Kim Soo-hyun denies dating allegations involving late actress Kim Sae-ron

In South Korea, a significant controversy erupted involving actor Kim Soo-hyun following the death of actress Kim Sae-ron, who died by suicide in February 2025 at the age of 24. During a press conference held weeks later, Kim Soo-hyun emotionally denied allegations made by Kim Sae-ron's family, claiming that he dated her when she was a minor. He stated that while he did date her for a year, it was when she was an adult and reiterated that he never dated her while she was underage. This public statement aimed to combat the backlash he faced from the media and the public as the allegations severely impacted his reputation and career, given his status in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Soo-hyun’s agency initially denied the allegations but later clarified that the pair had indeed been in a relationship between 2019 and 2020, when Sae-ron was of legal age. The controversy amplified when a YouTube channel published photos and videos of the actors, speculating on a supposed six-year relationship that allegedly started when Kim Sae-ron was just 15. This accusation coincided with previous claims from Sae-ron's family suggesting that Soo-hyun's agency pressured her over a personal loan she owed him before her tragic death. In the wake of the scandal, Kim Soo-hyun's legal team has filed complaints against both Sae-ron's family and the YouTube channel, seeking damages of approximately $8.1 million. His emotional plea for peace and acknowledgment of the pain caused by the allegations shows the depth of the impact on his life and career. This incident has sparked discussions about the pressures faced by public figures in South Korea and the scrutiny their personal lives are subjected to by fans and the media alike, a situation deeply felt in the wake of an actress's demise.