Actor Kim Soo-hyun and late actress Kim Sae-ron / Newsis
By KTimes
The controversy surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron has resurfaced — this time in a far more public and unsettling manner.
Unlike previous online rumors, the latest allegations come directly from Kim Sae-ron’s family, bringing the issue to a new level of seriousness, according to reports from JTBC and other media outlets on Tuesday.
If the claims are truly “baseless and not even worth addressing,” as Kim Soo-hyun’s side insists, then a clearer resolution may now be more necessary than ever.
The situation is complicated: the key figure at the center of the allegations, Kim Sae-ron, is no longer alive, while Kim Soo-hyun could face severe reputational damage.
As the allegations gain traction in the media and public opinion intensifies, the absence of definitive clarification threatens to cause further reputational harm and erosion of trust.
Bereaved family steps forward
The controversy flared up again on Monday, when YouTube channel Hoverlab (better known as Garo Sero Institute) released a video featuring Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, who made a series of serious claims.
She alleged that the actress had been in a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, then 27, for six years, beginning when she was just 15 years old. She also accused his agency, Gold Medalist, of financial misconduct, manipulation during Kim’s agency transition and a lack of support following her DUI scandal in 2022.
Now there is growing demand for a clearer explanation from Kim Soo-hyun. Above all, the most controversial allegation — that she was involved in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun while she was still a minor — has fueled intense scrutiny, prompting old photos and interviews to resurface online.
The family’s decision to speak out gave the allegations an air of credibility that previous rumors lacked. Public interest quickly escalated, not necessarily in response to the YouTube channel itself — which is often criticized for sensationalism — but rather due to the involvement of Kim Sae-ron’s relatives.
Agency strongly denies claims
Gold Medalist issued a firm rebuttal. In a statement, the agency called the accusations “clearly fabricated and wholly unacceptable,” citing specific allegations — including the underage dating claim, mishandling of the DUI scandal and supposed ties between the agency’s manager and another YouTuber — as “malicious falsehoods.”
“We are reviewing the strongest level of legal action against this outrageous spread of misinformation,” the agency said. “These claims are not only defamatory toward our actor but also insult the dignity of the deceased.”
The agency also emphasized that such tactics mirrored the cyber harassment that Kim Sae-ron had suffered during her life.
“This is a textbook example of the cyber scavenging behavior that caused the late Kim Sae-ron so much distress,” the statement said. “Spreading falsehoods for personal gain, while exploiting the name of the deceased, is utterly unacceptable.”
The agency concluded by expressing condolences: “As Kim Sae-ron was once part of our agency, we deeply mourn her passing and ask that groundless rumors not be circulated or reproduced further.”
Still, the controversy continues to snowball. Past photos of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron have resurfaced online, and public forums are rife with speculation.
Some have pointed out that Kim Sae-ron died on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday — an eerie coincidence fueling more questions. Others noted that the actor did not attend her funeral, which has been interpreted in a variety of ways.
Case demands clarity
In response to Gold Medalist’s threat of legal action, Hoverlab fired back with ridicule. The channel accused Kim Soo-hyun of trying to intimidate the bereaved family and even referenced previous lawsuits involving celebrities.
The rhetoric escalated even further with sarcastic jabs about Kim Soo-hyun’s absence at Kim Sae-ron’s funeral: “Even actor Won Bin went. Why didn’t you? Don’t you know how to behave like a decent human being?”
The case highlights an uncomfortable truth about the current media environment: once claims are aired — even without evidence — they can cause irreversible harm. And in this case, where the accused is alive but the alleged victim can no longer speak, the consequences are especially heavy.
Observers point out that this is no longer an issue that can be dismissed as “gossip.” The involvement of the bereaved family has given the controversy weight that cannot be brushed aside. As one netizen wrote, “If it’s truly a lie, then prove it clearly — because this can ruin someone’s life.”
Despite the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun remains one of the most bankable actors in Korea. He is currently filming the Disney+ series “Knock Off” and recently appeared on MBC’s “Good Day,” where he showed a more lighthearted side. He continues to serve as the face of more than 10 commercial brands, signaling strong endorsement value.
Still, unresolved controversies like this could cast a shadow over his career resurgence. Industry insiders say that in the absence of a swift and credible resolution, reputational damage — even if undeserved — could linger.
Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong District on Feb. 16 at 4:54 p.m. She had been scheduled to meet a friend that day, who discovered her body. Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play, and no note was found.
The young actress had withdrawn from the spotlight after her DUI incident in 2022, which led to several canceled projects and her departure from Gold Medalist.
This article is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
