South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has publicly denied allegations that he was romantically involved with actress Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. During an emotional press conference in Seoul on March 31, the 37-year-old actor addressed the controversy that has gripped the Korean entertainment industry following Kim Sae-ron’s apparent suicide in February 2025.
“I can’t admit to something I didn’t do,” Kim said through tears, according to the BBC. He confirmed that he and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship, but insisted it took place only between 2019 and 2020, when she was legally an adult. He described their relationship as ordinary, adding that their shared profession was the only unique element.
However, the timeline of the relationship has been disputed by recent claims. The controversy intensified after an unnamed YouTube channel published videos and photos suggesting a relationship began in 2016, when Kim Sae-ron was 15. Her family’s attorney later presented chat logs allegedly from 2016, when she was 16.
Kim also explained why he denied the relationship during the airing of his Netflix drama Queen of Tears, after Kim Sae-ron posted — and later deleted — a photo of them together. He said he was trying to protect the production and those involved, saying, “What would have happened if I had admitted to a year-long relationship?”
In addition to addressing the dating rumors, Kim also rejected claims that his agency, GoldMedalist, pressured Kim Sae-ron to repay a debt related to her 2022 drunk-driving incident. He played a recorded phone call to demonstrate the agency had offered her time to respond.
The fallout has been significant. Brands including Prada and Dinto have ended partnerships with Kim, and a Disney+ project has reportedly been paused. His legal team has filed criminal complaints against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel, seeking damages of KRW12 billion (approximately $8.1 million).
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ