In a shocking turn of events that has gripped South Korean media and the public, the family of late actress Kim Sae Ron held an emergency press conference today, revealing new allegations against actor Kim Soo Hyun. The legal representative of the family,
attorney Bu Ji-seok from Law Firm Buyou, announced that they have gathered additional evidence which allegedly proves a serious misconduct involving Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress. The press conference, attended by major news outlets, was organized in coordination with YouTuber Kim Se-ui of Hoverlab, who had previously hinted at revealing hidden truths behind Kim Sae Ron’s struggles prior to her death.
During the press conference, the family claimed that Kim Soo Hyun had an ongoing romantic relationship with Kim Sae Ron beginning in November 2015, when she was only 15 years old. They alleged that the relationship continued for nearly six years, ending in July 2021. At the time the relationship reportedly began, Kim Soo Hyun was 28 years old. This contradicts the actor’s official statement in which he firmly denied any involvement with Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor, claiming they only became close after she reached adulthood.
The family presented what they believe to be compelling evidence supporting their claims. Among these were screenshots of KakaoTalk messages allegedly exchanged between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron as early as June 2016. In the messages, Kim Soo Hyun is said to have used affectionate language and expressed a strong emotional attachment, suggesting a deeper personal connection than what had been previously acknowledged publicly. These messages, if authentic, could represent significant legal and reputational consequences for the actor.
In addition to the relationship allegations, the family accused Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, of forcing Kim Sae Ron to pay back 700 million Korean won (approximately 520,000 USD) after her departure from the company. The family stated that this financial demand added significant psychological stress on Kim Sae Ron, who was already struggling with personal and professional challenges. According to their statement, she felt cornered and unsupported by the very agency that had once promoted her.
Kim Soo Hyun has since responded through legal channels, filing defamation lawsuits against both Kim Sae Ron’s family and Hoverlab. His legal team has emphasized that the allegations are “completely baseless” and an invasion of privacy. They claim that the released messages are either fabricated or taken out of context. Additionally, the agency stated that Kim Soo Hyun is considering taking further legal action to protect his name and career, which has already suffered severe damage due to the controversy.
The consequences of the scandal have been swift. Several major brands, including fashion giant Prada and cosmetics brand Dinto, have suspended or canceled their partnerships with Kim Soo Hyun. His public image, once considered one of the cleanest and most admired in the industry, is now under intense scrutiny. The scandal has ignited widespread discussion in South Korea about grooming, celebrity accountability, and the power imbalance within the entertainment industry.
Kim Sae Ron was found deceased in her home on February 16, 2025, in what investigators described as a suspected suicide. Her passing shocked fans and colleagues alike, as she had previously faced public backlash for a drunk driving incident in 2022 but appeared to be attempting a quiet return to the industry. Since her death, her family has maintained that she was suffering from prolonged emotional distress, much of which they attribute to her alleged relationship with Kim Soo Hyun and the aftermath of her exit from Gold Medalist.
As the press conference concluded, attorney Bu Ji-seok stated that the family is not seeking vengeance but only the truth. They emphasized that their purpose was to honor Kim Sae Ron’s memory and to bring light to the circumstances they believe contributed to her mental health decline. The legal and public fallout from these revelations is expected to continue unfolding over the coming weeks, as both sides prepare for what is likely to be a bitter and highly public legal battle. The entertainment industry—and the nation—now watches closely as the case develops.
