Kim Soo-hyun Faces Backlash Over Alleged Past Relationship with Kim Sae-ron

Actor Kim Soo-hyun Accused of Dating Kim Sae-ron as a Minor

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is embroiled in a scandal following accusations from Kim Sae-ron’s family, who claim the two were romantically involved when she was underage. The allegations surfaced on March 10, 2025, through the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab, which presented handwritten letters and photos as alleged evidence of their relationship starting in 2016—when Kim Sae-ron was 15 years old.

Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, initially denied the relationship but later admitted that they dated between 2019 and 2020, after she had legally become an adult. However, public criticism has intensified, especially over the conflicting statements made by Kim and his management.

Kim Sae-ron’s Family Demands Public Apology

On March 14, 2025, Kim Sae-ron’s family demanded that Kim Soo-hyun apologize for allegedly misleading the public about the nature of their relationship. They also accused Gold Medalist of ignoring Kim Sae-ron’s financial struggles, particularly after her 2022 drunk driving scandal. The family claims that Kim Sae-ron was pressured into paying a 700 million won (USD 482,396) penalty, despite the company stating they covered the cost as part of production delays related to her legal issues.

Adding to the controversy, HoverLab released a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun at Kim Sae-ron’s home, allegedly showing him washing dishes without wearing pants. The agency has since requested that the distribution of private images be stopped and has offered to meet with Kim Sae-ron’s family for a direct discussion.

Public and Industry Reactions

The scandal has divided public opinion. While some fans defend Kim Soo-hyun, calling the accusations unproven and unfair, others have accused him of manipulating the narrative. His agency maintains that legal action may be taken against false claims, but the damage to his public image continues to escalate.

Kim Soo-hyun remains active in the entertainment industry, but it remains unclear how this controversy will impact his career moving forward.