Kim Soo Hyun Denies Allegations, Vows Legal Action

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun, renowned for his roles in hit dramas like My Love from the Star and It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, has publicly addressed the growing controversy surrounding his alleged relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron. In a deeply emotional press conference held on Monday, Kim tearfully denied accusations that he had been romantically involved with Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor.

The allegations, which first surfaced in March through a YouTube channel, claimed that Kim Soo Hyun had engaged in a relationship with the actress during her teenage years. However, the 37-year-old actor staunchly rejected these claims, insisting that their relationship occurred when both were adults. He described their connection as “ordinary,” stating, “We had feelings for each other, and as time passed, we eventually parted ways. After that, we rarely kept in touch.” Kim chose not to take any questions during the press conference, focusing on clearing his name and denying the accusations.

The controversy, which has dominated headlines in South Korea, escalated following Kim’s emotional statement. In response, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Goldmedalist, announced plans to file a lawsuit against multiple parties involved in spreading the allegations, including the YouTube channel responsible for the claims and the family of Kim Sae-ron. The lawsuit accuses the parties of defamation and violating privacy laws, further intensifying the legal battle.

Kim Sae-ron, a former child star known for her breakout role in The Man From Nowhere, tragically passed away in February at the age of 24. Her death came nearly two years after she withdrew from the public eye following a highly publicized drunk-driving incident in 2022, which severely damaged her reputation. The tragic loss of the young actress has been met with grief from her fans, but the circumstances surrounding her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun have become a point of contention.

Despite Kim’s repeated denials of the allegations, the controversy has had significant repercussions for his career. High-profile partnerships with luxury brands such as Prada and cosmetics giant Dinto were swiftly terminated in the wake of the scandal. Known for his massive fanbase in South Korea and across Asia, Kim’s reputation has been severely impacted by the ongoing public backlash. Kim addressed the timing of his initial silence, explaining that he had been concerned about the repercussions on his recently released Netflix series, Queen of Tears. He apologized for not speaking out sooner, acknowledging the criticism he had received for his perceived inaction.

Kim Sae-ron’s career was on an upward trajectory before her personal troubles began. As a child actor, she garnered significant attention for her performances but faced a career setback after the drunk-driving incident in 2022. A Seoul court found her guilty of driving under the influence and fined her approximately $14,000. Despite avoiding jail time, her reputation took a hit, and her professional prospects faltered.

Kim Soo Hyun also addressed claims that text messages purportedly exchanged between him and Kim Sae-ron, which circulated online, were fabricated. He strongly denied any connection to the messages and insisted that they were false, further attempting to distance himself from the scandal.

While the details of Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing are still under investigation, authorities have stated that there are no signs of foul play. Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding her death. For now, the entertainment industry remains divided on the controversy, with Kim Soo Hyun’s supporters defending his integrity, while others continue to question the nature of his relationship with the late actress.

As the legal and public battles continue, the future of Kim Soo Hyun’s career remains uncertain. However, his emotional public address has provided a rare glimpse into the personal toll that such allegations can take on a high-profile figure.