Kim Soo-hyun has recently been embroiled in a controversy that has shaken the South Korean entertainment industry. The allegations revolve around his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away in February 2025. The controversy has sparked widespread public debate, legal petitions, and significant backlash against the actor.
The Allegations
The controversy began when claims surfaced that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Reports suggested that their relationship started when Kim Sae-ron was 15 years old, and Kim Soo-hyun was 27. These allegations were further fueled by statements from Kim Sae-ron's family and leaked photos that allegedly showed the two together during her teenage years.
Kim Soo-hyun's Response
Kim Soo-hyun has strongly denied the allegations, stating that his relationship with Kim Sae-ron began in the summer of 2019, after she had reached the legal age of adulthood in South Korea. His agency, Gold Medalist, released an official statement refuting the claims and providing evidence to support his innocence. The agency also announced legal action against those spreading defamatory content.
Public Backlash and Industry Impact
The controversy has led to significant repercussions for Kim Soo-hyun. Several celebrities, including Seol In-ah and Im Si-wan, have unfollowed him on social media, signaling their distance from the situation. Fans and netizens have expressed disappointment, and the actor's reputation has taken a hit.
Legal and Social Implications
The allegations have sparked broader conversations about consent laws in South Korea. A petition titled the "Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act" has gained over 50,000 signatures, calling for stricter laws around statutory rape and raising the age of consent from 16 to 19. The petition demands harsher penalties for sexual offenses, reflecting a nationwide call for legislative reform.
Kim Sae-ron's Tragic Death
Kim Sae-ron's death has added a layer of complexity to the controversy. She was found dead in her Seoul apartment in an apparent suicide, coinciding with Kim Soo-hyun's birthday. Her family has alleged that the actor and his agency pressured her over financial disputes, contributing to her mental distress. These claims have been denied by Kim Soo-hyun and his agency.
Media and Public Reaction
The controversy has been widely covered by media outlets and discussed on social platforms. YouTuber Lee Jin-ho has made claims that contradict the allegations, stating that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were both dating other people during the period in question. This has added to the confusion and divided public opinion.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun is a complex and sensitive issue that has sparked national debate and highlighted the need for clearer consent laws. While the truth remains contested, the situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures and the importance of accountability and transparency in the entertainment industry.
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