On March 27, 2025, a shocking event shook the South Korean entertainment industry when the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron held a special press conference to disclose messages allegedly sent by actor Kim Soo-hyun to Kim Sae-ron in 2016. The contents of these messages immediately sparked intense controversy among the public and media. In the message released by Kim Sae-ron’s family, Kim Soo-hyun is said to have written: “Age doesn’t matter, do it whenever you want, no time frame needed.” This statement has caused outrage and concern in public discourse, as many began questioning the true nature of their relationship, especially considering that Kim Sae-ron was still a minor at the time.
Kim Sae-ron’s family insisted that they decided to reveal these messages not to tarnish anyone’s reputation but to clarify the truth and protect their daughter’s honor from misinformation that had been circulating. According to the family’s representative, Kim Sae-ron endured significant pressure in her final years, partly due to factors related to her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. During the press conference, the family’s spokesperson also mentioned that Kim Soo-hyun had once asked Kim Sae-ron to use the Telegram messaging app instead of KakaoTalk, allegedly to avoid leaving evidence of their conversations. This act raised suspicions that the actor might have been trying to conceal something.
In response to the accusations from Kim Sae-ron’s family, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, swiftly issued an official statement denying all claims. The agency asserted that the relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron was completely innocent and that nothing improper had occurred. They argued that the disclosed message had been taken out of context and misinterpreted. Gold Medalist emphasized that they were considering legal action against those spreading false information that could damage the actor’s reputation. However, the agency’s response was not enough to quell the storm of public opinion. On social media, many expressed skepticism about Kim Soo-hyun’s and his agency’s denials. Some fans believed that Kim Sae-ron’s family had no reason to fabricate such claims, especially while they were grieving her loss.
Additionally, reports emerged stating that Kim Sae-ron had previously received legal notices from Gold Medalist, including demands that she refrain from contacting Kim Soo-hyun or other actors within the agency. Furthermore, Gold Medalist reportedly requested that Kim Sae-ron repay a sum of 700 million won (approximately 480,000 USD). This information raised concerns that the management company may have exerted undue pressure on the actress during a difficult period in her life. Notably, some individuals close to Kim Sae-ron revealed that she had confided in them about feeling isolated and overwhelmed by pressure from various sides. She feared that any action she took could be used against her. These revelations fueled public outrage, especially as Kim Sae-ron’s passing remains a painful memory for many fans.
The controversy quickly escalated, dominating major media outlets across South Korea. Numerous news channels reported on Kim Sae-ron’s family’s press conference while analyzing the potential consequences this scandal could have on Kim Soo-hyun’s career. Some media experts suggested that regardless of the outcome, the actor’s image had already suffered significant damage. Brands that had contracts with Kim Soo-hyun as a spokesperson were reportedly reassessing their agreements, with some choosing to sever ties altogether. This development underscored the severity of the situation, demonstrating how a single leaked message could jeopardize the career of one of South Korea’s top actors.
Beyond the public reaction, legal experts also weighed in on the case. Some lawyers stated that if the disclosed messages were proven to be authentic, an official investigation might be launched to clarify the nature of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s relationship. Meanwhile, others argued that more substantial evidence was required before drawing any conclusions, as a single text message alone could not provide a comprehensive understanding of their interactions. Nevertheless, pressure continued to mount against Kim Soo-hyun, with criticism growing louder by the day.
Despite the escalating controversy, Kim Sae-ron’s family affirmed that they would persist in seeking justice to uncover the truth. They urged the public and media to maintain an objective stance, refrain from spreading misinformation, and respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. The recent press conference was only the beginning, and it is expected that more details will emerge in the coming days, shedding further light on what truly transpired between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.
This incident once again highlights the relentless pressure within the South Korean entertainment industry, where an artist’s reputation can be destroyed overnight by a single scandal. Regardless of the truth, Kim Sae-ron’s passing remains a tragic loss, and the public continues to await clear answers from those involved.
