Popular South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun—known for his standout performances in K dramas It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and Queen of Tears—is now at the centre of a shocking controversy. Allegations have surfaced claiming he was secretly in a relationship with the late actress, Kim Sae-ron who passed away earlier this year at the age of 24.
The claims, reportedly made on a viral video posted by YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, also known as Hoverlab, suggest that their relationship lasted for six years, starting when she was still a minor. This revelation has sparked heated discussions online, with many questioning the validity of the accusations and their potential impact on the actor’s career.
As social media buzzes with speculations, here’s a closer look at how Kim Soo-hyun became entangled in Kim Sae-ron’s tragic case and the controversy surrounding their alleged relationship.
The scandal
The controversy erupted on March 10 when Garosero Research Institute, a YouTube channel run by former MBC reporter-turned-YouTuber Kim Se-ui, released a video alleging that the late actress Kim Sae-ron had been in a long-term secret relationship with Kim Soo-hyun.
In the video, Sae-ron’s aunt claimed that the actress began dating Kim Soo-hyun in 2015 when she was just 15, while he was 27. At that time, South Korea’s age of consent was 13, though it was later raised to 16 in 2020. Under Korean law, a person is considered an adult only after turning 19.
The video also claimed that in 2019, Sae-ron joined Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, after leaving YG Entertainment. She reportedly played a key role in supporting him by giving free acting lessons and helping train new talent while they were still together.
She starred in multiple hit films including The Man from Nowhere and The Neighbors.
A friend of Kim Soo-hyun allegedly told Dispatch that Sae-ron’s age was a sensitive issue, which is why they never publicly acknowledged their relationship. The two were reportedly together for six years until Kim Soo-hyun distanced himself following Sae-ron’s drunk driving scandal in 2022, which severely impacted her career.
Despite the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist allegedly continued to support her, covering 700 million won ($483,000) in damages on her behalf without asking for repayment at the time. Grateful for his help, Sae-ron had reportedly hoped to repay him in the future.
However, things changed after her contract with Gold Medalist ended. Her aunt alleged that in early 2024, Sae-ron suddenly received a legal notice demanding repayment of the 700 million won. Shocked by the request, she tried reaching out to Kim Soo-hyun through multiple channels, even texting him using her cousin’s phone, but never received a response.
During this time, Kim Soo-hyun’s drama Queen of Tears was airing. In an attempt to get his attention, Sae-ron briefly shared a picture of them together on Instagram, only to delete it minutes later. However, neither the actor nor his agency responded. Instead, they issued an official statement that, according to her aunt, “negatively painted Kim Sae-ron.”
Facing mounting financial pressure, Sae-ron reportedly sold off her car and convertible bonds, raising around 200 million won ($137,197). However, Dispatch reported that she ultimately took her own life on February 16, on the day of Soo-hyun’s birthday, with her aunt claiming she was overwhelmed by the burden of repaying the remaining amount.
Kim Soo-hyun responds
As the controversy gained traction, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, issued a firm statement rejecting the allegations as “baseless and malicious.”
“We will clarify the facts and respond to the baseless rumours based on clear evidence, and we will announce our position next week,” wrote the agency. They insisted they had no intention of collecting repayment from Kim Sae Ron and that the notice was merely a “formality.”
It also condemned the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute for spreading false rumours and warned of legal action against them.
#KimSooHyun agency Gold Medalist Releases Official Statement Regarding Accusations About Kim Soohyun by Garosero Research Institute, #kimsaeron Aunt and her family.
– #kimsaeron committed suicide at the age of 24 on the birthday of #KimSooHyun. pic.twitter.com/H9xq99Wlhm
— Kdramazonein (@kdramazonein) March 10, 2025
However, Garosero Research Institute countered by releasing an alleged text message from Kim Sae-ron to Kim Soo-hyun after she received a legal notice demanding repayment.
Dated March 19, 2024, the message showed Sae-ron pleading for more time to return the money.
“I’m working hard on preparing to make a comeback. I’ll gradually pay back a certain percentage with each project. I’m not saying I won’t pay it back. But if you ask me to pay back 700 million won right away, I really can’t do it. It’s not that I’m refusing to do it; I just can’t. Does it really have to go as far as a lawsuit? Please save me. I’m begging you, give me some time,” she reportedly wrote.
On March 12, Garosero Research Institute escalated the claims by publishing a photo of Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek, alongside a handwritten letter allegedly from him to her.
Kim Soohyun’s letter to Kim Saeron during his enlistment shows more worrying signs of pedophilia as he writes “I sometimes get swept up by young folks and wonder if I should go back to school. Does it mean we’d go to school together?!”https://t.co/uUAeDmrrjx pic.twitter.com/pNytwEk9nl
— pannchoa (@pannchoa) March 12, 2025
The letter, dated June 9, 2018—when Kim Soo-hyun was still serving in the military—would mean he was 30 years old at the time, while Kim Sae-ron was 17. In the note, Kim reportedly referred to Sae-ron as “Saero-Nero” and wrote: “It’s hard to see your face but I don’t want to burden you. All I can say is I miss you.”
Adding to the controversy, South Korean news outlet Dispatch released further materials, including the certified letter from Gold Medalist demanding repayment from Kim Sae-ron. The document stated that failure to repay the loan in full could result in civil and criminal legal action.
Backlash: Brand deals cancelled, projects on hold
As the controversy escalates, Kim Soo-hyun is facing significant backlash, with his social media following and brand endorsements taking a hit.
According to Koreaboo, data from SocialBlade revealed that Kim Soo-hyun lost approximately 600,000 Instagram followers after the allegations surfaced. As of Thursday, his follower count had dropped to 20.6 million.
Meanwhile, over 19 of his brand deals are reportedly at risk, spanning luxury, fashion, cosmetics, finance, and retail sectors. Beauty brand Dinto has reportedly halted promotional activities featuring the actor, while Jeju Airlines has taken down a decade-old video of him. Bakery chain Tous les Jours, and athleisure brand K2 Korea have also quietly pulled advertisements featuring him.
The controversy has also led to growing boycott calls, with netizens in South Korea and beyond urging brands, films, and shows to distance themselves from Kim Soo-hyun. His upcoming K-drama Knock-Off, co-starring Jo Bo-ah, has also been caught in the crossfire, with demands for its cancellation spreading across social media.
Additionally, reports suggest that Kim Soo-hyun will be skipping the next recording of Good Day, the variety show hosted by rapper G-Dragon.
With input from agencies
