Amidst a maelstrom of media frenzy, South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun found himself at the epicenter of controversy following an emotionally charged press conference addressing the heart-wrenching demise of his former lover, Kim Sae Ron, who tragically passed away on February 16, 2025. Visibly shattered, The actor confronted the gossipy rumors that had shrouded their past romantic entanglements, steadfastly denying any involvement with the actress when she was a minor. However, his poignant display of grief was met with an avalanche of criticism, with netizens branding it as a manufactured “meltdown.”
During the conference, Kim Soo Hyun conceded to having been in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron but vehemently rejected allegations that their affair commenced during her minority. “I did not date Kim Sae Ron when she was underage,” he emphasized, clarifying that their bond blossomed five years prior, long before his smash hit drama, Queen of Tears, captured hearts. Despite his heartfelt tears and fervent appeals for privacy, the online community remained unconvinced.
Kim Soo Hyun's emotional collapse swiftly transformed into a social media sensation, with numerous netizens accusing him of simulating his sorrow. On platforms akin to X (formerly Twitter), users mocked his display, with one scathing remark stating, “Does he think this is Queen of Tears Season 2 or what? Do we appear that gullible to swallow his crocodile tears?” Another post dripped with sarcasm, “An Oscar should go to Kim Soo Hyun for this performance!” These sentiments mirrored a burgeoning disbelief in the actor's sincerity, with many likening his demonstration to an audition for a K-drama part rather than a genuine moment of vulnerability.
Beyond skepticism over his tears, some comments scrutinized Kim's earlier denial of their relationship, despite their shared history, raising doubts about his motives. One user commented, “Kim Soo Hyun crying in public, pleading for leniency while denying accusations as predicted. Not surprising at all.”
Amidst the deluge of backlash, a contingency of Kim Soo Hyun's fans rallied to his defense, expressing empathy for the embattled actor. “I hope you won't regret not supporting him until it's too late, like you did with Kim Sae Ron!” one user lamented, referencing the late actress's prior public treatment. Another advocate shielded the actor, asserting, “People fault him for speaking out, yet fault him for his silence too; it's a no-win situation.”
In his statement, Kim Soo Hyun elucidated that his reluctance to publicly acknowledge their relationship earlier stemmed from the potential repercussions it could have had on the Queen of Tears cast and crew. “As the lead actor, I refrained from confirming our relationship publicly due to its possible impact on the drama's production,” he clarified.
He further dismissed claims that his agency had exerted financial pressure on Kim Sae Ron, affirming, “We were an ordinary couple who eventually parted ways. There were no debts or coercion from my agency involved.”
Despite Kim Soo Hyun's clarifications, public opinion remains polarized. While some credit the actor's explanation, others persist in questioning the authenticity of his emotional outpouring. The ongoing debate concerning his relationship with Kim Sae Ron and his press conference performance underscores the quandaries faced by celebrities when personal affairs metamorphose into public spectacles.
As the controversy rages on, the scrutiny directed at Kim Soo Hyun shows no signs of waning, with netizens continuing to voice their opinions across social media. With the actor's emotional breakdown still etched in the public's collective consciousness, it remains uncertain how this saga will unfold in the days to come.
