Kim Soo-hyun Faces Renewed Allegations as Kim Sae-ron’s Family Speaks Out
SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) – The storm surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron has erupted once again, this time in a deeply unsettling and highly publicized manner.
Unlike past rumors that circulated online, the latest accusations come directly from Kim Sae-ron’s own family, adding a heartbreaking layer of complexity to the controversy. Reports from JTBC and other media outlets on Tuesday have cast a harsh spotlight on the issue, making it impossible to ignore.
If, as Kim Soo-hyun’s agency insists, these claims are “baseless and not even worth addressing,” then the need for a clear and definitive resolution has never been more urgent. The situation remains painfully complicated—one of the central figures, Kim Sae-ron, is no longer alive to speak her truth, while Kim Soo-hyun now faces the possibility of devastating reputational damage.
With the allegations gaining traction and public opinion growing more intense, the lack of conclusive clarification only deepens the uncertainty, fueling further speculation and mistrust.
A Family’s Painful Accusations
The controversy reignited on Monday when YouTube channel Hoverlab, widely known as Garo Sero Institute, released a shocking video featuring Kim Sae-ron’s aunt. In an emotional and damning statement, she made a series of serious allegations against Kim Soo-hyun.
She claimed that the actress had been in a secret romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, then 27, for six years, beginning when she was only 15. Additionally, she accused his agency, Gold Medalist, of financial misconduct, coercion during Kim Sae-ron’s agency transition, and abandoning her during the fallout of her DUI scandal in 2022.
These explosive allegations have triggered an outcry, with the most troubling claim—an alleged underage relationship—becoming the focal point of public scrutiny. Old photos and interviews of the two have resurfaced online, fueling endless debate and speculation.
The involvement of Kim Sae-ron’s grieving family has given the controversy a painful authenticity that previous rumors lacked. While many remain skeptical of Hoverlab’s often sensationalist reporting, the family’s direct participation has escalated public interest to an unprecedented level.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Strikes Back
Gold Medalist wasted no time in issuing a forceful rebuttal, dismissing the accusations as “clearly fabricated and wholly unacceptable.” The agency specifically refuted claims of an underage relationship, financial mismanagement, and links between the agency’s manager and a controversial YouTuber.
“We are reviewing the strongest level of legal action against this outrageous spread of misinformation,” the agency declared. “These claims are not only defamatory toward our actor but also insult the dignity of the deceased.”
Gold Medalist also drew attention to the tragic irony of the situation, pointing out that Kim Sae-ron had suffered severe cyber harassment during her lifetime.
“This is a textbook example of the same cyber scavenging behavior that caused the late Kim Sae-ron so much distress,” the statement read. “Spreading falsehoods for personal gain while exploiting the name of the deceased is utterly unacceptable.”
The agency ended its statement with a heartfelt plea: “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.”
A Scandal That Won’t Fade
Despite Gold Medalist’s strong response, the controversy continues to spiral. Old photos of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron have gone viral, fueling endless debate across online communities. Speculation has also been fueled by eerie coincidences—most notably, Kim Sae-ron passing away on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday. His absence from her funeral has further fueled questions, with some interpreting it as avoidance and others as an effort to respect privacy.
In a bold counterattack, Hoverlab mocked Gold Medalist’s legal threats, accusing Kim Soo-hyun of trying to silence a grieving family. The channel took direct aim at the actor’s character, sarcastically comparing him to fellow celebrity Won Bin, who attended Kim Sae-ron’s funeral.
“Even Won Bin went. Why didn’t you? Don’t you know how to behave like a decent human being?” the channel taunted.
A Case That Demands Answers
This controversy underscores a painful reality about today’s media landscape—once accusations take hold, even without evidence, they can inflict irreparable harm. And in this case, where the accused is alive but the alleged victim can no longer speak, the weight of uncertainty is overwhelming.
Many believe that dismissing these allegations as “gossip” is no longer an option. The involvement of Kim Sae-ron’s family has given the claims an emotional depth that demands resolution. As one netizen put it: “If it’s truly a lie, then prove it clearly—because this can ruin someone’s life.”
Despite the firestorm, Kim Soo-hyun remains one of South Korea’s most sought-after actors. He is currently filming the Disney+ series Knock Off and recently appeared on MBC’s Good Day, where he displayed his signature charm. He continues to serve as the face of more than 10 major brands, a testament to his enduring commercial power.
Yet, lingering controversies such as this one pose a significant risk to his career resurgence. Industry insiders warn that unless a swift and decisive resolution is reached, even baseless allegations could leave a lasting stain.
A Tragic End for Kim Sae-ron
Kim Sae-ron was found lifeless in her home in Seongdong District on February 16 at 4:54 p.m. She had been scheduled to meet a friend that day, who ultimately discovered her body. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play, and no note was found.
The young actress had spent her final years in isolation, struggling in the wake of her 2022 DUI scandal. The fallout led to multiple canceled projects, a damaged reputation, and her eventual departure from Gold Medalist.
Now, even in death, Kim Sae-ron’s name remains entangled in controversy. And as emotions continue to run high, the world waits for the truth to emerge—whatever that may be.