorse for Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing. “I feel deeply sorry that the late actress is unable to rest in peace,” he continued, his voice trembling. Kim emphasized that their relationship was no different from that of any other couple and reiterated that it only began when they were both adults.
Another point of contention arose from Kim Sae-ron’s Instagram activity in 2024, during the airing of the hit Netflix series “Queen of Tears,” in which Kim Soo-hyun played the lead role. At the time, Kim Sae-ron had posted a now-deleted photo of the two of them together, leading to speculation about their past relationship.
Addressing this, Kim explained why he had initially denied any romantic involvement. “I had so much to protect as the lead actor of that project. What would have happened if I had admitted to a one-year relationship? What would happen to the actors, the staff working overnight, and the production team who had everything staked on that show?” he questioned.
He expressed that his decision was influenced by the pressure and expectations placed upon him in the entertainment industry.
His statements also touched on the broader issue of how romantic relationships are perceived in South Korean show business. “The more I thought of it, the more I realized that admitting to a relationship would only make things worse,” he said.
The South Korean entertainment industry is notorious for its intense scrutiny of celebrities’ personal lives, where even the acknowledgment of a romantic partner can be seen as a scandal. Many actors and musicians have faced significant career setbacks due to public reactions to their relationships, and Kim Soo-hyun’s case has reignited discussions about these societal pressures.
As the scandal continues to unfold, public reaction remains mixed. While some believe Kim Soo-hyun’s tearful denial and explanation, others remain unconvinced and continue to question the timeline of his relationship with Kim Sae-ron.
Regardless of the final outcome, this controversy has already left a lasting impact on his career and personal life. The incident has also sparked broader conversations about the treatment of celebrities, the role of social media in fueling controversies, and the ethical implications of unverified allegations in the entertainment industry.
