26th March 2025 – (Seoul) South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is entangled in a controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The actress’s aunt has alleged that Soo Hyun and Sae Ron were in a relationship for six years, claiming that their romance began when Sae Ron was just 15 years old, while Soo Hyun was 27. The aunt further accused the actor and his agency, GOLD MEDALIST, of financial misconduct and failing to support Sae Ron during her DUI scandal in 2022. Despite the agency releasing detailed statements and evidence to counter these claims, the situation remains unresolved. Additionally, the actor faces accusations of manipulating public opinion through paid promotions.
On Friday, South Korean media outlet KNN News (via Nate Pann) reported a sudden and questionable increase in support for Kim Soo Hyun across social media platforms and fan communities. This unexpected surge has raised concerns and prompted speculation. Numerous social media users have suggested that the actor has financially incentivised individuals to post favourable comments regarding him, including remarks about his emotional and psychological distress amid the ongoing controversy. Furthermore, some positive comments highlight his previous philanthropic efforts.
KNN News noted that many of the supportive comments exhibit striking similarities across different platforms, with identical phrases being used to elicit sympathy for the “Queen of Tears” actor. Additionally, Koreaboo reported screenshots indicating that multiple identical articles were shared across various forums. In response to these developments, a significant number of netizens have expressed their outrage online, criticising Kim Soo Hyun and his agency for attempting to manipulate public perception.
In the wake of escalating allegations regarding his relationship with a minor, Soo Hyun’s agency has issued several statements. One statement explicitly denied that Sae Ron was a minor when they began dating, asserting, “Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron dated after she became an adult. It is completely untrue that they were in a relationship when she was a minor.” The agency further refuted claims linking certain images to 2016, stating, “The clothes Kim Sae Ron wore in that photo were released in June 2019, making it impossible for the Garo Sero Institute to claim it was taken in 2016 when she was still a minor.”