Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged past with the late Kim Sae-ron sparks controversy

Kim Soo-hyun strongly denied allegations made by a YouTube channel that he was in a long-term relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.

According to Korean entertainment news outlet Soompi, the YouTube channel HoverLab Inc. (also known as Garo Sero Institute) released a video saying that the former child actress had been romantically involved with the “Queen of Tears” male lead star for six years, starting when she was 15 years old, a minor, while the actor was 27.

The channel claimed to have verified the information through Sae-ron’s parents, supported with a phone interview with a family member.

In response, Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, issued an official statement on March 11, lambasting the claims as “clearly false and baseless.”

HoverLab Inc., however, also said that Soo-hyun and his agency colluded with YouTuber Lee Jin Ho to harass Sae-ron, alleging not just a romantic relationship between the two stars, but also improper handling of the actress’ drunk-driving incident back in 2022.

“These malicious claims directed at our company and actor Kim Soo Hyun are entirely false and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. We are currently reviewing the strongest possible legal actions against HoverLab Inc. for spreading these falsehoods,” the agency wrote.

The agency further stated that they are currently exploring the “strongest possible legal actions” against HoverLab Inc. for spreading misinformation.

Gold Medalist also expressed condolences over the passing of Sae-ron who was previously part of the agency, and condemned the YouTube channel for exploiting the situation for their own gain.

Sae-ron passed away last February at the age of 24, on the same day as Soo-hyun’s birthday.

“Our company is deeply saddened by the passing of the late Kim Sae-ron, who was once part of our agency, and we mourn her loss. However, the dissemination of such false information by HoverLab Inc. mirrors the very behavior of so-called ‘cyber wreckers’ that caused the late actress so much pain during her lifetime.”

The agency vowed to take serious action to protect their company and honor the deceased, stating, “Their actions, driven solely by self-interest, not only damage our company but also tarnish the honor of the deceased, and thus we will respond to this matter with the utmost seriousness.”

Fresh allegations

But fresh claims emerged yesterday, March 12, as reported by The Korea Times, including a text message and a dated never-before-seen “kissing” photo of the two.

In an alleged text message dated March 19, 2024, Sae-ron reportedly wrote to Soo-hyun, regarding a legal dispute over unpaid debts.

The message read: “Oppa, it’s Sae-ron. I received the content-certified letter. You’re suing me… I’ve been preparing for my return to acting, and I plan to repay you gradually from each project. It’s not that I won’t pay, but I just can’t manage 700 million won ($525,000) all at once. Please give me time. I’m begging you, please help me.”

The family claims that despite multiple attempts to reach him, Soo-hyun never responded. Days later, on March 24, 2024, Sae-ron posted — and quickly deleted — a photo of herself with the actor, where their cheeks were touching.

Hoverlab further revealed another image, appearing to be taken in the same manner as their previous photo, that showed Soo-hyun allegedly kissing Sae-ron on the cheek, which, the family claimed, was taken when she was only 15 during her third year of middle school.

A letter dated March 24, 2023, supposedly written by Sae-ron, further revealed details on her alleged relationship with the actor.

In the note, she stated: “Though the media reported that the dating rumors were groundless, I want to make it clear that’s not true. The photo I uploaded was from 2016. Our relationship lasted from Nov. 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021. I was 16, and he was 30.”

She further alleged that discussions took place regarding her signing with Gold Medalist. However, she ultimately joined the company without receiving proper compensation for her contributions, which reportedly included “rookie casting” and “visual directing.” The agency allegedly later sent her a content-certified letter demanding debt repayment, terminating their contract in May 2022.

Sae-ron’s mother also issued a statement through Hoverlab, saying, “Speaking again about a daughter who is no longer with me is painful, but I want to restore her name from the damage caused by false reports. I hope she is remembered as the respected actress she was, not as a tabloid figure.”

As of writing, Soo-hyun and his agency have yet to comment on addressing the latest accusations.