Actor Kim Soo Hyun is facing significant public and legal backlash, including a 12 billion won, or approximately $8.7 million USD, civil lawsuit. This comes one year after the death of actress Kim Sae Ron. The controversy stems from claims made by Kim Sae Ron's family regarding an alleged past relationship.
Allegations Fuel Legal Battle
Kim Sae Ron, a prominent South Korean actress, was found dead in her Seoul home on February 16, 2025. She was 24 years old. Police officials ruled her death a suicide.Her passing shocked many fans and colleagues.[en+7]
The dispute that continues to shadow her legacy erupted after her death. Kim Sae Ron's bereaved family, through the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab, claimed she had dated Kim Soo Hyun while she was a minor.The family released photos and letters, filing a complaint accusing Kim Soo Hyun of violating child welfare laws.They also suggested Kim Sae Ron faced severe psychological pressure from a 700 million won (about $490,000) penalty fee demand from her former agency, Gold Medalist, linking it to her death.[koreatimes+4]
Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, initially denied dating rumors with the late actress.However, the agency later confirmed the two had dated, but stated their relationship began in 2019, when Kim Sae Ron was no longer a minor.They also denied pressuring Kim Sae Ron for the DUI compensation debt.[en+3]
Since March 2025, Kim Soo Hyun's legal team has pursued defamation, false accusation, and stalking charges.They also filed a civil lawsuit worth about 12 billion won (approximately $8.7 million USD) against Kim Sae Ron's family for defamation and damages.Kim Soo Hyun's legal representatives have suggested that new materials provided by Kim Sae Ron's family might have been fabricated.His legal team stated that any renewed spread of manipulated evidence would be treated as a serious legal matter.[koreatimes+5]
Career Impact and Public Scrutiny
The ongoing scandal has significantly impacted Kim Soo Hyun's career. Disney+ indefinitely postponed the release of "Knock-Off," a â©60.0 billion KRW (about $41.7 million USD) original series led by Kim Soo Hyun. The decision effectively froze his next major project and placed his career on hold.[koreaboo+1]
The controversy also led to widespread backlash against Kim Soo Hyun. Some public figures called for his removal from television programs. Brands that had endorsed Kim Soo Hyun also began removing advertisements featuring the actor or terminating endorsement contracts.[koreaboo+1]
Unverified claims have also surfaced regarding Kim Sae Ron's 2022 drunk driving incident. Some speculations suggested Kim Soo Hyun might have been present or involved during the incident, with a former employee of Gold Medalist claiming Kim Sae Ron was out drinking with company staff. However, these claims remain unproven allegations.[en+1]
The legal battle continues to unfold, keeping the controversy surrounding both actors in the public eye. The outcome could significantly affect Kim Soo Hyun's future career and public image.[youtube]
